Chapter 1143: Chapter 285: Discovered?
Brand lifted his head and offered the most charming smile to everyone present—so impeccable that even the most critical etiquette officer couldn’t find fault with this ’noble-like smile’, making it almost a paragon for all Erune nobles in terms of insincerity. This was his only response to De Jia’er, as he wasn’t afraid of De Jia’er or Anlek causing trouble here at all. He had defeated them in a legitimate duel, witnessed by at least three reputable individuals, including Marquis Youxi. He could be praised for his mercy for not killing De Jia’er then.
Those who managed to attend this venue were not of dull wit; everyone quickly realized, "It’s him! He sliced off De Jia’er’s hand with one sword!" The hall suddenly buzzed with commotion.
"So young! How could this be possible?"
"Martha above, I heard in my younger years that the Highlander’s Eagles had the power of Elemental Manifestation, could this young man have defeated De Jia’er...?"
"Impossible, he isn’t even twenty years old..." The guests whispered amongst themselves, like a whirlwind sweeping across the ground, spreading swiftly through the crowd. The surprise rippled out, even someone as noble as Princess Griffine couldn’t help but cast a startled glance towards Brand. Duke Anliek raised his eyebrows, not hiding the gloom in his expression, while Duke Sifah displayed a fox-like amused smile.
De Jia’er’s face seemed as dark as a lead plate; he was merely stunned by the sight of his long-sought enemy appearing here, momentarily speechless, forgetting the setting he was in. As the one defeated in the duel, retaliating in private would only add to the ridicule within noble circles, and Duke Anliek absolutely wouldn’t permit such disgrace.
"Indeed, I also heard that the Wood Main Priest personally baptized him!" As the Highlander’s Eagle squeezed the sword hilt making it creak, someone in the crowd dropped a heavy bombshell. This revelation was even more shocking than the first, causing the hall to suddenly fall silent.
The speaker was a gentry member, who was astonished that his words had quieted the hall. How many years had it been since Ambeser’s Great Priest personally presided over a baptism? What an honor! The previous baptized individual was long deceased, yet the hall still contained the offspring—Count of Grey Mountain’s eldest son stepped forward uncontrollably. The last exception made by the Great Priest was the Flame Temple’s compromise to the King, but what was the cause this time?
"Baptism, could he be a Templar?" After a long pause, someone shouted in disbelief.
Brand was slightly stunned, never dreaming that these meddling guests would speculate in this direction. The Holy Temple has two honorary titles, Templar is awarded only to those who have contributed significantly to the Holy Temple and possess the Realm of Elements power. But Brand is a Holy Temple Knight, differing by just one word from Templar, yet the gap in power is like heaven and earth.
"It must be true, without Templar strength, how could he have defeated De Jia’er!"
"Exactly so."
The outrageous speculation was instantly accepted by almost everyone, making the development as wild and uncontrollable as a runaway horse. Even the Countess looked at him in surprise, eyes showing a hint of incredulity, "You, you’re the mysterious swordsman who defeated De Jia’er in one move?"
Wait, how did defeating De Jia’er in one move come about? Where did such an absurd rumor originate? Clearly, Brand underestimated the power of rumors; the gossip on the day of its spread had already transformed into him pinning De Jia’er to Ande Fulei’s wall with one sword and incidentally smashing a hole into this historical monument. People love bizarre stories, but he hadn’t expected to become the protagonist of one.
He quickly signaled Delphire with a look to prevent this lady from ruining the act. Now all eyes were on the two of them, those present were all sharp-minded, especially the few Holy Temple priests, if there was a trace of oddity, the opposite party might discern it immediately.
"What do we do now?" But Delphire was also caught off guard by Brand’s identity, couldn’t help but quietly ask.
"Of course, we proceed like this, don’t worry about it, just regard me as your house servant and staff." Brand grinned.
"I can’t afford such a formidable house servant." The Countess glared at him with pretend annoyance.
