Reunion and Duel
“Have we heard anything from the rebels yet?”
As the horses line up, a tall man who has been assigned as Abel’s guard, raises a sharp voice. The man’s na is Bernardo Vigil, who have a thick mustache and sharp eyes like a hawk. He is the head of Remno Kingdom’s Imdiate Response Army Unit.
He is also known as Adamantine Spear, because of his prowess in battle and because of his choice of weapon. Unlike a normal spear made of wood with a tal tip, his spear was fashioned from a single steel rod. It was too heavy for a normal human to even carry, let alone wield. But the Adamantine Spear uses it with ease. And hence, the nickna.
Unlike the Diamond Legion who was yet to prove their ttle in battle, the Adamantine spear was a veteran knight who has destroyed nurous bandits, won all battles with neighboring countries, and raised his martial arts each ti.
Now I understand how this is supposed to work. The actual commanding will be done by Bernardo, and I’m just here as a decoration and claim credit for this campaign.
Abel ca to this conclusion after observing the dynamics of what was happening.
“Prince, how do you want to proceed? I think we have given them more than enough ti. Fortunately, Senia has low walls and the barricades built by the rebel are weak. It won’t be difficult to break through.”
Contrary to Abel’s prediction, Bernardo properly asks Abel in every important decision. Despite the prevailing tendency to make light of the weak-willed Prince, the veteran commander always lent a willing ear to Abel’s thoughts. It was a perfect display of his respect to him and to the chain of command. But this also ans that every decision weighed heavily on Abel because the decision to supress his own people would be by his own judgent and command.
“A prince’s duty, huh?”
Abel quietly muttered. He then straightened his back and looked forward…
“It will be problematic if we let it be. To boost the morale of the soldiers, we should strike…”
“Report! There is a new report from the town.”
A scout rushed into the commanding camp. The tension built up.
“What? Did they send a ssenger?”
Bernardo’s sharp question was answered by the young soldier with a confused look.
“No, I an… that’s… two children are coming… and they want a eting with His Highness Prince Abel.”
“It’s stupid. The rebels wanting to see Prince Abel in person? And they are just kids? Who do they think they are?”
“Well, that’s… they’re not ordinary children. They claim to be His Highness’ schoolmates…”
“His schoolmates…? What on earth …”
“Excuse us.”
A boy appeared, pushing away the ssenger’s explanation.
The dignified behavior and the overwhelming atmosphere of a king opened the way through the soldiers as if they were under pressure.
“Sion Sol Sunkland, why are you here? No, wait… does that an… that’s no way…”
Abel widened his eyes in astonishnt. He saw her right behind Sion…
“Princess Mia …”
“It’s been a long ti, Prince Abel. I missed you.”
Platinum-colored hair that shines like moonlight in the sunlight, beautiful eyes with deep intellectual brilliance, and shiny skin. That day, she was wearing the sa beautiful sparkle as that party night dance. It was Mia Luna Tearmoon who appeared in front of Abel Remno.
“So do I. I missed you terribly. But how I wish I was the aim for your visit.”
“Oh? Are you saying there was another reason for visiting you?”
Mia tilts her head quizzically. But Abel knew her well that this was just an act. Of course, it may be that she ca to see him. But it was just happenstance. She surely ca to the end of this stupid battle. It didn’t seem for Abel that Princess Mia, the Wisdom of the Empire, would co all the way here just to see him.
Maybe Princess Mia won’t take my side… Still, I …
Just for a split mont, Abel’s determination wavered.
“Prince Sion, how about you? I assu you did not co here just to see like Princess Mia?”
“Oh, that’s right. At first, I was only going to escort Princess Mia… but at this point, I can’t standby doing nothing.”
Sion lightly touches the handle of the sword on his waist.
“It was a little earlier than I expected. But it is ti to fulfil the promise of rematch from the sumr.”
Abel was caught off-guard by the sudden declaration. But he quickly collected himself…
“That ans… you’re challenging to a duel?”
“If you return to the royal capital without pulling out your sword, then we can wait until the winter swordsmanship tournant.”
Abel tried to answer Sion. But Bernardo stepped forward.
“You don’t have to listen to him, Your Highness. To challenge the prince and commander of an army to a single combat is absolutely stupi-…”
“Stand down, Bernardo. The crown prince of Sunkland has placed his life on the line for the justice he believes in. If I decline the challenge, it will affect the morale of the soldiers.”
Abel dismisses Bernardo’s advice. Then, he glanced at Mia and smiled slightly.
And because I can’t just back down in front of her.
Exhaling a little, Abel declared.
“So be it, Prince Sion. Let us duel.”
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