However, Pan Helliones’ demand for a friendly match between two countries couldn’t just be accepted immediately. When Kurt III didn’t say anything, Pan Helliones stepped back to respect the king’s will. Nevertheless, the atmosphere had become heated, and there was nothing left to say. As such, the delegation took their leave. Perhaps that was the delegation’s intention.

As the atmosphere in the room turned dreary, Kurt III muttered in a low voice, “... He’s still as tricky as ever.”

The empire’s 4th Sword, Pan Helliones, looked like a dull giant, but he was an astute politician who knew how to take advantage of his appearance as an ignorant swordsman to strike the opponent. It was entirely plausible that he had simply sprung this proposal for a friendly match early, instead of leaving it as a card for future negotiations. If it was accepted, they would evaluate Theo directly. If it was rejected, they could leave this place as victims in the public eye. In other words, either answer wouldn't be a loss for the Andras Empire.

Blundell’s blue robes shimmered as he nodded. “He’s a bothersome opponent. He’s probably expecting us to refuse the proposal. That way, he can stall for some time during the negotiations.”

Kurt III agreed, “Meanwhile, the rest will go through the capital and gather information. They probably want as much time as they can get.”

“Yes, I think so as well.”

Kurt III and Blundell frowned as they pondered. The White Tower’s intelligence network was watching the delegation, but the opponents were an elite group accompanied by two sword masters. The empire’s Seven Swords could block off the intelligence network if they wanted to. It might be different if the White Tower Master was in the capital, but he had left for a remote region after the last meeting about the convoy.

It is better to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Meltor’s security wasn’t that poor, and there was only a small chance of anything major being leaked. However, even that small possibility might snowball into something bigger. Right now, their centuries-long enemy was growling at their border.

Kurt III turned to look at one of the few people who had been ordered to remain in the hall after the delegation left. “Tell me honestly. You do not need to accept this offer. I know it is a high demand, and there will be no penalty if you refuse.”

Theo replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“But if you can defeat them thoroughly, we will have a considerable advantage in the negotiations.” The king of Meltor asked, “That Rebecca, can you beat her?”

Theodore replied without any hesitation, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Kurt III’s eyes narrowed. “Even if you don’t use the power of the national treasure?”

Theo nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

Kurt III wanted to believe Theo’s confidence. However, he knew he didn’t have the ability to accurately evaluate Theo. He would only make the decision after deliberating with the two greatest masters in Meltor. “Veronica, Blundell. What do you think?"

Veronica spoke like she had been waiting. “If they fight ten times, he will win nine times, and the other will be a tie. At the very least, I don’t think there is a chance of the kid getting hurt.”

Kurt III’s eyebrows rose. “Hoh, is that so?”

Veronica replied firmly, “I will bet my name, Your Majesty.”

Kurt III was surprised by the answer. The opponent was the disciple of Pan Helliones. Rebecca’s youth and beauty weren’t reasons to devalue her strength. As the most likely candidate for the next generation of sword masters, her skills should be close to the peak. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have joined this delegation.

Still, the odds were nine victories with one draw? In effect, that meant victory.

“Hmm, this old man has the same opinion. It might not be a one-sided match, but he won’t be lacking in quality. As long as the conditions are good, it would be impossible to lose.”

“Then there is no reason for us to cower.” A hearty smile spread across Kurt III’s face.

He had been hesitant to accept the delegation’s suggestion because he had nothing to gain and a lot to lose if the result was uncertain. However, if the chance of victory was 100%, then it wasn’t a gamble.

“Minister of State.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Get the treaty from the last armistice discussion, and give me a report on land that was disputed near the border. Moreover, draft up a list of conditions that we can renegotiate!”

“As the Minister of State, I will accept Your Majesty’s command!”

The Minister of State was exhilarated, since this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to cut the Andras Empire to the bone. It would cut into his vacation time, but he was boiling with motivation. His associates also nodded eagerly at the king’s command.

Kurt III looked at Theo’s face again. After receiving the assurance of the two tower masters, the king’s purple eyes were filled with wonder as well as an unknown emotion.

“... It’s been a strange two years. It seems we have once again entrusted you with a great deal of responsibility after the Elder Lich’s defeat and the rescue of the high elf.”

Theo bowed. “Your Majesty.”

“There is no need to be humble. Your merits are already at a level where they can’t be hidden.” Kurt III rose from the throne with a gleam in his eye.

He had grown into his mantle as king as he faced the Andras Empire. They had cost him many soldiers, and their existence had threatened Meltor since their first emperor. This was a chance to beat them without bloodshed, so there was no reason to hesitate.

He gazed into the distance and spoke in a heavy tone, “They always came with force. They invaded our borders to steal what scarce wheat we have, plunder our homes, and destroy our livelihoods. We wrote that armistice with the blood of our people, and sacrificed our limbs to draw our borders."

The king’s voice contained sincere and profound emotions. The atmosphere of the room naturally became solemn. Magic power unconsciously stirred as the magicians in the room recalled the bloody war they had fought in. Kneeling before the king, Theo felt his fighting spirit rise.

Everyone in Meltor had lost someone in the wars against the empire.

“Theodore Miller.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The solemn voice of the king grew stronger. “In the name of Meltor, fight, and win! Teach those fiends the history of this country! Let them know what a large and mighty enemy they have created! And I will give you a reward for the victory!”

Theo replied in a voice that rang with resolve, “I, Theodore Miller, will do as Your Majesty commands!”

***

The news that the hero, Theodore, and a disciple of a Seven Sword would duel spread like wildfire. The delegation’s arrival had already caused a stir, and news about the duel only added oil to the raging fire. Despite the attendance being extremely limited, the seats were completely filled.

Theo glanced around the arena.

… Wow, I know almost everyone here.

He had stayed at the Magic Society for half a year, so he had met many people. His relationship with Veronica and Sylvia had introduced him to almost all the famous people in the capital. They had seemingly all gathered for the duel. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the top 2% of Meltor’s national strength were seated in the arena right now.

There were even members of the royal family who rarely came out in public attending the duel. There was certainly a great deal of interest in the duel, which only increased the pressure on Theo. However, he was still cautiously confident in himself.

Blundell climbed onto the stage, since he would be acting as the referee. The stage was quite wide, since it was a duel between a magician and a knight. The duelists retreated to either end of the stage as Blundell cleared his throat.

“Meltor’s side, Theodore Miller.”

“Yes.”

“Andras’ side, Rebecca.”

“Yes.”

Blundell brought his staff down casually onto the stage, but the strength of the hulking magician cracked the stage’s floor and caused the audience to wince at the sudden volume.

Blundell spoke when there was silence, “The duel will start with this sound. Prior to that, make an oath as representatives of both countries. The winner will tolerate the loser, and the loser shouldn’t forget to honor the winner. If I think the fight is over, I will stop you from attacking any further.”

Theodore and Rebecca nodded. Theo didn’t know his opponent’s intentions, but he didn’t dare object in a situation where Blundell Adruncus was enforcing his words. As Theodore’s and Rebecca’s eyes met, Blundell raised his staff up high.

Kakang!

Two streams of light emerged from Rebecca’s sheath before the sound even reached the audience’s ears. Her double scimitars glittered as she sprang forward like a thunderbolt. If it was any other opponent, they wouldn’t have even realized Rebecca had unsheathed her scimitars.

Fortunately, Theodore didn’t belong to that group. But his sense of discomfort only increased when Rebecca had dropped into a stance and drew her scimitars. He also remembered what usually followed that stance.

“Hup.” Rebecca appeared in front of Theo.

There was no room to panic or react. Her twin scimitars flashed like a mirage as they crossed in front of her to slash up, down, left and right. Six consecutive strikes from the left hand and six from the right hand created a dozen attacks in the span of less than a second.

It was a sword technique which wouldn’t leave even one bit of flesh unsliced.

Chwaaaaak!

The arena’s floor cracked like a spider web. Materialized aura could even damage the defenses of senior magicians. Rebecca’s strength had already reached the limit of her level, so her strikes could shatter 5th Circle defense magic.

The audience was taken aback by the speed and ferocity of Andras’ knight.

“Ohh!”

“How did those attacks...?!”

“The rumors are true!”

But Lloyd, one of the Seven Swords, lost his dull expression as he exclaimed, “... Excellent!”

His words weren’t directed at Rebecca, the disciple of Andras’ Pan Helliones, but the young man who had fluidly dodged all twelve strikes. It was a level of bodily control that magicians didn’t normally have.

Theodore, the youth who broke Rebecca’s twelve strikes, stared at his opponent with a neutral expression. His discomfort had vanished, since he was now completely sure.

This was the mercenary captain Randolph’s sword technique. They were either relatives or had studied at the same school.

Whatever the case, I’ll think about it once I defeat her. 

Theo shoved the distraction away, and his magic started to seethe as he began his own preparations.