Chapter 160 EPISODE 160 BANQUET OF SWORDS (3)

Terms used in this chapter:

One who has tied the knot must untie it

A saying that means whoever created the problem must be the one to solve it. An English equivalent would be Youve made your bed, now lie in it.

Throwing technique

A Judo technique to unbalance ones opponent and throw them to the floor.

One full point

Also known as ippon, it is a score given in judo when one executes a skillful throwing technique which results in one contestant being thrown largely on the back with considerable force or speed. An ippon in judo is equivalent to a knockout punch in boxing.

Lucian Dior.

Born as the eldest son of Count Dior, he enjoyed all sorts of luxury and was the kind of man Jude had expected.

He was a man with a bad personality, but was quite clever and had a natural talent for swords.

But unlike those kind of bastards who whiled away their time in alcohol and women, he walked the path of the sword quite seriously.

He devoted himself to training from early in the morning every day, and never stayed up all night even after drinking and playing games with his clique.

His fiance, Lorraine, highly praised Lucians diligence which she found to be surprising, but there was actually one more reason why he was diligent.

Fear.

If Lucian had to choose two things that left a deep impression in his life of more than 20 years, one was meeting his fiance, Lorraine, and the other was his first meeting of a person higher and stronger than his father when he was five years old.

Duke Wotan.

Lucian was walking inside the mansion like always and happened to witness a conversation between his father and Duke Wotan, which greatly shocked him.

Duke Wotan wasnt doing anything strange.

What completely surprised Lucian was his father, Count Dior.

Father?

For the child Lucian, Count Dior was like a god.

He held absolute power within the family, and always wielded that power to its utmost.

Lucian had noticed that the maids, butlers, and even his mother always trembled in fear when they stood in front of such a father.

Lucian liked such a father.

He thought that someday, he would become like his father.

Count Dior.

His god-like father.

But not that day.

His father whose back was always straightened up, had bent it over like that of an old butler.

He bowed his head repeatedly in subservience, smiled like a secretary, and tried to please Duke Wotan.

And Lucian realized it that day.

The fact that his father was not a god, and that his son, Lucian himself, was also not a god.

The fact that there were stronger and greater people in the world.

That was why unlike other bastards, Lucian looked at his opponents differently and cleverly used his head.

He knew it.

He knew so well that neither he nor his father were gods that could do whatever they wanted.

After witnessing that shocking sight, Lucian began to make an effort in his training.

Because he was very scared.

He had to be strong.

He must continue to stand in the position of the strong one.

In order to not be left behind by greater beings than him such as Duke Wotan, he must become someone skilled.

He must have the ability to reign over things that were equal or inferior to himself.

Lucians original personality didnt change.

He still liked to bully the weak and used that to boost his ego. He constantly wanted to confirm that he was still strong.

The ten great swordmasters children.

They werent just children of great swordmasters, but also children of those who occupied a place in the 12 northern families.

Lucian instinctively felt a sense of crisis.

So he thought like he usually did.

He had to beat them. He must hold the dominant position.

And

And.

How nice would it feel?

If he beat those people.

If he could instill to those people, who have lived thinking that they were strong, of the fact that they were actually weak.

But when he first saw Lucas, he couldnt make any hasty moves.

Because Lucas Hrsvelgr wasnt someone he could easily offend.

Margrave.

He was the first child of Count Hrsvelgr who led the Jackdaws.

Even if Count Dior was favored by Duke Wotan, the Hrsvelgr family wasnt a family he could thoughtlessly offend.

If that was the case, he had to win with his own abilities in the end, but that wasnt easy either.

Lucas Hrsvelgr.

A sword genius whose name was known even in the royal capital.

Lucas was still four years younger than him, but he didnt think he would lose. But he didnt think he could easily win either.

But new faces then appeared at the tea party.

Jude Bayer and Cordelia Chase.

There were rumors about them in the royal capital like Lucas, but the content of the rumors were completely different.

One was a sword genius.

The other was about two young people who were crazily in love and eloped.

But it wasnt only that. Unlike Cordelia who was quite healthy, Jude had suffered from an illness that he couldnt go out much until half a year ago.

Easy.

He could beat Jude as much as he wanted to. So he immediately picked a fight with the other.

Even if Lucas had drawn his sword, Lucian was determined to goad Jude into a match through provocation.

I want to see it.

To see that handsome face be wrecked into a mess.

When it came to their looks, Cordelia Chase was comparable to Lorraine no, she was even better looking than his fiance, and he wanted to see such Cordelia cry as she realize that her beloved was actually a weak idiot.

As he felt thrilled by his sadistic thoughts, Lucian provoked them even harder, and Lucas drew his sword as he expected.

But it went wrong after that.

Cocky bastard.

Jude Bayer.

It was obvious that Jude didnt know much about the world yet.

It was obvious that Jude was like him in his childhood, not knowing that there was a heaven above the sky.

Then he had to teach Jude.

How lowly his existence was.

The purpose of the Banquet of Swords was to broaden ones horizons, so he would teach Jude once as his senior.

As he charged towards Jude, the word defeat did not exist in Lucians mind.

He only dreamed of winning and scorning the weak like always.

And

Huh?

At the moment he first swung his sword, Lucian unwittingly let out a word in surprise.

Because when he tried to immediately strike Jude with his sword, Jude evaded it, so nothing happened.

Oops, I forgot one thing.

Lucians eyes turned sharp when Jude retreated more than ten steps in an instant and slyly smiled before speaking.

Because it was the first time he had seen that considerable level of footwork technique.

Lord Lucian, lets make a promise.

Promise? What promise?

If Lord Lucian loses, he would kneel and apologize to Cordelia. Together with Lady Lorraine. With sincerity.

What?

To begin with, this match started because Lord Lucian arrogantly mocked and shamed Cordelia. As the saying goes, one who has tied the knot must untie it, so shouldnt Lord Lucian be the one to put an end to it?

Crazy b*stard.

Lucian cursed, and the prospects from the royal capital laughed out loud while the prospects from the south found the current situation to be interesting.

But the prospects from the north thought.

No, werent we insulted too?

Werent we the first ones to be shamed?

But that didnt matter to Jude.

What mattered to Jude was Cordelia.

Would you like to make a promise?

What if you lose then?

I will prostrate myself in front of Lord Lucian and Lady Lorraine. Ill apologize for acting arrogant.

No, you alone is not enough. Your fiance should be with you.

Crazy son of a b*tch, I thought Id cut you some slack, but you must be desperate to die, huh?

W-what?

Anyway, lets make a promise, okay?

When Jude let out curses and then asked him with a smug smile, Lucian was taken aback before he laughed.

One could only laugh if they found something to be so ridiculous, and that was exactly what happened to him.

Crazy son of a b*tch, Ill beat you to a pulp.

If you can.

At that moment, Lucian made up his mind.

He had thought of teaching Jude a lesson moderately, but that wasnt enough now.

He should at least put a cut on Judes face.

You brought it upon yourself.

Yes, you brought it upon yourself.

Jude grinned again, and Lucian kicked the ground. And this time, Jude did not avoid it.

And right after that.

When Lucians lightning-fast sword lunged at Jude.

Huh?

Lucian let out a surprised voice again. But this time, it was different from before.

Lucian found himself flying in the air.

To be exact, he found his head falling downwards to the ground.

Throwing technique.

At the moment Lucian lunged at him, Jude narrowed the distance at once with Twenty-Four Gale Steps. He grabbed Lucians right hand that held the sword that thrust at him, and immediately did the throwing technique. He used his strength to flip Lucian over his head.

And right after that again.

When Lucian realized that the positions of the sky and ground had reversed.

Lucian didnt fall to the ground headfirst.

Just before his head touched the ground, the sky and ground changed positions again. Something supported the back of his neck, so he only fell to the floor on his back.

Ah.

And he realized it.

What touched the back of his neck was the top of Judes foot.

Jude had brought his foot to the back of Lucians neck after the throwing technique to prevent Lucians head from falling headfirst to the ground.

One full point.

Jude smiled and said, prompting the voices of those who were watching at that moment.

Confusion, awe, and fear.

What- what happened?

Did he throw Lucian behind his head?

No, he supported Lucian with his foot at the end, I think? So that Lucian wouldnt fall headfirst? Is that even possible?

They honestly didnt see it properly.

Jude had moved closer to Lucian as he grabbed Lucians arm, and moved his foot after he turned over Lucian in an instant.

As expected of Mr. Jude.

Lucas was the only one here who saw all of Judes movements, and he was impressed and amazed.

Because Judes physical abilities were truly superhuman.

Its not just that.

Lucians swordplay was real. His thrust was not something that Lucas himself could take lightly.

But Jude not only correctly read the attack but also used it.

It sends chills up my spine.

It wasnt just because he admired Judes superhuman abilities. There was another reason.

Stand up, lets keep going.

Jude told Lucian, who was lying on the floor with a stunned expression.

Then Lucian started sweating buckets and quickly stood up, widening his distance from Jude as if he was running away.

And he realized it.

The reason why he was sweating buckets.

The reason why he was scared.

He could have kicked me with his feet.

Jude could have just kicked him instead of supporting the back of Lucians head with his foot.

And if he had did thatif that really happened

No, it was a vicious idea to try to kick your opponents head as it would kill them in the first place.

Duke Wotan.

Jude was Duke Wotan.

Lucian himself was a strong man, but he was helpless against Jude.

Lucian had realized that, so he couldnt move.

Lord Lucian?

Lucian?

Each of the prospects from the royal capital called out to him from behind his back.

Lorraines voice was included among them, but Lucian couldnt respond to them.

He found it impossible to look away from Jude for a moment.

He was afraid.

Lucian himself was like a frog in front of a snake.

Jude slightly narrowed his eyes at Lucians reaction. And he decided to be a little generous to Lucian.

Because hes my benefactor too.

Jude touched his cheek once before speaking in a lowered voice to Lucian who had turned pale.

Lord Lucian, dont let me draw my sword.

In truth, Jude would immediately become weaker if he drew his sword, but Cordelia was the only one who knew that.

Judes warning was very effective.

He was already very strong with his bare hands, so what would happen if he even drew his sword?

The prospects who were watching swallowed hard, and Lucian bowed his head.

I lost. I-Its my loss.

When Lucian declared his defeat in low spirits, Jude turned to Lorraine instead of answering him.

He smiled as he looked at her flinching.

Fulfill your promise.

Apologize and regret mocking Cordelia with your cocky mouths.

Judes gaze was firm, and Lorraine was unable to endure it. She couldnt even bite her lips properly as she walked towards Lucian.

Because they had to kneel in front of Cordelia together.

It was an unexpected humiliation, but a promise was a promise.

How surprising, so they still know how to be courteous?

Or do they want to save their faces that much?

Either way, Jude was satisfied.

Because the Banquet of Swords has just begun.

Did you think this alone would forgive you for your sin of insulting Cordelia?

In addition, you spoke ill of Lucas.

Did you think Ill only stop at an apology?

Jude brightly smiled and now turned to look at Cordelia whom he had deliberately avoided looking at earlier.

Since he was very curious on what kind of expression she would make.

Theyre trembling a bit.

But he didnt think much about it.

Jude cleared his throat as he faced Cordelia before he unconsciously laughed.

Because Cordelia was just standing there blankly as her eyes blinked.

Shes lost in her thoughts.

It was the expression Cordelia always made when she began to think deeply, or to be exact, when she fell into her senseless delusions alone.

What are you thinking?

He was curious and wanted to know what she was thinking, but he was also a bit scared to know about it.

Unaware of Judes thoughts and emotions, Cordelia was still struggling in her delusions.

What? What, what, what was that?

Cordelia, you yourself ki-ki-kissed him on the cheek, so it shouldnt be a big deal.

The two over there had kissed, so we had to match them.

In other countries, kissing on the cheek was a way to greet close friends.

Thats right, thats right. Jude and I are close.

Hes also my fianc, right? So this is acceptable. Its nothing to worry about.

When I said

do your best

that was just to cheer for him, right?

Yes, yes, to cheer for him.

Its natural to tell him to do his best since I was rooting for him.

She actually didnt even think that Jude would lose, but she also knew of Jude and his opponents gap, so she honestly wondered if he really needed her cheering.

But she still had to cheer for him.

Because I dont want to see Jude losing.

I want him to win.

Unnie keep showing me strange things, so my heart sometimes pound when I see Jude.

N-no, not this. Anyway!

I just kissed him on the cheek generously and told him to do his best.

Her face didnt turn red, and she was indifferent and cool about it, like those cool beauties she saw in movies.

But.

But.

What? What, what, what was that?

Jude pressed his lips on her forehead.

It was only for a short moment, but she definitely felt it.

She felt like her forehead was on fire at that moment.

What was that? Does he really like me? Does he like me?

But he did it on my forehead? What does it mean?

N-no. In the first place, I also kissed him on the cheek because of everyones gazes on me, right? It could be the same for Jude. No, its highly likely that its the reason he did that.

Thats right, so relax.

Lets relax, Cordelia.

You shouldnt misunderstand and think otherwise for no reason.

So stop.

You dont want to lose to Jude again, right?

The person who falls in love first loses!

What am I thinking now?

This is so confusing me that I dont know what Im thinking about.

Isnt it Judes job to think in the first place!

Anyway, Cordelia was struggling and lost in her thoughts, so it took her longer than expected to notice the scene happening in front of her eyes.

Excuse me, Lady Cordelia?

Lady Cordelia!

Eh?!

Cordelia unknowingly uttered a strange sound and faltered as she stepped back, and it was only then that she saw Lucian and Lorraine kneeling in front of her.

What, why are they doing this? What in the world did Jude do?

Cordelia hurriedly looked for Jude as she turned her head, and she was able to find Jude who was doing his best to suppress his laughter.

I knew it, this crazy b*stard!

Look, look at him laughing.

After he left these people feeling troubled!

And hes trying to make me feel troubled this time too!

Excuse me Lady Cordelia?

Eh? Uh, yes.

Cordelia quickly responded to Lucas call, and turned to Lucian and Lorraine again.

Something must have happened to make Lucians expression turn really pale.

It seemed to her that Jude had threatened him.

Whatever.

Because they were vicious.

Cordelia clicked her tongue before she smiled again at Lucian and Lorraine, who apologized to her for their rudeness.

Okay. I accept your apologies. You can stand up now.

It was the difference between Jude and Cordelia.

Eventually, Lucian and Lorraine stood up from their kneeling position at the kind words of Cordelia, who felt like a real angel, and everyone who watched them, including the prospects from the royal road, had warm expressions.

Whew.

Cordelia exhaled a little and looked again towards Jude.

She was able to stop her delusions because of that disturbance, but her strange feelings still remained, so she unconsciously made a shy expression.

But Jude did not face such Cordelia.

He definitely wanted to see Cordelias reactions, but at the present moment, he had to look elsewhere.

Hes coming.

It wasnt just because of Cordelia that Jude did not beat Lucian halfway.

There was another reason why he showed his ability for a short moment instead of taking Lucian lightly.

That person had been watching them since the commotion had begun.

And that person had begun to approach them only after the commotion was over.

The Sword Saint of Light.

The man who was called the First Sword because he was the strongest at the Sword School.

Rhun Froud, a member of the ten great swordmasters.

With his long dark blue hair, he came towards them from the side.

He stared at Jude with an interested look, and Jude smiled at him.

Lets begin.

To change the story.

For a perfect happy ending.

Jude looked at Cordelia, and she turned to Rhun Froud after snorting at Jude.

Together with Jude, they greeted the Sword Saint of Light.