CH 41

“Is that really true?”

“What reason would I have to lie, Sir Jevin?”

“Hmm!”

Jevin’s frown deepened at the words of Galfredik. If it weren’t for the large cross-shaped scar on the bulky knight’s cheek, one would certainly find it difficult to identify him as the same knight as before. Galfredik’s demeanor had undergone a significant change for some reason.

“Sir Lugates… Showed you the wrong way?”

“Yes. The area where further explorations were stopped because of the cyclops. He told me that it was a confirmed, explored area. He told me to check it out just in case.”

“And you went into the passage and encountered the cyclops which resulted in the annihilation of your entire group? And you managed to escape and survive by remaining in hiding the entire time?”

“Yes. Truthfully, I…”

In truth, he had been captured by the minotaur to be stored away as food, but Galfredik lied without hesitation, following the advice of Eugene and Romari.

“Hmm. That’s right. Hmm! I see. That makes sense.”

Galfredik had entered the Mount Morisson Labyrinth for the first time. In addition, Jevin was not a knight, so he did not know the specific details of how subjugations were carried out. As such, he took Galfredik’s vivid, realistic testimony at face value.

“In the end, if it were not for the templars of St. Lagren’s monastery, I would have been killed by the cyclops. The monster was chasing after me with persistence. It is only thanks to G…od’s mercy and their bravery.”

Galfredik’s voice trembled ever-so-slightly when he referred to God, but Jevin took it as an involuntary expression of the knight’s deep faith.

“I agree. Your words match with Sir Eugene’s testimony as well. This issue could have grown into something much larger if it were not for the sacrifice of the templars.”

In fact, Jevin had little to do with the monastery. However, befitting his status as a high-ranking noble, he commemorated the templars and honored their memory, even drawing the holy gesture with his hands.

“However, Sir Galfredik…”

“Yes, Young Master Jevin.”

Eugene was sitting at Galfredik’s side. Jevin continued while looking alternatingly at the two knights. “I apologize for saying this, and I am not doubting your honor by any means, but there is no evidence to back up your claim. On the other hand, Sir Lugates is our family’s knight. I am left with no choice but to trust in his honor. However…”

If Galfredik’s claim was true, the matter would not simply conclude with Lugates, but even the honor of Evergrove County would be greatly damaged. As the family’s successor, Jevin had to prevent such an event. However, even though he was the successor of the count, he could not simply ignore the words of two high renowned knights.

‘I can have Galfredik sworn in, and we can silence the other one by handing him a good sum of money.’

“Anyways, that’s why I was thinking. I will talk to my father immediately to have you sworn in, sir, and…”

“I apologize, but I no longer desire to be sworn in. Instead, Young Master Jevin, please allow me to hold a duel of honor against Sir Lugates.”

Jevin’s eyes filled with shock at Galfredik’s request.

“What do you mean by that? A duel of honor?”

“Regardless of his intent, Sir Lugates attempted to kill me. Matters between knights must be settled with the blade.”

Jevin was well aware of Galfredik’s fiery personality. Jevin’s eyes became slightly distorted, but he spoke in an appeasing manner.

“But do you not think that is going too far? Everyone is overjoyed that you returned alive, sir. If we cause another commotion, neither our family nor you will benefit, sir.”

Jevin was soft-spoken, but the words themselves were tainted with threat. Galfredik’s expression started to wrinkle, but Eugene stepped out.

“It’s just as Young Master Jevin says. There is no need to cause another commotion and create trouble for both sides.”

“Sir Eugene’s consideration is truly magnanimous.”

“However, Sir Galfredik is my friend and I respect his will.”

“Hmm.”

Jevin’s frown disappeared before reappearing at Eugene’s following words. Eugene continued in a subtle voice. “As such, I have a suggestion. What if we proceed with this as a secret duel?”

“A secret duel?”

“Yes. Only five people, including the two knights, one observer from both sides, and Young Master Jevin will participate. And regardless of the duel’s outcome, only the five people will know about the issue related to the duel. It can be kept a secret afterward.”

“Hmm.”

Jevin looked unimpressed on the surface, but he let out a burst of admiration internally. The Evergrove County had little to lose if they followed Eugene’s suggestion. Although it was regretful to put one of their territorial knights on the line, the honor of the entire family could not be compared to a single knight.

‘I like it, but will Galfredik accept the suggestion?’

Jevin felt a little apprehensive. 

Eugene then spoke to Galfredik, “Sir Galfredik. It was Sir Lugates who was toying with your life. I think it would be better not to do anything that could damage the honor of Lord Evergrove and Young Master Jevin.”

“Hmm…”

“Just do as I say. I think Young Master Jevin and Lord Countgrove would prefer that as well. Would you not say so?”

“I, for one, would like to follow Sir Eugene’s suggestion.” Jevin immediately concurred.

Galfredik, who was in deep contemplation, eventually nodded, “All right. If you allow me a duel, I will bury the event regardless of the outcome. I swear it on my honor.”

“You made the right choice. When would you like it to be held?”

“Let’s do it today.”

“So soon? Your body must be still recovering. Will you be okay?” Jevin felt thrilled at Galfredik’s suggestion, but he still asked in a worried voice.

“I am enough as I am to handle a coward like him. And the location…”

Galferdik pretended to think for a moment, and Eugene stepped out once again.

“What about the castle’s back garden? It would be the perfect place since it will be easy to control the flow of people after sunset. Young Master Jevin, what do you think?”

Jevin was grateful that they were willing to keep the issue hushed, and they even went as far as to choose a place devoid of the people’s eyes. Jevin wanted to dance in joy deep in his heart, but he hid his emotions and spoke solemnly. “Then the duel of honor will take place tonight at 7 P.M. at the castle’s back garden. I will let my father know right away.”

*** 

“As I might expect from a vampire. Weren’t you being too sneaky, Master?”

“Your acting was quite good as well. Anyways, I am glad Young Master Jevin accepted it right away.”

Eugene and Galfredik shared a laugh.

“Tsk. I would have preferred to punish that bastard Lugates publicly. It is a little disappointing.”

“You have nothing to gain from that anyways. You wouldn’t want to be hated by a nobleman whom you wanted to be sworn in by, would you?”

“I guess that’s true.”

The two knights had planned the conversation held with Jevin in advance, to induce him into accepting a private duel between Lugates and Galfredik. Vampires were stronger at night, so the two had naturally led the conversation to hold the duel later in the evening.

“Anyways, are you confident?”

“Of course. I told you before, right? The results of the competition might have been completely different if I had not been injured in the semifinals. And that bastard I fought in the semifinals, he didn’t give a shit about winning or losing. He was only aiming at my legs for some reason.”

Galfredik gritted his teeth while recalling the competition held the year before.

“He must have been bought out by Lugates. Did you not get a feel for it when you saw him, Master? Between him and me, who do you think is stronger?”

“Hmm.”

Even in Eugene’s opinion, he didn’t necessarily think that Lugates was stronger than Galfredik. But sufficient preparations had to be made regardless.

“Romari, how is Galfredik’s current condition?”

“His strength has almost fully recovered as compared to the time that he was still a human. Drinking the cyclops’ blood must have been very effective,” Romari answered in a feeble voice while carefully studying his reaction.

“But Sir Eugene, do you still need me now that we are finished with the subjugation? You got everything you wanted as well, right?”

‘And thanks to me, you even got a thrall!’

She could not risk insulting an Origin Vampire. Thus, she tried her best not to offend Eugene.

“Well, I guess that’s true.”

Eugene stared into Romari’s lifeless eyes for a moment.

Certainly, his agreement with the wizard had come to an end. She was helpful in finding Galfredik, and she had aided him in turning Galfredik into Eugene’s vassal.

In return, she obtained the nails and the blood of the cyclops. Eugene had, in fact, successfully killed the cyclops of the Mount Morrison Labyrinth, but had lied to Entler.

‘I think she might be helpful in the future, but I have no reason to keep her. I might encounter problems in the future if I forced a wizard to be with me.’

“Good. Tomorrow, you can be on your way.”

“Thank you! You will be blessed, sir! Then I will go pack my things. Please have a wonderful rest.”

Romari bowed her head before standing up. Her groveling attitude seemed rather familiar to Eugene.

“By the way, Master. What are we going to do after taking Lugates’ head?” Galfredik asked. He had to since he would have to follow Eugene for the rest of his life. 

“I still have a contract with the Palin Association, so I will be attending other evil land subjugations for the time being. I have a reason to kill as many high-ranking monsters as possible.”

There was no reason to lie to his vassal, so Eugene told the truth to some extent. Romari had been excitedly opening the door. But after hearing his words, she suddenly stopped. She slowly turned towards Eugene.

“Once every month or two months. At least twice, and up to 4 times. That’s how many subjugations I will have to participate in. Ah, and do you know Count Winslon? I am planning to participate in the subjugation of an evil land in his territory. I have a letter of recommendation, so… Hmm? Why are you still here?”

Romari had quietly returned to her seat. “I was thinking… I think the magic of our Blood Shadow School would be of great help to a noble Origin like yourself, Sir Eugene.”

Eugene simply stared at her, wondering what had brought on the change in her attitude. Feeling a sense of pressure at his gaze, Romari hurriedly confessed.

“T-to tell you the truth, I need lots of materials from high-ranking monsters for my research and chimera production. B-but that doesn’t mean I have no desire to help Sir Eugene! I-I swear by my name, my school, and by magic.”

“I’m fine with that, but, haven’t you been making too many oaths recently?”

“Eugene! Bigshots of the Night’s Tribe always have one or two wizards by their sides. This raccoon girl is quite competent, so she will be helpful!” Mirian chatted excitedly.

He gained Galfredik as a vassal, and even the wizard was voluntarily giving her word to assist him. Although he did not acquire a red mana stone, the results of the subjugation were quite great.

*** 

The sun was almost gone, and a small number of people gathered in the back garden of the Evergrove County’s castle. A servant left after lighting the torches and the lamps.

Jevin looked around and spoke solemnly. “Then we will begin the duel of honor. The outcome of the duel will not be made public. The results should not be spoken, even in front of one’s god. Do you all agree?”

“I agree.”

“I swear on my honor.”

Starting with Galfredik and Lugates, Eugene and Entler answered one after another. The two were participating as witnesses.

“Good.”

Jevin nodded with satisfaction, then stole a glance at Eugene.

‘Jan Eugene. To think he would be considerate of our family’s honor, regardless of the outcome. He is quite a decent knight.’

According to Entler’s, Eugene was as skilled as the rumors said. In addition, he had devised a solution to the issue with the deceased templars as well.

‘If I had known earlier, I would have had him sworn in to our family. What a shame.’

Jevin looked at Eugene with regretful eyes, then turned towards Lugates. A frown appeared on his face.

‘If you lose, you’ll be gone immediately. If you win, I’ll work you like a horse.’

He was a little doubtful of Galfredik’s words at first, but now he believed them. When he relayed Galfredik’s words to Lugates, Lugates initially made excuses. However, once the knight was told that the duel would be held in secret, he accepted it while pretending to be honorable.

‘It was a mistake to take in someone like him. Anyways, Sir Eugene said he would be staying in Maren for a while after this, right? When all of this is over, I will have to slowly win him over.’

Territorial knights were rarely sworn in, and as such, outstanding talents were greatly coveted. Jevin had a burning will to acquire Eugene.

In the meantime, Galfredik and Lugates came face-to-face after warming up.

Both of them used the longsword as their primary weapons, but Galfredik was equipped in an ordinary plate mail, while Lugates was adorned in a solid, plate armor bestowed to him by Count Evergrove.

“You dare to ruin my reputation with your slimy tongue? Sir Galfredik, I never took you to be such a man, but you are indeed trash.”

“Shut your filthy mouth and come at me. I will smash your head.”

Galfredik was unfazed by Lugates’ provocation.

“Hehe! Have you already forgotten about last year’s competition? And do you possibly think your sword can penetrate my plate armor?”

“You talk too much. If you won’t make a move, then let me!”

Galfredik rushed forward while emitting a red glow from inside his helmet.

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