Chapter 533: Noble Spectacle

Chapter 533: Noble Spectacle

The silence in the hall increased until all that could be heard was Dallions breath. In his mind, we went through what could have been, imagining his attack puncturing the Archdukes son, or at the very least throwing him back into the wall, along with several more nobles.

Slowly, all heads turned in the direction of the Archduke, waiting for his decision on the matter. As a supreme ruler of the province, second only to the Emperor, he could do anything he wished, including punishing Dallion for the intent. Thankfully, he appeared rather amused instead.

Yes, good call, he said, looking at Dallion. There might be a few who cant deal with point and line attacks. Dont use those in the fight.

Itellas makeshift shield broke apart as the weapons changed to their previous form. There was not a scratch on him, but it didnt take one with music skills to see the fear emanating from the young noble. Up to this point, it was unlikely his life had ever been threatened, making him treat it as a game. No doubt he had suffered the effects of similar attacks dozens of times within the awakened realmsany awakened whod passed the third gate had. In the real world, the consequences were a lot more dire, though.

It would be a shame if the duel stopped here, the Archduke said. Things were just getting interesting. Show us what you have in store.

Dallion nodded. He didnt have the luxury to refuse, even if his left arm remained in considerable pain. He was still able to move it, and even do attacks, thought blocking strong attacks was going to prove an issue. Taking a deep breath, he changed his stance, shifting sideways with the right side towards his opponent.

The Archdukes son was a different matter, though. The hesitation was clear. Had he not been put on the spot, it was entirely possible that he just ended it here, most likely grumbling how barbaric hunters were. His fathers reaction changed everything.

Thank you for that, one of Itellas weapons said unironically. Its a needed first step in making him see what life is like beyond the realms. The boy never went to war, unlike his father. Some fear will do him good.

Seconds dragged on. None of the opponents wanted to make the first move, though for various reasons. In the end, it became clear that it was up to Dallion again. Despite his current state, he had obtained the momentum, so had no choice to lose it.

This is a good learning experience for you, too, Harp said. Now you have to work for your win.

The comment made Dallionc rack a smile. Only Harp could say such a thing.

Darude, he whispered, and charged forward.

The harpsisword did a diagonal slash aiming at Itallas shoulder. Still slightly taken aback, the noble parried it with his right arm. That proved to be a mistake. The force of Dallions attack moved the nobles arm to the left, placing it in front of the other and effectively making any counterattack impossible. The mistake was so amateurish that for a split-second Dallion considered it to be a trap. In order to test it out, he attacked again with his left arm.

There was no way such a weak attack could cause any harm, but even so, Itella blocked it with his right arm again, making his situation even worse.

Hes lost it, Nil said. Best find a way to put him out of his misery. The longer you prolong this, the more itll look like bullying.

He wasnt like this during our last fight

Wasnt he? That also ended in a similar fashion. Back then, the only consequences were a weapon getting hurt. Not to mention that there was a mage present.

Theres a mage present here, as well.

True, but one working for his father.

I wouldnt presume, your grace.

Hmm, maybe not a hunter. Maybe I should have just sent him to train a bit under March, like my brother did. He gave Falkner a glance. Even through two halls, everyone could see Falkner tense up. With everything going on, maybe hell have a chance to experience it first hand.

A single gesture let Dallion know that he had outstayed his welcome in the main hall. With a bow, he quickly moved to his proper place. Shortly after, a servant approached, handing him a small pouch. The servant didnt debase himself to explain what that was for, but it was pretty clearthe Archduke had found the performance amusing.

Could have been worse, Nil said as Dallion made his way to March and Eury. At least you got something out of it. Just dont open it. Hunters are expected to be mercantile, but checking the amount here would mean youre challenging the archdukes generosity.

Quickly, Dallion put the pouch away.

Could have been better, March said, critical as always. You gave him too much slack.

How many noticed? Dallion whispered the obvious question.

Most of the nobles, Eury replied. You shouldnt be worried. They didnt seem to mind.

Thats the issue with the children of nobles, March went on, not even bothering to lower her voice. Theyre spoiled into thinking they have the strength to be something they arent. Get something to eat. Youll need food for your arm to heal.

Almost on cue, larger portions of food were brought to the hall. As much as the food was good, Dallion couldnt enjoy it. He could feel everyones glances at him, as if he were an exotic pet of sorts. As a hunter this was goodit was very likely hed get a lot more paying clients in the future. As a person, the banquet wasnt something he was prepared for. It was just like a venous trap: alluring, shiny, slowly closing around him to the point he could only suffocate and surrender to his fate. The strong would have no problem surviving, while the weak were destined to perish. As Nil and Harp had often warned him, Dallion was in a precarious situation right now. Acknowledged as a potential threat, though not a full noble, he was going to be the target of attacks more and more. After all, the best way to eliminate the competition was before it could reach the stage at which it was acknowledged to be competition.

The conversations returned to their dull pre-duel state. Nothing spoken was of particular interest or significance. All the talk was about settlements, cities, and noble domains and the daily problems they had running them. The topic of the poison plague was not mentioned once, not were the Star cults that Dallion knew to be increasing in the province.

Lady March. A servant approached with a slight bow. Your presence has been requested. Please, follow me.

Alone? the woman asked.

With your team, of course.

Except for him, a new voice said. The city overseer had appeared without warning, in typical fashion. Hes needed elsewhere.

The servant gave the overseer a quick glance. As far as the palace hierarchy went, the overseer was nothing more than a guest, even if he ran the entire city. At the same time, even a senior servant didnt have the authority to go against his requests without the support of a noble. Since there was none nearby, all that he could do was turn to March again.

Quite good company youre keeping, the overseer noted as Dallions teammates left the hall, following the servant. Little Eury was quite the prodigy. Then again, most otherworlders are.

You knew her? Dallion gave him a surprised look.

I know everyone who's been to the city. I just choose not to talk to most. Come along, its time to escort you to the Night Auction. A piece of advice: dont spend all your funds on the first item. Most first timers make that mistake.