Chapter 250 250-The Banquet

Chapter 250 250-The Banquet

Anna and Marguerite often requested one-on-one practice battles with Howard.

While Anna's eagerness for combat was somewhat anticipated, it was Marguerite's boldness that took Howard by surprise.novelBIn

Beneath her shy exterior lurked a warrior's spirit, a revelation that both intrigued and impressed him.

The primary virtue of a Knight Squire was martial prowess.

Howard had no desire to enter the battlefield with a squire who could only gaze at the ground in timidity.

Therefore, Marguerite's request, though unexpected, aligned perfectly with his long-term interests.

Marguerite, usually the epitome of quiet grace, today donned a suit of chainmail.

Her shoulders were shielded by iron plates, and her legs were protected by leather greaves reinforced with iron.

In her right hand, she wielded a sword, and in her left, a shield.

At first glance, her appearance did not particularly stand out to Howard.

However, once the duel commenced, Marguerite transformed.

Her eyes blazed with ferocity, her body radiating an intense battle spirit.

After exchanging more than ten moves with Howard, she swiftly dodged an attack and, with remarkable agility, positioned her sword's tip at Howard's throat.

Howard conceded defeat, both humbled and awestruck.

He realized that his own talents for warfare were modest at best.

Upon hearing Howard's admission of defeat, Marguerite immediately rushed over, embracing him anxiously.

"My lord knight, are you hurt? I am so sorry, I might have used too much force," she exclaimed with genuine concern.

Howard stood up, dusting himself off.

"You did nothing wrong. In fact, you did excellently, much to my delight. The squire I need is one with superior combat skills, and you have exceeded my expectations. On the battlefield, your prowess would indeed make you my right hand!"

Marguerite's face lit up with joy, her head nodding enthusiastically, much like an exuberant bunny.

"I will strive even harder in the future! I will not let down the high hopes you've placed in me, my lord knight!"

Howard twisted his neck, then, with a flourish of his sword, initiated the duel with Anna.

Within three moves, Anna was forced to the edge of the field.

Howard's two-handed sword, heavy and powerful, struck again, toppling Anna.

She conceded defeat, marking another victory for Howard.

From a distance, Resarite watched the scene, calling out to Howard, "Be gentle with the girls; don't injure them."

lightsnοvεl Clearly, Resarite had only just arrived and was unaware of Marguerite's impressive display earlier.

Howard chuckled at Resarite's concern.

"They are far from weak.

In fact, I'd wager that one of them could easily kick your behind if you faced her in combat!"

Baron Fernsouth had not yet arrived.

A long, red carpet stretched from the wide staircase all the way down to the ground.

The room was graced by the presence of four knights.

Since the defense of Hof, Baron Fernsouth had been full of praise for Howard.

At the banquet, Howard found himself in the company of Knight Kaido, a man radiating the vigor of youth.

Clad in blue, he appeared distinguished, leisurely savoring his wine in solitude.

Not far off, Knight Zoron, in his thirties yet already marked by furrows on his brow, was known as a noble fond of scheming.

He engaged in lukewarm conversation with Knight Patch, who was dressed in brown, in his twenties, and bald.

Patch, initially absorbed in conversation with Zoron, instantly sharpened his gaze like a predator upon spotting Howard.

He was aware of Howard's covert attempts to infiltrate his village with spies, seemingly harboring ambitions of annexation.

Patch sneered, "Better abandon that thought, Howard, or I'll make you wish you were never born."

Howard, understanding the accusation, stood his ground.

"Do you have proof? Let me remind you, allegations require evidence. Baseless claims are better left unspoken."

In a fit of rage, Patch crushed his wine glass, spilling its contents onto the floor and his shoes.

Unable to contain his fury, he stormed towards Howard, intent on teaching him a lesson.

Howard, unflinching and prepared for conflict, was ready to face any consequences of his plans to seize the other's territory.

Knight Zoron subtly furrowed his brow, sensing the rapidly souring atmosphere of the banquet.

With a tactician's foresight, he discreetly retreated a few steps, melding into the shadows to avoid being tainted by the unfolding scandal.

Knight Kaido, upholding the true spirit of knighthood, intervened to prevent the impending clash.

"Stop this at once! This is a time for celebration, not for brawling. Heed my words and cease your hostilities," he implored.

However, Patch, with eyes wide and wild like a beast, seemed oblivious to Kaido's words and continued his aggressive advance towards Howard.

Unruffled, Howard adjusted his stance, ready to confront Knight Patch.

As Patch lashed out with his right hand, aiming for Howard's collar, Howard swiftly parried the crude attempt with his own right hand.

At that moment, Baron Fernsouth descended the staircase, his voice booming with authority: "In the name of the lord of this land, I command you to stop!"

Patch, though begrudgingly, halted his assault and turned to face Baron Fernsouth, cursing under his breath.

Howard, silent yet evidently triumphant, held his head high in the Baron's presence.

Baron Fernsouth addressed Patch sternly, "Howard has been instrumental in defending Hof under my command. Your baseless accusations are an insult to me! You are not welcome here anymore. Leave!"

Knight Kaido remained stoically indifferent, while Knight Zoron's eyes flickered with inscrutable thoughts.

He periodically glanced at Patch and Howard, as if trying to discern something from their exchange.

The attendants quickly gathered around the scene, while the maids had already withdrawn to the sidelines, awaiting further developments.