Chapter 135: With Dignity

Chapter 135: With Dignity

Its a trial by combat. Not bad.

Ian was not worried about Fionia, a party of the trial.

Because he saw it clearly with his own eyes.

The sight of her leading the Red Wolf to attack the crown prince of Cantum was like a wolf stirring up a flock of sheep.

She was the only daughter of Duke Lavaltor.

At best, Cardinal Haverion, a former priest, had no chance of winning.

At least try to hurt her even a little.

The Duke would never stand idly.

Haverion must be quite a headache.

Ian mused with a quiet smile.

Just then, the First Princess approached him.

Are you feeling alright?

Her expression didnt show concern; her voice was curt, as if merely checking on Ian, her rival. Ian somehow felt that she was worried about him.

However, her factions nobles were clearly displeased with her actions.

Well, a person who was in a coma suddenly moved like this. Is he really not in pain?

Perhaps

Ian decided to play it up and deliberately started coughing under the watchful gaze of the nobles.

He even coughed up blood, causing the First Princess to exclaim in alarm.

What are you saying now?

Pardon? Thats not it.

Is that something to say to someone who is in pain right now?

The First Princess urgently grabbed Ians body.

His complexion was so pallid that it was difficult for him to speak.

No, it wasnt just his complexion.

T-The Seventh Princes injury!

Blood is flowing from the wound. We need to get something to treat him quickly.

The bandages surrounding Ians body were soaked through with blood, almost dripping. The First Princess scolded him with a reproachful voice.

Moving around in this condition. Are you thinking straight? she questioned.

Im fine.

Fine? With such severe injuries

Seeing Ians ashen face, the First Princess couldnt stay silent any longer.

What are the knights doing? Hurry and assist the Seventh Prince!

The Blood Lion Knights behind the First Princess stepped forward and supported Ian. However, their expressions showed dissatisfaction.

Why do we have to do this

Their expressions showed a sense of injustice about why they had to support Ian. But they had no choice.

This is all just an act!

In reality, Ian wasnt in pain at all.

He had told the chamberlain to prepare a few things before coming here.

Bandages and fake blood.

He even took some herbs to create the pale complexion.

So, the Blood Lion Knights couldnt help but be bewildered.

He came out with a pouch of blood just to pretend to be in pain.

Does this Prince really

Among the nobles, who would have expected someone to go to such lengths?

But they couldnt show their true feelings.

Before entering the audience hall, Ian had warned them sharply with a piercing gaze.

If its known that Im perfectly fine, it will tarnish His Majestys reputation. So behave yourself.

Both of them remembered those words clearly.

So, it was inevitable that they would try to take him out again.

Ian pushed away the hands of the two knights.

Im sorry, sister, but I cannot leave just yet.

What! It would be a serious problem if you collapse here. Your well-being is not only your concern. Think about the hearts of those who follow you, the First Princess scolded him, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his royal dignity.

Instead of answering, Ian struggled to raise his hand and pointed towards Fionia.

How could I leave when the woman who would become my wife requested a trial by combat on behalf of my sickly self?

What

I cannot leave until at least the trial is over.

Ians attitude was firm. Fionia nodded as if she was worried.

He hurt my husband-to-be. I must seek revenge. I will defeat the challenger in front of the prince.

The Blood Lion Knight standing next to Ian was left dumbfounded.

Didnt the lady know that the Seventh Prince is faking his illness?

She said she would seek revenge What on earth?

However, the First Princess, unaware of Ians deception, looked at the throne as if she knew but had no choice.

King Eloin sat there, and she raised her eyebrows and gestured towards the judge.

In response to her gaze, the judge stood up.

With the authority of this judge, I will proceed with the trial by combat. Guards, prepare the arena.

That brats future wife mocking me. How dare she.

Haverion began to swing his sword, but Fionia effortlessly parried and deflected his attacks. Even the palace knights seemed surprised by the sight.

Even though she is from Lavaltor, they thought she would have had a hobby or learned self-defense skills.

Shes not even knighted yet!

The vast difference in strength between Haverion and Fionia was evident. Haverion realized that there was no way he could win this duel and decided to resort to desperate measures.

I cant help it.

He slowly raised his divine power.

Divine power could be used for healing, but also to enhance the body, like the Oath.

It is the power that created the berserkers who ruined the victory ceremony.

He had started to apply [Berserker] to himself.

However, unlike the power used in the victory ceremony, it was a power that was transformed into divine power.

It is not a power that simply causes one to go crazy, but is suppressed with divine power so that only the [Berserker] effect can be enjoyed.

And that was then.

!

Haverions face began to flush with blood vessels as the blood in his body started to boil, and the power of the berserker surged through his entire body.



Ill kill her!

A tremendous force, equivalent to that of a knight, surged forth from him.

With his enhanced physical abilities, thanks to what seemed like the use of an oath, Haverion was completely different from just moments before.

He had turned into a wild beast, swinging his sword towards Fionia.

But

Clang!

Huh?

Your stance is incorrect. Thats why the force isnt properly transmitted through the sword.

What?

Haverion couldnt understand Fionia, who effortlessly redirected his sword.

He was able to use his full strength without experiencing any symptoms of [Berserker].

Surely, with this power, he should tear this woman to pieces.

Why

Swoosh!

Aaargh!

He was unable to land a single blow on her, while she seemed to be dancing around him, inflicting wounds all over his body.

Dont make me laugh! I am a cardinal of the Holy Empire. Do you think I would yield to such insignificant wounds?

Haverion turned the divine power he poured from [Berserker] into healing power.

The wounds on his body healed instantly.

However, the moment the body heals and the berserkers power disappears.

Youve lost your strength.

Swoosh!

Fionias sword cut in another place as if it were natural.

This!

Haverion was embarrassed and turned his power back to [Berserker].

But Fionia opened her eyes fiercely.

You called me a mere woman. Isnt that too careless of you?

Swoosh!

Once again, Fionia targeted the wounds that had just been healed.

Every time Haverion attempted to heal a wound, she would strike elsewhere, and when he completed the healing, she would strike the same spot again.

Haverion found himself becoming drenched in blood within moments.

This this bitch!

Please watch your language. This is a place where His Majesty and all the nobles gather. I request a dignified conversation.

Aaargh!

It could no longer be called a duel.

Haverion slowly knelt under Fionias relentless assault.



Thud.

He collapsed, drenched in blood.

The judge raised his hand at this sight.

Enough! The match is over. Its Fionia Lavaltors victory!

It was indeed a hollow victory.

The spectators, even those who had anticipated Haverion to put up a formidable fight, appeared bewildered by the one-sidedness of the duel.

Even Ians eyes widened.

He had seen her fight in Labadom, but she seemed even stronger now.

Fionia slowly turned away at the judges declaration.

If you want to aim for the throne, it would serve you well to at least practice swordsmanship to some extent.

Or at least if you claim to be of the royal family of Kaistein.