Chapter 58
Though unclear how this duel had grown so large, it was enough to raise spirits at the start of the festival.
The training ground used by the First and Second Knight Divisions was circular. It had separate underground passages and balconies for viewing from the second floor. During social seasons, plays were performed here—though Yuls had never attended.
“That one’s quite good-looking too,” Claude said.
“Too bad,” Yuls replied.
“That one’s mine too.”
Roy Gaillard’s duel with Lev Jid had become entertainment for the nobles rather than ending quietly. Nobles from both the capital and other regions wanted to see knights from Ionad and Palesa cross swords.
As if it were part of the festival, nobles decorated themselves with bright fabrics and flowers, painting flowers or stars on their faces. They seemed to view even this duel as mere entertainment, simply enjoying themselves. Meanwhile, the Ionad knights who had accompanied these nobles watched the duel intently.
The Palesa knights were even more invested. They couldn’t lose to those Ionad people here. The concern was Roy Gaillard’s skill—not that his skill was poor, but given that Lev Jid had even defeated Ilyich, there seemed doubt about whether he could maintain their pride.
Yuls looked at the gathering of knights beside the training ground. Palesa and Ionad knights were divided, each occupying one side. Adi stood before Roy.
Adi clapped Roy’s shoulder and said something. It was too far to hear. Roy replied something while looking down at Adi. Not just Roy—many of the knights surrounding him towered over Adi.
It wasn’t strange given the knights’ large builds. There were occasionally knights with less impressive physiques. But among that crowd, something felt—how to put it?
Too delicate.
“Can’t you give me just one?”
“What? Oh, a knight?”
“Yes. You have them all.”
It didn’t seem like something a Crown Prince should say. Claude was greedy. Since childhood, he couldn’t bear not being superior. Perhaps Claude got along with Yuls only because Yuls had remained in a boy’s state without growing. He wouldn’t have been threatening then. But now?
“Starting with Bert…”
“Bert was originally my father’s knight.”
“True. People think the previous Duke hated you, but in the end, he gave you even his most cherished knight. You were raised with love, I tell you.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“You can spare one knight. Between you and me.”
Speaking thus, Claude smiled and gestured to his servant. As the servant took out a rolled cigarette, Yuls frowned.
“Try smoking tobacco in front of me. I won’t take your side anymore.”
“How petty.”
“Quit.”
“Worried about me? I guess we really are the closest cousins?”
Yuls ignored the following words. Lev Jid and Roy Gaillard emerged. The knights exchanged words before drawing their swords and showing proper courtesy. But that wasn’t what interested him. Yuls was interested in Grimaldi. The Grimaldi down there.
And the Grimaldi sitting on the balcony opposite him, looking down at the training ground. Both were watching Lev Jid.
At the sound of clashing swords, Yuls looked that way too. But his gaze soon shifted to Adi. As the duel continued, even Claude, who had seemed uninterested, appeared to grow more focused.
“Lev Jid is being pushed back. What an unusual sword style. What’s his name?”
“Roy Gaillard.”
“Gaillard? Wasn’t Baron Gaillard an administrator?”
“You remember Gaillard?”
“Of course. He was quite successful in the capital. What was it—I heard some count’s daughter gave up everything to marry Baron Gaillard. Was it because of his looks? He’d make a fine ornament.”
“You’re too focused on looks.”
“Loving beauty isn’t a crime. Besides, you do the same.”
“I don’t care about such things.”
“Says the one who keeps only pretty ones close.”
Just as Claude spoke, Roy deflected Lev’s downward strike and placed his sword at his neck. Though it looked simple, Claude knew well that in reality, one would be helplessly caught. He leaned forward, adjusting his position. Yuls said:
“That’s not Gaillard’s sword style.”
“No,” Claude answered.
“It’s Grimaldi’s.”
“You know it?”
“Count Grimaldi was the first to put a sword in my hand.”
When the current king was still a prince, Spencer Grimaldi, newly made Count, came as a guard knight. Claude had heard it was just months after his birth.
Claude spent much time with Spencer Grimaldi in his childhood. He probably spent more time with Spencer Grimaldi than Adrian Grimaldi did.
He taught many things. Especially how to handle a sword. Though Claude lacked talent, the Count’s efforts enabled him to handle a sword as well as most knights. Though uncertain of his current ability having not held a sword in some time, his eye hadn’t diminished.
Roy Gaillard’s skill was inferior to Lev Jid’s.
“But he would never teach that one. Said it was the family’s.”
Yet that sword style would be the variable. Lev Jid wouldn’t have expected to see the Grimaldi sword from Roy Gaillard.
That style changed according to the opponent’s response, so reading and understanding the opponent first was crucial, but it tended to falter when read itself. That’s why only Grimaldi could defeat Grimaldi’s sword, and they never taught their family’s style to anyone. Until now.
Claude laughed amusedly and looked at the Count sitting opposite. Though his expression was neutral, Claude knew. The Count was angry. Then he searched for Adrian Grimaldi among the knights gathered beside the training ground.
“Adrian was different, it seems.”
They were smiling.
“Lord Lev Jid uses Grimaldi’s sword too.”
“He’s Grimaldi’s vassal.”
“Even vassals aren’t taught such deep swordsmanship. The Count must have had other plans.”
“He did have plans. He was going to give his daughter to Lev. Wanted to make him family.”
Yuls narrowed his eyes. So.
“Adrina Grimaldi and Lev Jid.”
Though Yuls was interested in living Adrian rather than dead Adrina, something felt unpleasant.
“Yes. Impossible now that she’s dead.”
Yuls too looked at Adi. Why did they appear so delicate among that crowd?
“Adrina Grimaldi was pretty. Ah, since they looked identical, you’d know?”
“I’ve never seen Adrina’s face.”
Even with twins, expressions and behavior could make people look quite different. The king had said Adrina and Adrian were quite distinct.
“I have a portrait—want me to send it?”
“Why would I want a dead woman’s portrait?”
“To appreciate its beauty.”
“Not interested.”
What Yuls needed now was Adrian Grimaldi. Whether they inherited Adrina’s destiny or were the destiny itself, a dead woman could do nothing, while Adrian had brought change to his curse.
“You’re the one who should live hugging portraits.”
“I’ll hug more than portraits. Everything will be mine.”
Claude said. His arrogance showed as he spoke of how everything the current king possessed would eventually come to him. Yuls had once thought so too. Though those chances would diminish if he couldn’t quit tobacco.
“May your wishes come true.”
“They will. The most dangerous enemy is one without desire for the position.”
Claude said, staring at the training ground. Roy’s knee struck Lev’s groin. He laughed “Ha ha!”
“Do knights engage in such dog fights?”
“…”
“Wonder if it broke?”
Having heard about this through Bert, Yuls kept quiet. It seemed they’d really done it. Though wearing protection, Lev quickly rose and swung his sword. But the advantage seemed closer to Roy’s side.
“The most dangerous enemy,” Yuls repeated quietly. Claude turned his head and said, “You have no desire for this position.”
“That’s why I keep you close. The others are too greedy.”
“Says the one who sent assassins.”
“You think I really sent them to kill you? That was a kind of test.”
Claude shrugged.
“About Adrian Grimaldi.”
“…What about Adi?”
“First was their skill.”
“And second?”
“How well they follow orders.”
The words were meaningful. The answer came without deep thought.
“Seems Adi already knew.”
He’d been told that one day Adi had suggested to Bert about strengthening the guard.
“That assassins were coming.”
That must have been why.
“What orders did you give?” Yuls asked.
“Protect me? Or let me die?”
Lilina
At least Roy didn’t let us down
Hell yeah break those jewels!