“Modred. I challenge you to a duel.”
Honestly, I might not know much about master knights, but I think I could handle someone like Modred.
Based on the aura, they seem to be similar to me or maybe just a bit stronger.
However, unlike the knights of Historia who completely rely on their aura, I have various other methods that allow for temporary boosts.
So this isn’t just a throwaway line; it’s a calculated gamble I threw out there with some confidence.
…The problem is, the reaction was nothing like I expected.
“Jonah, are you insane?!”
“Cancel it right now!”
Lydia and Ellie were panicking, trying to talk me out of it.
Benny, not knowing much about Modred, didn’t say much, but I could see their anxiety.
On the other hand, it seemed like the people from Historia were in awe of me.
“Um. A duel… I guess we can’t avoid it.”
“Regardless, Sir Gahelis is still part of the lineage of the Knight King. You definitely have the right to challenge.”
“You have enough qualification to initiate a duel. However, I must say, I’m impressed by your manners. Wasn’t it just ten years ago you were exiled to Pangrave? You still remember so vividly.”
“Bloodline! Bloodline! I told you four years ago! What does hair color even matter? Ugh…”
It seems like everyone has their own reasons, but they seem to accept it.
…By the way, I really was exiled, huh? Given that I was ten and it’s been four years, that would make me fourteen.
I thought I was just an orphan, and since I had no memories left in this body, I didn’t even know my age myself.
I thought I was probably in my early to mid-teens, and it turns out I really am around that age.
While I was accumulating knowledge about myself that I didn’t even know,
As it really seemed like the duel was going to happen, Ellie grabbed my shoulder with a serious face.
“Jonah. Don’t do it.”
“Ellie?”
“It’s true that even with three master knights, it would be tough for me… but right now, you have the arm that Jonah gave you, right?”
If I actively utilized the strike enhanced by Argetlam, maybe I could seize the advantage.
With the kind of power that could rival something like a siege weapon, there’s no way I’d leave even a corpse if I swung it at an ordinary person…but with a master knight, it shouldn’t be that extreme.
How strong I really am right now is impossible to judge, but judging by Ellie’s words, I’d probably manage to avoid instant death.
“Jonah. I don’t care about your identity or anything. I just want to go back to how things used to be.”
“Back to how it used to be…”
“Yeah. I want to serve drinks and simple dishes at the Fairy and Silver Coin, Lydia bragging about her new equipment, Benny bickering with Shadow, and you in between, smiling and enjoying it all. I just want to get that back.”
Ellie’s yellow eyes were staring straight at me. What was contained in them was worry, and a heavy resolve.
She spoke as if she’d do anything if the situation called for it.
“Naturally, for that scene to happen, we need not just Lydia but you too. So please abandon the duel and just let me take care of everything…”
“Thank you, Ellie. But I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”
“Why…?!”
Ellie raised her voice, about to burst into tears. I covered her lips with my fingertip and whispered softly.
“I’m here to restore Lydia’s safety and her honor too.”
“Ah.”
Ellie paused as if she’d come to a realization, slowly directing her gaze to Lydia.
“…?”
Is it because of her weakened state? Lydia tilted her head, seemingly unaware of our conversation.
That’s right. Ellie must know well how obsessed Lydia is with the name of a knight.
While anyone from Historia might dream of being a knight, Lydia’s obsession runs deeper, having witnessed the fall of her knightly family directly.
With her skill, she could return to Historia at any time to reclaim the title of knight, but… what Lydia wanted wasn’t just any knight title.
Why is she called “the Noble One” in Pangrave? It’s not just because of her own virtue but also because she aspires to the ideals of chivalry.
A knight in the stories who helps the weak, does good deeds, and remains loyal to a lord who never retreats before enemies.
That’s why I really like Lydia; she’s someone who sincerely tries to realize such fairy tale ideals. I’m sure Ellie and Benny feel the same way.
Pangrave is a place where all sorts of people gather, and as such, a whirlpool of countless desires swirls around.
That’s appealing in its own right, but Lydia, like a lotus blooming in mud, is even more captivating.
“Ellie’s way would make Lydia wear the label of a traitor for life.”
“…If you win, what changes, Jonah?”
“Well, a lot changes.”
If my body truly carries the blood of the royal family of Historia, if I, once called Gahelis, the Ex-King, manage to win against my sister and the reigning king…
I would be able to have that legitimacy recognized. …Naturally, Lydia would also be freed from her stigma.
Not as a traitor, but as a knight who willingly sacrificed herself for her lord.
Ellie still couldn’t easily nod along with my words.
However, it seems my sister, whom I met for the first time, was lacking the patience to wait for Ellie’s decision.
Or maybe it’s quite commendable that she’s remained silent until now?
“Gahelis. I accept your challenge. However, before we cross swords, we must surely agree on one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Surely, it’s about each other’s conditions. Just as the sanctity of the duel matters, what we stake is equally important.”
“Ah, I forgot to mention that part.”
With a mischievous smile, I carefully selected my words to share with Modred while also letting Ellie and Lydia hear.
“I don’t need any throne. However, if I win, please acknowledge me as a prince of Historia. Not just in name, but truly.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s impossible.”
“Hah! What, are you scared of losing or something?”
“It’s a cute provocation, but that’s not what I meant.”
Modred smiled softly, shaking her head, full of mirth.
“The king of Historia is me. To become a prince means you’d be saying you want to be my son… but you’re my brother, not my child.”
“Uh-oh.”
Hearing that, I had no rebuttal.
It’s true… setting aside the memories, my status as a prince was only during the late king’s reign.
The current queen is Modred, so if I wanted to be a prince, I’d need to become her adopted son… then wouldn’t that complicate the family tree?
“Not as a prince, but as a king’s brother. Is it correct to say you want back the rights and responsibilities as a member of the Historia royal family?”
“Um. Can’t we skip the responsibilities part?”
“…How have you not changed at all since those days?”
Modred chuckled as if it were inevitable. Surprisingly, it seems that the original owner of this body has a personality quite similar to mine.
“Without taking responsibilities, you can’t have the right to participate in politics. However, I’d wager what you truly desire isn’t a political seat?”
“Of course. You do the governing. I just want to enjoy the leftovers.”
“Fine. That’s easy enough to demand. …Now it’s time for my sister’s conditions.”
Modred continued in a tone that was no different from before, but her eyes seemed to carry a hint of sadness.
“If I win the duel, I shall sever your dantian and cut the tendons of your arms and legs. I won’t take your life.”
“If that’s the case, why not just ask for my head instead?”
“Jonah, you foolish little brother. Do not speak so easily of fratricide.”
The mood turned serious. Words full of gravity. And a hint of regret lingered in a faint sigh.
I can’t be sure of the details, but it’s clear something happened in the past. And it likely connects to the reason Gahelis was overthrown.
For now, I simply nodded in agreement.
“Okay. Let’s go with that condition.”
“Wisely chosen. Now then, when shall we hold the duel?”
“Is there a need to stretch this out? We can do it right now.”
“…Very well. Before the gods, a vow made, even if blood spills before the round table, our ancestors will not mind.”
Rising from her throne, Modred stepped atop the broken piece of the round table.
Then, strangely, the surface of the round table began to ripple and reflect like a calm lake.
Following that, the liquid expanded, and before we knew it, we were standing on a massive lake rather than an audience room.
Here, the water acted like solid ground, and everyone moved freely along the surface without falling in.
Standing on the open lake, Modred nodded her head.
“Take your stance. Surely you haven’t forgotten?”
“Well, considering how much I’ve forgotten besides that, I’m not sure…”
As I shrugged jokingly, I made my way to where Modred stood.
The start of the duel was drawing near.
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