kscans

1

Bard woke up at the usual time. He washed his face and wiped his body with the water that had been prepared. He poured water from the water jug into a bowl and slowly drank it all. He left the room and headed towards the west corridor. He left the guest building, showing his identification to the security guard and passing through the west gate. He walked through the section where vegetables were planted. The green color was soothing to the eyes. He reached the outer wall and greeted the security guard before climbing the stairs to the top of the castle wall.

The wind whistled through, gently stroking his white hair, mustache, and beard. In the far north, he could see the sacred mountain Fyuza. At its foot, there was a faint green belt spreading out. It was called the Great Marsh, an area where powerful demi-humans and wild beasts roamed, with intricate waterways and swamps. It was a remote and inaccessible place, separating the central part of the continent from Fyuza.

To the east of the Great Marsh, there was a slightly denser green area. It was the Forest of Trees. If one went up the Great Ova, they would enter the forest. Although it was not as friendly to humans as the Great Marsh, it was still manageable. If one wanted to climb Fyuza, they had no choice but to go from the eastern side of the Great Marsh. There might be another route to the north of Fyuza, but he had never met anyone who knew about that distant region.

A camp was set up a little away from the castle wall, as if nestled against it. It was a communication unit where nobles interested in the match results gathered. Once they entered the castle, they couldn’t go outside until the martial arts tournament was over. They camped there to know the results of each day and report them to their masters. Even the finest guest rooms, like the ones given to Bard, were not particularly comfortable in the cramped stone buildings. This castle was not built for the comfortable accommodation of nobles. It was a frontline war base.

A knight patrolled the castle wall, exchanging polite greetings with Bard as they passed each other. The knights of the Frontier Knight Order seemed to have no animosity towards Bard. Rather, respect could be felt.

“Master, breakfast is ready!”

Jurchaga popped his head out from inside the wall. He had been told not to climb the wall without using the stairs because it would startle the security guards, but he didn’t listen.

“I have to make sure I don’t get rusty. Just like what Karz is doing.”

The wind was dry. It might get a little hot today.

2

It was the fourth day. The fourth division, which was the one-handed sword competition, was held today. The winner of this division would have an exhibition match with Bard. It would be a relief if the representative from the Goriora Empire won. However, the participants from the Parzam Kingdom seemed to be filled with determination. Everyone, including the participants from the fourth division, exuded an aura of hostility and anger. That hostility was not directed towards their opponents from the Goriora Empire, but towards Bard sitting on the eastern side.

The reason was clear. They must have heard about the discussion from yesterday. To them, it was a marriage proposal involving the future queen. It was not pleasant to hear that an outsider with no background suddenly appeared and played matchmaker.

No, at this stage, there were probably few who thought it was a marriage proposal. But it didn’t matter. Bard may have been the master of Julelan in the past, but now he was the only prince of the Parzam Kingdom. It was only natural to think that summoning him was a big deal. It was not because they respected Julelan, but because they valued the dignity of the kingdom.

If they calmed down and thought about it, their feelings were understandable. Julelan appeared out of nowhere as a prince. He had no achievements to speak of. Yet, this prince with no achievements was interfering in military regulations and various systems and operations. It was not unreasonable for some to feel uncomfortable. The dissatisfaction would be even stronger among the knights who had shed blood. Since the current king was highly trusted by the military, such behavior might be seen as borrowing his authority.

If he was going to talk big, he should take up a sword, lead an army, and show his strength. That’s what they thought. However, Julelan himself couldn’t do that. Now, the opportunity had presented itself.

Bard winning wouldn’t increase their trust in Julelan. But if he lost, they would say that if the master was like that, the disciple’s martial virtue was also questionable. It was an illogical argument, but human emotions were like that.

Moreover, they were strong. He had heard that they were promising young knights, but the quality of the young warriors from both countries was extremely high. As expected of a great nation, he had seen so many young warriors appearing one after another in these three days. Furthermore, many of the participants seemed to have practical experience. Even in Bard’s prime, it would be doubtful if he could handle them properly.

But Bard had already made up his mind. If he had to fight, he would fight until the end. He applied oil to his fingers and face and massaged his joints. He didn’t want to show a sloppy appearance.

Whether their fighting spirit affected the outcome or not, the Parzam participants won three out of four matches in the first round, ultimately taking first and second place. Knight Commander Seifert announced that the representative of the host country would have an exhibition match with the winner. Bard got up from his seat and headed towards the weapon storage.

The first thing he picked up was a kite shield that resembled the one he used to use. However, it felt a little too heavy and the grip felt too thin. Next, he picked up a larger round shield. When he swung it, he felt that the grip was too big and it was difficult to handle. Then, he picked up a smaller round shield. The grip was thick enough and sturdy. It looked thicker than it appeared and seemed to absorb impacts well. The feeling of swinging it was also good. He decided on this shield.

Next, he chose a sword. There was one with a length he liked, so he lifted it and swung it. He thought it might be too heavy for him now, but it felt good to swing. He decided on this sword.

When he turned around, everyone in the venue was looking at Bard. The atmosphere was different from before he chose his equipment. It was like an air of awe towards his strength. Bard walked towards the battlefield. Then, his opponent spoke to the referee.

“U-um, Referee. Lord Rowen is still wearing leather armor. Shouldn’t he change? Referee.”

“Lord Enes Karon. Taking this position means that preparations have been made. No need for any further arrangements.”

Even though the referee said that, Enes Karon couldn’t shake off his confusion. At that moment, a loud voice echoed throughout the venue.

“Enes Karon! Don’t let your guard down! The leather armor that Bard Rowen is wearing is made from the fur of the demonic beast Riverbear that he defeated himself! Just recently, he confronted the Storm General in the desert and didn’t even flinch when he took that black giant sword! Lord Rowen punched the Storm General with the gauntlet of his armor and passed through the area without even drawing his sword! Know that his leather armor is on par with the Holy Silver Armor! Don’t underestimate him!”

It was the voice of Maitalp, the commander of the first battalion of the Parzam Frontier Knight Order. Upon hearing this, there was a commotion among the participants from both countries. The commotion was greater on the Parzam side. It was supposed to be a reassuring voice for Enes Karon, but it might have had the opposite effect.

“Hey, did he really face the Storm General and come out unscathed?”

Bard continued his stride without hesitation and bowed to the chief referee upon reaching his designated position. The chief referee nodded and greeted the bell-ringer. The sound of the signal echoed through the air.

As expected of a champion knight, Enes Karon immediately entered combat mode. He thrust his large kite shield forward, concealing his sword behind its shadow. He was a handsome young man in his mid-twenties, with a sturdy build. Since he had removed his helmet between matches, Bard could see his face. His hair was a slightly grayish black color. His mustache and beard were coarse, and his striking eyes were wide open. He was currently clad in full plate mail armor. Although he exuded a strong sense of determination, he was paying too much attention to Bard’s sword.

Bard casually closed the distance between them, pulling his sword back and pushing his shield forward. The shields made a faint contact. The opponent continued to focus on Bard’s sword. Bard anticipated that he would swing his sword from this position. If the opponent expected that, Bard would attack in a different way. Without even needing to think, Bard twisted his waist and took a half step forward, pushing the opponent with his shield. Due to the significant height difference, he pressed down slightly while pushing. Enes Karon’s knees buckled unexpectedly, as he had not anticipated this situation. Bard no longer needed to strike with his sword, so he stepped forward with his right foot, bracing himself with his left foot, and blew the opponent away with his shield.

The weight of a fully equipped knight with iron armor, shield, and sword was considerable. He flew through the air with a thud. He landed quickly, but due to the weight of his equipment, the opponent couldn’t regain his balance and fell backward. Bard kicked the ground and chased after him. As the opponent began to rise, Bard thrust his sword towards his neck. Enes Karon’s helmet was a type that secured the pointed face guard to the helmet body with a leather belt. While it provided mobility, there was a slight gap between the neck and the torso. Bard’s sword fit perfectly into that gap.

According to the rules of the match, knocking down the opponent meant victory. However, this probably meant bringing the opponent into a state where they could be killed at any time. In fact, in competitions other than the first division, it was common to approach the fallen opponent and assume an attacking stance, waiting for the referee’s decision. Bard followed suit.

Two assistant referees raised blue flags. The chief referee also raised a blue flag and declared, “Bard Rowen, one point!” Surprisingly, applause erupted from the Goriora Empire side.

3

He reached out to help him get up. Enes Karon brushed his hand and raised his voice in anger, “Using a shield all of a sudden! How cowardly!” Bard wondered if using a shield for an attack was considered a forbidden move in the central continent’s etiquette. But if he had been impolite, he should apologize. Bard looked towards the chief referee to ask a question, but the chief referee said, “Lord Enes Karon, retract your words and apologize. Bard Rowen’s behavior is not a problem. Those words cannot be overlooked as a knight. Apologize.”

Enes Karon, while still filled with anger, stood up and said, “I retract my words. I apologize.”

Bard quietly accepted the apology. The two faced each other again. If Bard won one more point, he would be the victor. The bell for the next round rang.

Enes Karon positioned his shield in front of his left side and his sword in front of it. He slightly leaned his upper body forward, probably to compensate for the reach difference. He seemed to intend to focus on thrusting attacks.

Bard extended his shield forward, just like before. The two shields almost touched. Enes Karon was attentively focused on both Bard’s shield and sword. While that was good, his footing was full of openings.

Bard pulled his right foot back slightly and pulled his entire upper body back. Seizing the opportunity, Enes Karon stepped forward with his left foot, attempting to slip his sword through Bard’s shield and thrust his sword. Bard’s left foot swept his left foot. It was precisely the moment when he was about to shift his weight onto his left foot. He fell beautifully, losing his balance. Bard struck Enes’s right wrist with his sword. Enes dropped his sword. Bard struck Enes’s head from the side with his round shield. Enes couldn’t help but fall. Bard pressed his head against the ground with his shield and waited for the referees’ decision. The decision came quickly.

“Bard Rowen, one point! The winner is Bard Rowen.”

Enes quickly raised his upper body. He didn’t seem to have suffered any significant injuries. Bard hesitated whether to offer a helping hand.

“Chief referee!”

Enes was about to say something to the chief referee. Bard thought it might be a protest against the leg sweep, but it wasn’t.

“One more! Please allow one more match! This is an exhibition match. It shouldn’t end with just two points.”

The chief referee looked troubled and glanced at the two assistant referees. As a knight from the Goriora Empire, the chief referee might have found it difficult to dismiss the demands of the Parzam Kingdom’s participant. The assistant referees were also momentarily speechless. The chief referee looked at Bard. Bard met his gaze and nodded slightly.

The chief referee bowed towards the organizers’ seats of both countries and declared, “At the request of the participants, we will have one more match!”

At this moment, Bard had already given up on winning. He thought he had done enough. This would save Julelan’s reputation. He hoped this young man could show his worth. He couldn’t intentionally lose, but he wished for this young man to demonstrate his strength and take a victory on his own.

In fact, everything up until now had been too perfect. Bard had watched all the matches leading up to the championship, and the skills and power of the participants were magnificent. Even if he were younger, Bard felt that his chances of winning were slim due to his old age. Yet, he easily took two victories, leaving Bard himself bewildered.

The two took their positions, and the third bell rang. Bard still had fighting spirit, but he had no attachment to victory. He faced his opponent with a calm mind. On the other hand, Enes Karon emitted a desire for victory that was about to burst out.

Bard saw an opening in his opponent’s head.

Without any intention to strike, Bard thrust his sword forward and hit the opponent’s head. His neck sank, swaying unsteadily. Enes Karon fell.

The chief referee declared Bard’s victory. There was a loud cheer from the Goriora Empire side. Enes Karon showed no signs of getting up. He seemed to have completely lost consciousness. The healers rushed over to provide treatment. Bard bowed to the referees and the organizers’ seats, returned his sword and shield to their original positions, and headed towards his room.