kscans

1

And so, all the competitions came to an end. The winners and runners-up of each division stepped forward in front of the organizers’ seats to receive their awards. However, Chantillion was not present at this occasion. Although he was not in critical condition, he had been ordered to rest for seven days.

Finally, Doriatessa, the winner of the overall division, stepped forward. He was specially awarded with praise from Prince Julelan himself, and was allowed to give a direct response.

“Knight Doriatessa Fafarlen. Your performance in battle was magnificent.”

“Ha!” (t/n: original text was ははっ doesn’t mean haha as a kind of laughing, it might be an expression for understanding the request or obeying the command)

“Who is your master?”

“Yes. My first master is Sir Kirie Halifalth. My second masters are Sir Bard Rowen and Sir Karz Rowen.” (t/n: lord here is 卿 -Kyo, usually mean lord but might sound awkward in egnlish, better pur Sir)

“I see. You have been blessed with good masters.”

“Yes!”

With this praise, Kirie’s reputation was greatly enhanced. Of course, Julelan already knew that Doriatessa’s masters were Kirie and Karz, even without asking. He had just received a report from Bard this morning. Julelan may seem blunt, but he is considerate. Bard, who was nodding “Umu, Umu” in agreement in his mind, noticed the commotion spreading. He looked around the hall and saw that it was the Knight of Parzam who were restless. After thinking for a moment, Bard understood the reason. The fact that Bard and Karz were Doriatessa’s masters was news to the Knight of Parzam.

“I am also a disciple of Lord Rowen. That means we are senior and junior disciples. I hope we can get along well.”

“Yes. It is an honor.”

Doriatessa was bewildered by being treated as a junior disciple, but there was certainly a purpose behind these words. It was to ease the impact of Chantillion’s defeat by blurring the victory of Parzam and Goriora and emphasizing that Doriatessa was trained by the master of Parzam’s crown prince. It was a way to show that Doriatessa had achieved the highest honor and yet did not seek any tangible rewards, thus engraving the victory even deeper.

“It is not easy to hone such martial skills. You have shown remarkable martial virtue as if the gods were on your side. Knight who have the gods on their side must be rewarded. Speak your wish.”

“Yes. Then, I have a request for Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

Finally, the time had come. What wish would Doriatessa express from his own mouth? Bard could say that he came to this castle to hear it. The surrounding knight also watched with great interest. These knights were not just subjects of the royal families of both countries. They each had their own territories and were nobles with their own positions and roles. Knight, in essence, were independent and unique beings. As knight, Julelan and all of them could be considered equals. Knight were the ones who upheld justice. Whether Doriatessa’s request in this place was in line with justice, and whether Julelan’s response to it was in line with justice, the knights would witness it. It would soon become widely known to the people of both countries.

Since it was a promised reward, it was the right and duty of the knight and vassal to request it. Both the knight and vassal believed that the rewards promised by their lord would be given to them. If that was neglected, the bond between lord and vassal would be shaken, and the country would perish. The victor must demand a reward befitting their achievement.

Now, Doriatessa. Express your wish in the right words.

Amidst everyone’s watchful eyes, Doriatessa spoke her wish.

2

“Even as a woman, one can acquire the martial skills to win the overall championship at the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. I want you to engrave that in your heart, Your Highness.”

Bard felt perplexed. It should be natural for that to happen without saying it. This statement was equivalent to saying that it was unnecessary. The knights and attendants in the room seemed slightly restless, as if they couldn’t grasp Doriatessa’s intention.

Julelan closed his eyes. He seemed to be pondering the meaning of Doriatessa’s words. A long silence ensued.

Bard also pondered. If Doriatessa wished for the fact that a woman had won the overall championship to be widely known, what would happen? Julelan would order his vassals to take action to fulfill that wish. That would be the end of it. Julelan would have fulfilled Doriatessa’s request. However, Doriatessa’s wish was simply to engrave in Julelan’s heart that if a woman wanted to become strong, she could. She didn’t even mention her own name or honor. She only demanded that Julelan engrave in his heart that a woman could become strong if she wanted to. That’s why, in reverse, Doriatessa’s victory would be unforgettable for Julelan and the knights present. In other words, by winning the highest honor and deliberately not gaining anything tangible, Doriatessa was trying to engrave her victory even deeper.

“I understand. I will do as you wish.”

Julelan’s voice resounded. Doriatessa said,

“Haha. I am truly grateful for this great happiness.”

And expressed words of gratitude. Julelan spoke to Doriatessa again.

“Knight Doriatessa Fafarlen. I will soon marry and have children. A daughter will be born as well. Since there are many places in the harem where male knight cannot enter, I am thinking of establishing female bodyguards. Therefore, I would like to invite you as the instructor for the female bodyguards to Shernelia-hime, who is your master, and her father, His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor. Please keep this in mind.”

Bard was taken aback by this. No one could remain unimpressed. In the great nation of Parzam, the person who was supposed to become the crown prince had decided to establish female martial officers for the protection of important figures in the harem. And as for the instructor, he chose Doriatessa. This showed how much admiration Doriatessa’s martial arts and character had earned. It could be said that there was no greater praise than this. Doriatessa also seemed speechless, overwhelmed by surprise.

It was not just praise. Doriatessa’s request was delicate in terms of whether it matched the significance of winning such a major tournament. Julelan understood the essence of the request and reconstructed the reward into something appropriate. Bard silently praised his disciple, who had achieved such a remarkable feat. At that moment, the knight of Shernelia’s escort raised their voices.

“Regarding Her Highness Shernelia, this is what she says. Knight Doriatessa Fafarlen, if there is an offer from the Kingdom of Parzam to invite you as the instructor for female martial officers, it would be a most delightful matter. At that time, I will immediately accept it as your master. Also, please be aware that His Imperial Majesty has already given his approval in advance.”

Cheers erupted from all corners of the room. Julelan’s declaration of establishing female martial officers, which had implications for the country’s system, was bold, but the fact that the Crown Princess of Goriora practically accepted it without hesitation was also quite audacious. Their exchange hinted at the arrival of a new era. At the same time, everyone in the room must have thought that the two would eventually marry. If a strong bond were formed between Parzam and Goriora, the strongest force on the continent would be born. None of the knights present could fail to sense this. And Bard further thought.

Even if two or three female martial officers were born in the Kingdom of Parzam, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But who knows what this event will lead to in the future. Perhaps today was a day when the history of the continent moved significantly.

“Yafuratsura!” (May you prosper)

Someone shouted, and everyone joined in the cheer. They praised the glory of Parzam, the prosperity of Goriora, Prince Julelan, Princess Shernelia, and the grace of the gods. The cheers and chants continued.

Bard looked at Princess Shernelia. She was smiling. She was smiling, but something felt off. It was as if he could see thunderclouds behind her smile.

I wonder. Is it just my imagination? Princess Shernelia must think that I told Julelan about her secret wish. But that doesn’t matter. She should be happy, not angry. Why does she seem displeased in my eyes?

After thinking for a while, Bard understood. Julelan had understood Princess Shernelia’s wish correctly and fulfilled it in a perfect way. By receiving what she wished for, she owed a debt. Moreover, it was a one-sided debt that she couldn’t think of a way to repay immediately. That was frustrating. Julelan easily saw through her inner thoughts and effortlessly granted what she had longed for but couldn’t achieve. That was what frustrated her. After all, this princess had a competitive personality that was the opposite of her appearance. After they got married, the princess would repay that debt. By assisting Julelan. And Julelan was not a person who would silently let others take the lead. These two would make a good couple, Bard thought.

Doriatessa still didn’t try to stand up. He seemed to be savoring the joy of being rewarded.

3

The location was moved outdoors, and the feast began. The Frontier Marquis provided beef, and a huge piece of meat that had been prepared in advance was being grilled at eight different places. Normally, the meat that knights ate was pork or chicken, so this was truly a generous treat. Fresh vegetables were also served. There was an abundance of alcohol as well.

Julelan and Shernelia made a toast and left. It was nighttime and outdoors, and it was not suitable for their security. Besides, there would be a banquet for the representatives of both countries tomorrow.

Bard was surrounded by a large group of knight and exchanged toasts one after another. When he received the cup for the umpteenth time, he realized that the person in front of him was Gorz Boa, a warrior with a face like a horse. Bard finished his cup and then received a ladle, scooping sake from a barrel and serving it to Gorz Boa. At that moment, he suddenly wondered if there was any significance to the shape of the helmet and the flower attached to it. The helmet was shaped like a shield, and a flower vase was attached to the top. He was curious. One of the nearby knight said,

“That’s right. I was wondering about that too. You ordered your foster father to make the helmet in this shape, didn’t you? Your foster father was also puzzled. And the flower you wear on your helmet, it must be a flower you found yourself. I don’t know if it’s for fashion or showing off, but it looks eerie when you see it up close.”

The knight said. Bard recognized him. He was the knight who had won the striking weapons division by swinging a huge club. Gorz Boa replied to Bard,

“Because Marche praised me.” He said.

He continued, “Marche was a little girl. She was from the village of Rocal. When the village was attacked by enemies, Ode’s troops were nearby and went to help. But the enemies were numerous, strong, and had splendid weapons and armor. All of my allies either died or fled. Ode’s weapons and armor broke multiple times. I wasn’t in trouble because there were weapons lying around, but I was in trouble with the helmet. There were no helmets that could fit Ode head. When my allies are gone and I was left alone, the enemies didn’t approach and shot arrows at me instead. It would be dangerous if an arrow hit my eye. So I picked up a wooden shield and covered my face with it. I could see the front through the gap, so I could fight again. After driving away all the enemies, I collapsed on the spot. My body couldn’t move anymore. The villagers came and started searching for weapons and money from the corpses. Marche gave Ode water and treated his wounds. Marche didn’t say that Ode’s face was scary or eerie. When I asked if she wasn’t scared, she said that she couldn’t be scared of the hero who saved the village. I knew it was a lie, but it was heartwarming. Eventually, the villagers came to Ode and gave me food and expressed their gratitude. Marche gave Ode a flower wreath and put flowers in the wooden shield that I had worn on my face. It was because it was a splendid helmet that protected the hero.”

Gorz stopped talking there. He closed his eyes and bowed his head. It seemed like he was remembering something and suffering. The reason became clear a while later when he spoke again.

“I was recognized for my achievements and became a little more important. After six months, I went to the village of Rocal again. I was ordered to burn down the village and kill all the villagers because the plague had broken out. I didn’t see Marche’s face, but she was probably inside one of the burned houses. So Marche is no longer here. But I want to continue wearing the helmet that Marche praised.”

Those who were listening to Gorz’s story fell silent. They couldn’t help but be silent after learning what this unusual-looking Knight of Parzam carried with him. Then, a giant hand, like that of a bear, embraced Gorz Boa from behind. If a giant like Gorz could be embraced from behind, then the person doing it must also be a giant. It was Gassara Judiel, the Northern Expedition General of Goriora.

“Brave warrior. Here, eat.”

He said, offering a rib of beef with bones.

“Hey! It’s you. Hey, hey! I’ll eat it.”

Gorz bit into the meat with his sharp, jagged teeth. In front of him, a large wooden bowl was offered. It was held by Kirie Halifalth, the renowned swordsman of Goriora. The bowl was filled to the brim with foaming ale. Cold ale went well with the fatty ribs. Kirie didn’t say anything, but his slightly narrowed eyes showed a hint of kindness. Gorz placed the bowl he was holding down and received the ale. Kirie raised the right end of his stylish mustache slightly, showing a faint smile. Gorz, who drank the large bowl in one gulp, let out a loud breath.

“Delicious. It’s delicious.”

He exclaimed deeply. Bard was delighted to see Gorz’s joy. Everyone present must have felt the same. As they became more familiar with Gorz’s monstrous appearance, they could also feel his charm. After Gorz handed the large bowl to Gassara, Kirie’s sake jug was handed to him, and Gorz poured ale for Gassara.

“Great warrior of the North. Drink.”

“Yes. I will drink.”

Parzam and Goriora’s giants had loud voices. Their exchange amused the people around them. Many people offered them ale, and Gorz said to Bard,

“Bard-san, your songs are great. When I heard your songs, I remembered Marche. It felt like her spirit was present in this hall. Thank you for singing for me. Thank you for singing for Marche.”

These words became the trigger, and the knights began to talk about what they remembered when they heard Bard’s songs. There were many sad memories, but the joy of meeting friends with whom they could share and discuss those memories overflowed in the knights’ words.

“Is it true that the prince is a disciple of Sir Rowen?”

Someone whom Bard didn’t recognize asked. No, they must have met somewhere before. He was a young man with black eyes that looked startled, with black hair and beard that had a grayish tinge. “Yes,” Bard replied, and another knight said,

“I told you, Enes Karon. The prince is not someone who just talks. He has been raised by this Sir Rowen since he was a child. He is a true warrior.”

The knight said to the black-eyed, black-haired knight. Hearing this, Holtan Gamber, who served as the judge, said that he had never met a royal with such a strong warrior’s aura. Another knight said that it was a truly splendid praise. It could be said that he was truly the blood of King Wendelland, the “Decisive King.” Some even said that the princess of the imperial country and the prince were a perfect match.

The sake was brought in one after another, and it seemed endless. The more they drank, the more lively they became. The more lively they became, the more their appetites grew, and the sake tasted better. Everyone intended to drink to their heart’s content tonight. The tense atmosphere between the two countries had long been forgotten, and they mingled and drank together. They were cheerful men.

Doriatessa was dragged out and passionately spoke in front of everyone. The atmosphere became extremely lively, and the knights of both countries applauded and cheered. After that, Jurchaga seemed to have appeared, but there was no way for him to come to the knights’ place, so it might have been just their imagination.

Various stories came up. They seemed to have been asked many questions, but Bard couldn’t remember well. He just nodded happily. How he returned to his room that day, he had no memory of it.