The expected outcome had been turned completely upside down, at least for Drakos and the other knights in the audience. Others were left startled by the sudden change, but the experienced knew how trivial but astonishing the turnover was.
"What was that?"
Elizabeth looked expectantly at Cedric. He seemed to know what had happened.
"He changed his strategy."
Being defensive was opening his posture up. The longsword, when coupled with the strength that Tomoe was applying in her attacks, was forcing him to fight a losing battle.
"Before, he was protecting himself. Now, he chose to attack his opponent."
He was being defensive to counter an attack. When the opponent went out of their way to make the most of the offensive, he had no chance.
"In theory, all he did was take advantage of the huge opening that Tomoe had created in her attempt to finish the round. But the mental fortitude and confidence required to barge in with that move after being helplessly pushed back was the most impressive part."
All of this, and the chant.
"Usually, people talk provocatively before or after a duel. It may harm their confidence, or they may brag about their victory. This, however, was done with neither of those intentions."
Historically, knights use their speeches to rally their troops when morale is low. This chant was also similar to that.
"He chanted those words out to strengthen his resolve."
On the brink of losing, he pulled a miracle out of nowhere.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Tomoe was frozen. The sword was still at her throat.
"Return to your positions."
Laurent moved in to break them up. Before he could get close, Gawain jerked his arm downwards to put the sword away. Without sparing a glance for either of them, he walked back to his position.
Laurent turned his sight towards Tomoe. Her face expressed deep shock. Sympathizing with her current state, he asked,
"Do you intend to forfeit?"
Her eyeballs moved towards the officiator.
'Forfeit?'
A moment ago, she was in the winning position. She was being asked to forfeit. To her mind, all of this seemed like a nightmare.
"If you don't respond-"
"I-I can continue."
She turned around to walk back to her spot. Internally, her brain was working overtime to rectify the error in her previous line of thought.
"I can't falter."
She turned to face the boy once again.
His eyes were observing all of her movements with strong intent.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
He answered, and she nodded her head.
The officiator raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Her legs carried her forward. Once again, the boy matched her speed. One strong slash from the right met with an equally powerful attack from the left. Their hands were constantly moving, deflecting each other's strikes one after the other.
Sparks were flying. The shield was but a mere spectator to the conflict in the initial phase. This was a bout between the long-sword and the short-sword, and both of them were replying to each other in the form of an equal, but asymmetrical thought.
Her sword felt heavier than before. One fight away from the final duel, she had met an opponent that had successfully tired her out, both physically and mentally. Her grip on the sword was getting tighter, but her speed with her weapon was slowly fading away.
'Clang!'
She became preoccupied with the act of catching up with him. A short burst and her attacks get more powerful. Four slashes in, her opponent knew what he had to do.
His shield took the front stage. Sliding on its surface, the long sword found itself missing its mark.
A strong gust of wind flutters her hair backward. Betraying the efforts of their acquaintance, the short-sword found its way. Her recklessness was rewarded with another loss.
"5 Points! Winner of this round, Gawain!"
This time, she hadn't underestimated him.
This time, he had outright defeated her.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"They said that the council member was disgusted by commoners."
"Lies. The council is supposed to be fair to everyone. Hating the commoners would put the former prime knight in a bad position."
Regina and Godwin were inside the Perseus House chambers. Joan had invited them in because they weren't allowed into the arena today.
Between the three of them, Joan was more or less confident about the result. The mother-son duo was glancing at the door from time to time, waiting for Celia to bring in the news.
"It is more likely that one of the nobles complained about your attitude yesterday."
Her look was meant specifically for Godwin, who lowered his head.
"I didn't-"
"You don't have to apologize."
He raised his head and said,
"I wasn't apologizing to you."
He turned towards Regina, who smacked him on the back of his head.
"This is exactly the attitude that she was talking about. You are training to be a priest. Learn to act like one."
He lowered his head and rubbed it slowly,
"...sorry."
"Look at her, and say it loudly."
"I am sorry!"
Joan was left speechless.
"I apologize for his behavior."
Regina turned towards her and softly bowed.
"You don't have to apologize!"
Joan waved both of her hands in protest.
"Everyone!"
The knob turned, and the door slammed open.
Celia made an appearance. Her eyes were red, and she was panting loudly.
"Did he win?"
Regina immediately asked the question.
A smile brimming with joy, followed by a simple nod of affirmation.
"He did it!"
Godwin stood up and pumped his fist in the air. His tears instantly dried up, and the pain vanished.
Regina looked at Joan, expecting her to share her pride.
"This..."
Joan didn't look happy. Her expression had somewhat darkened.