Leon's eyes were closed, but he could still disarm James. He lunged right at James and placed his sword on his neck.
"You lose Young Lord James." Leon said lazily.
"B-But, h-how?" James said in disbelief.
"Sir Leon is the winner of this duel." I heard Larry say. "Sir Leon as the winner, since you are the duel winner, you can state your demand to the loser." Larry said looking at Leon.
Leon was yawning and lazily looking at James.
"Kneel before my princess Alicia and ask her for forgiveness." Leon said coldly.
"You want me to kneel in front of that bastard." James said boiling in rage.
After hearing James' words rage passed through Leon's eyes, the blade of James' sword bit into Leon's throat and started to bleed.
"Would you rather let me humiliate you in all of Ethiopia?" Leon said.
As the loser of a duel, the loser must meet the winner's demands against all odds. If he weren't capable of fulfilling the requests, then he would be humiliated. James was the heir of the Johnash dukedom. Not being able to meet the demands of the champion of the duel would have been more shameful, than losing that duel itself.
As for kneeling to the kingdom princess, it was more acceptable than bringing humiliation to his family name.
James clenched his fists and his burning anger was evident on his face,
"Alright." James yelled.
Leon withdrew his sword from James. I saw him walk towards me as he stopped and kneeled.
"Third princess Alicia Heist Johns, I James Johnash would like to ask you for your forgiveness." James said.
I was shocked. This was the first time somebody asked me for my forgiveness.
"I...um..." I was left speechless. I looked at William with questioning eyes.
"As a princess, you can bestow punishment towards what he has done to you." William said. "I suggest that you can slap him back." He continued.
"B-But." I never really slapped anyone before in my life.
"As a princess, you must show your authority to other servants and people around her Highness." Leon said. He was now standing behind me. He looked at me in seriousness.
He was right. Many people were observing us. If I didn't do something, everyone may return to regard me as the same weakling princess.
I don't want that. Now, with Leon by my side, I want to get stronger. I wanted Leon to see me as a strong lady worthy of his service.
I collected my resolve. I looked at the man kneeling before me with great seriousness that only a royal member would have.
"Look up, young lord James." I said with a commanding tone.
Once James looked up, I slapped him hard on both his cheeks.
"Do not forget your place." I said with dignity. "I may be a bastard but I still have royal blood flowing through my veins. My status is still higher than yours."
James looked at me with serious hatred but stayed silent and bit his lips.
"I will forgive you for now, but the next time I hear you calling me a bastard, you will get the punishment you deserve." I said with a stern voice.
I looked around maintaining my royal aura. I looked as the others looked in amazement and awe.
"I will now take my leave." I said as I started walking to my room. Leon, William and Tricia followed behind me.
"That b*tch!" Lisa whispered to herself. "So confident now that you have a personal knight. Well that won't last long."