"Victory goes to Val!" Marshall boomed, his voice echoing across the training grounds. His face held a smile, clearly impressed by the fight he had just witnessed.
"Val!"
"Val!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, calling Val's name over and over again as if they were fanatics. This was how the Northerners showed their respect to the strong.
Eliana, standing among the crowd, felt a sense of joy washing over her. Oliver was just a stranger to her, but Val... Val was her man. To see him come out victorious was a source of happiness for her.
On the other hand, Alfred was surprised but also quite pleased. The youngest son of the Lord of Thunder, known to be the best swordsman under the age of 20, had been bested by Val.
'He is far more skilled than I gave him credit for,' Alfred thought to himself, appreciation for Val's talents replacing his initial shock.
