Everyone looked at the princess cautiously, who seemed not to understand why she was suddenly the center of attention.
"What's the matter?" Hilda scratched her cheek with tension. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Hmm, well, I've heard that northern warriors express attachment in different ways, but that was pretty bold," Seleria thoughtfully pressed her hand to her lips and looked away.
"What are you talking about!? I meant that now that Asura has lost to me in an honest duel, she'll become my Valkyrie!"
The girls stopped feeling embarrassed but still looked at the princess with bewilderment.
"I'm sorry, but I have other plans, so I cannot become your subordinate," Asura said firmly.
"But wait! You lost the warriors' duel to me, so now you belong to me!" Hilda insisted, though those around still eyed her suspiciously.
"Hey, giantess, come here," Vina called out Hilda gruffly and gestured her to move aside. "I've heard something about your traditional warriors' duel. Could you remind me of the rules?"
"Well, if two warriors can't come to an agreement, they arrange a duel, and the winner can do as they please with the loser," Hilda explained, staying firm even as the others still regarded her with suspicion.
"Yes, yes, I've heard that such disputes often end in the death of one participant or marriage if a young warrior wants to win the heart of a beautiful warrior," Vina said.
"Well, you're exaggerating the weddings; nowadays, few girls become Valkyries. They prefer beauty to everything else. But you got the death part right. We often settle problems with severe insults this way," Hilda replied.
"Yes, but what do you need to do to start the duel?" Vina asked.
"Well, you need to unsheathe your weapon against the offender and allow them to do the same. That's enough. If you're not too offended, a simple fistfight will do," Hilda said.
"And I've heard that by refusing the duel, a warrior disgraces themselves?" Vina inquired.
"Of course! Only a coward would run away from a glorious fight!" Hilda exclaimed.
"And even if you risk dying in a fight over a simple hot-headed insult or while drunk?" Vina pressed.
"Death by the hand of a worthy warrior is not considered shameful, regardless of the circumstances of the duel!" Hilda declared.
"And none of this tradition concerns you at all?!" Vina spoke rather loudly, and we all overheard the conversation. Now it was clear what Hilda wanted.
"What's wrong? It's a normal tradition. And Asura lost to me according to all the rules, so she should become a part of my squad. Besides, you have a similar tradition too," Hilda retorted.
"Ugh, what a great tradition. Maybe I should go to Nordrune and defeat a couple of beauties and command them to serve me. Heh heh heh," Rector said, looking at Hilda lasciviously while stroking his beard.
"Grandpa!" Feris kicked the old man angrily, and he immediately fell silent.
Vina sadly hung her head.
"Princess Hilda, let me explain to you; our dueling rules are more civilized," Vina began.
"Are you saying ours are barbaric?!" Hilda narrowed her eyes.
"No, no. They may be considered normal in your country, but our duels happen a little differently. First, you need to agree on the conditions of victory in advance and put something of equivalent value at stake. It doesn't have to be the opponent's life. It could be a treasure or the hand of a beautiful lady. Second, the opponent can refuse the duel if they don't agree with the proposed conditions. Third, death in a duel is considered murder and is punishable by law, except when both participants declared a fight to the death in front of witnesses. But such duels in our peaceful time are quite rare," Vina explained.
"Aaah, it's all so complicated. Oh well, I guess my mistake was not offering Asura the conditions of the duel in advance," Hilda muttered, clicking her tongue. "Guess I should've read the rules better."
"Then forgive me, Hilda, but I am not obliged to serve you according to your traditions," Asura said, her wounds having healed and sitting back in her place. Despite losing blood, she was still capable of enduring until the next battle.
"Too bad. Well then, would you like to become my huscarl?" Hilda asked.
"Umm, sorry, what is that?" Asura inquired.
"Sometimes I forget you use different terms. It's the personal guard of ruling clans. All tans and the great Jarl recruit an elite guard of huscarls. And as the first, I offer you a place as my personal bodyguard," Hilda explained.
"So, like the personal guard of a royal family?" Asura clarified.
Hilda pensively scratched her chin.
"Well, it's very similar, except the huscarl has an exceptional right: if the actions of their ruler contradict the laws and interests of the country, they can pass judgment on them," Hilda said.
"Wow, that's harsh," Katrina exclaimed in surprise.
"What's surprising about it? First and foremost, a warrior is loyal to their people, and only then to their master. If a Tan betrays their people and lets enemies into the country, it's the duty of a faithful warrior to put an end to their treachery by giving them a chance to die in battle," Hilda explained.
"It certainly flatters me, but I cannot accept your offer," I said.
"My offer still stands. Being the first warrior is a great honor. You'll be granted lands, a substantial allowance, and of course, you can have your own servants," Hilda persisted.
"I apologize again, Princess, but I cannot accept your offer. Due to personal reasons, I want to become a knight of Verania, and joining the Nordrune army would only disrupt my plans," I replied.
"What a pity," Hilda sighed sadly. "At least call me Hilda, as I've already mentioned. I'll have to look for other candidates then."
The Valkyrie examined the others present, lingering her gaze on me, Algo, Vivien, and Miriam.
"By the way, since you're here, we haven't been introduced personally besides the official presentation," I decided to break the awkward silence. "I see you were interested in us."
"Yes, indeed. I made inquiries about all promising newcomers in advance, and it turned out that most of them are in this room," Hilda replied.
"Are you assembling your army, Princess?" I asked.
"Sort of. And don't call me Princess; in our country, there's no hereditary transfer of power. The strongest warrior becomes the ruler of Nordrune, and if I can't prove my right, the throne may pass from the Degarun family for the first time in centuries," Hilda explained.
"And you didn't find anything better than seeking warriors from another country?" I found her action somewhat illogical.
"Ha, well, something like that," Hilda awkwardly scratched the back of her head and averted her gaze. "I just had a little disagreement with the council of Tans, and when it was time to recruit my retinue, most warriors refused to join under my banner. But I heard from my father that there are a couple of outstanding warriors in this country too. Asura would have been the best option; she would be recognized not only for her strength but also for her relation to our family. But unfortunately, she can't. Well, you, Krito, were the second candidate."
"Me?" I awkwardly stepped back, but the princess approached closer and began to inspect me from different angles. "For some reason, I feel like a pig at a prize exhibition."
"Hyhm-hyhm-hyhm. Trained a little differently from the usual warrior. It seems you rely more on agility and speed, but at the same time, you've trained your legs and arms to deliver sharp and powerful strikes from close range. In principle, it's similar to Asura, but she relies more on her katana, while you aim to balance between using swords and hand-to-hand combat," Hilda commented.
"You found out so much about me?" I asked in surprise.
"Well, it's evident from your physique. Don't underestimate my skills. And I hope you won't refuse to duel with me under Nordrune rules. By the way, you two also interest me," Hilda turned to Vivien and Miriam. "I've heard about your little school; although you're not very popular, sometimes your school produces great warriors."
"Eh? Th-thank you for the compliment, of course," Miriam replied, lowering her gaze shyly. "But for now, we won't be able to accept. We have other plans at the moment."
"Hilda, if you don't mind, can I try on your ax?" Vivien reached out her hand to the Valkyrie.
"Well, as you wish," the princess easily took the ax from behind her and placed it in front of her on the ground.
Vivien tried to lift the ax but could only slightly raise it off the ground with one hand. Taking it with both hands, she strained and managed to lift it into the air, but it was evident that she could barely hold it.
"Wow, how do you even lift it?" Vivien was clearly amazed by the princess's inhuman strength.
"Haha, that's a trade secret," Hilda said playfully as she effortlessly snatched the ax back and hid it behind her back. "Well, luck isn't on my side today, and you haven't joined. Rumy, maybe you'd consider becoming my warrior?"
"Forgive me, Princess, but I'll decline for now too. I serve Krito, but if he joins you, then maybe I'll change my mind and switch to winter clothes," Rumy replied.
"Great, all that's left for me is to defeat Krito," Hilda said.
"Well, well, you can try," I smirked mischievously. "By the way, why didn't you ask any of our mages?"
Hilda looked at the rest of our guild members with doubt.
"That's because your mages don't suit me very well. You rely too much on magic, and therefore, in close combat, you become practically useless. Magic should help a true warrior become even stronger, not the other way around. That's the principle of our warriors. The only one among you who combines these traits well is Rizel, but I'm afraid Nordrune wouldn't approve of choosing a necromancer. But the ones I dislike the most are merchants," the northern princess glanced at Vina. "Even thieves and assassins have their principles, but merchants are willing to do anything for money."
"That's not true!" Vina crossed her arms angrily.
"Well, you weren't planning to profit from your friends, were you?" Hilda challenged.
"Mmm, okay, enough talking! The audience is getting impatient, and it's time to start the final battle. Ragni, Seli, are you ready?" Hilda announced.
"Yes!"
"I've been ready for a long time!"
"Then let's go."