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[EDWARD'S POV]
14 March, 1337
Yesterday, a messenger arrived at the court from London with significant news. The message conveyed that the Earl of Norfolk was summoned to the grand investiture ceremony for the Crown Prince, where a momentous peerage rank was to be bestowed upon him – that of "Duke." This title, "Duke of Cornwall," was to be granted by King Edward III to his eldest son, seven-year-old Edward of Woodstock. It was a momentous occasion, signifying that the young prince was not only the heir to the throne but also the eldest surviving son of the monarch, as stipulated by the Royal Great Charter. As my father departed this morning to attend the ceremony, it was clear that he would remain there until the impending war, which had been looming over London for the past year, drew nearer with each passing day.
A reply from the Earl of Lancaster finally reached us at the beginning of this month, albeit seemingly delayed by a month, which is not uncommon for betrothal proposals in this era, contrasting with the customs of the future where such arrangements are rare. The Earl responded positively, confirming my betrothal with his youngest child. This alliance holds great promise for Norfolk, given that the Earl of Lancaster shares a royal lineage similar to ours and is renowned as the wealthiest peer in the English Kingdom.
In addition to these developments, my fourteenth birthday passed on the 10th of March. We celebrated with a modest feast, during which several peasants were provided with a portion of the meal for their supper. As a special gift from my father, I received a custom-made Wootz steel longsword.
Wootz steel, originating from the Indian Subcontinent and exclusively crafted by master blacksmiths, is among the most costly and highest-quality steel of this era. Its production cost is estimated to exceed a few hundred pounds. This Wootz steel is celebrated for its toughness, resistance to shattering, and the ability to be honed into a sharp, durable edge. The longsword is a masterful creation, its blade forged from the renowned wootz steel, showcasing intricate rippling patterns reminiscent of a starlit sky. Its hilt features a golden lion, the emblem of House Plantagenet, symbolizing both nobility and strength. The lion, expertly crafted in pure gold, stands with regal pride, its eyes aglow with the heritage of a noble lineage. Its flowing mane graces the dark leather-wrapped grip, binding the sword to the illustrious history and honor of House Plantagenet. This longsword is more than a weapon; it is a cherished heirloom that embodies the might and legacy of a regal dynasty, destined to inspire awe and reverence.
Having spent the past month undertaking various quests and carefully managing my resources, I've finally amassed enough SP to acquire the coveted item and skill I've had my eye on. With determination, I take my place in my father's study, seated at his imposing desk, and feign interest in a parchment before I secretly mutter, "Status."
Status:
Name - Edward Plantagenet
Age - 14
Title - Heir of Norfolk, Baron of Wymondham
Martial - 12
Diplomacy - 10
Intelligence - 29
Reputation - B
Wealth - £ 81,024
Skills - Appraise (Lv. 9), Financial Literacy(Lv. 7), Oratory(Lv. 5), Alchemy(Lv. 3), Leadership(Lv. 3), Management (Lv.3)
Level - 12 [1067/1200]
Spare Points - 2
Shop - 157 Pts
With a swift and calculated decision, I opted for the "Shop" feature, and in the blink of an eye, a popup screen materialized before me. I focused my vision on the "information" section, which promptly revealed a list of choices:
- "Lancelot's Radiant Sword Style: Part 1 of 10" – 100 pts
- "Roman-Greco Strategies" – 90 pts
- "Swords of Renaissance" – 75 pts
- "Mines of Europe" – 70 pts
- "Basic Chemistry" – 50 pts
A sly grin crept across my face as I selected the first option and confirmed with a click of 'yes,' causing my total points to plummet from 157 to a mere 57. With the task done, I returned to the "skills" section. My choices included:
- Alchemy: Basic - 100 pts
- Archery: Basic - 90 pts
- Smithing: Basic - 85 pts
- Virtual Map - 75 pts
- Etiquette: Basic - 50 pts
- Lute - 50 pts
- Falconry - 45 pts
- Scribe Skills - 40 pts
- Cooking - 30 pts
- Haggling - 25 pts
Opting for the seventh option, I invested in Falconry, recognizing its potential value in this era. Information moved at a snail's pace, and a critical piece of knowledge could take weeks to arrive in unfavorable terrains. My status promptly updated with the skill of "Falconry" at Level 1, offering a 75% boost to my chances of successfully taming a falcon. With this choice made, I was left with a meager 12 SP in my status screen.
Eagerly, I pulled open the designated drawer, the very spot where the "information" was meant to materialize. There, I found a book with a golden cover and maroon borders, adorned with a silver sword emblem. It appeared to be no thicker than 100 pages. I promptly grasped the book and set it on the table before me.
My heart raced with anticipation as I flipped open the first page, greeted by bold letters declaring "Radiant Sword Style," and just below it, the subtitle "Part-01." At the bottom of the page, in resplendent golden letters, a name was inscribed: "Sir Lancelot du Lac."
In the hallowed annals of chivalry, there exists a name that resounds with the thunderous echoes of glory and honor: Sir Lancelot! A figure of unmatched valor and romantic fervor, he stands as the embodiment of heroic legends. With a sword that gleamed like Excalibur itself, he cleaved through the darkness of tyranny and oppression. His heart, aflame with a love forbidden yet eternal, beat for Queen Guinevere, igniting a passion that defied the boundaries of his code. It was Lancelot, the Knight of the Round Table, who rescued damsels in distress, vanquished indomitable foes, and etched his name in the heavens of knighthood. In the epic Arthurian lore, his story weaves the tapestry of virtue and gallantry, an enduring emblem of timeless heroism that captivates the soul and beckons all to tread the path of honor.
The "Radiant Sword Style," a legacy forged by Sir Lancelot himself, stands as a testament to his exceptional skill, unparalleled experience, and unwavering dedication to the art of the sword. This formidable sword style is a reflection of his life's journey, meticulously developed through years of combat and discovery.
At its core, the Radiant Sword Style is an intricate blend of finesse and power. Lancelot's approach to combat emphasized fluidity and adaptability. Each strike is a symphony of precision, a testament to his mastery over the blade. With the grace of a dancer and the strength of a lion, he wields his sword with unrivaled artistry.
The hallmark of the Radiant Sword Style is its versatility. It seamlessly transitions between offense and defense, making it as effective in a swift counterattack as it is in a relentless assault. Lancelot's keen insight into his adversaries' movements allows him to anticipate their actions and respond with lightning speed.
But what truly sets this style apart is its emphasis on purity of heart and purpose. Lancelot's code of chivalry is woven into every technique, a commitment to protect the weak, uphold justice, and honor love. The Radiant Sword Style serves as both a formidable martial discipline and a path of enlightenment, a legacy that continues to inspire and guide those who seek to walk in the footsteps of the legendary Sir Lancelot.
As I turned the pages of the book, carefully examining its contents, I reached the end of my initial survey. It became evident that the first part of the book was dedicated to the foundational stance of the Radiant Sword Style known as "The Flowing River Stance." This stance symbolized the fluidity and grace of the entire style. Those who practiced it assumed a relaxed yet poised posture, reminiscent of a meandering river. This stance facilitated swift and seamless transitions between offensive and defensive maneuvers. In the whole book, this first style itself is divided into five key chapters:
1. Calm Waters Foundation: The foundation of the Flowing River Stance is akin to still, calm waters. Practitioners are trained to maintain a balanced and centered posture, ensuring stability and control even in the face of an opponent's aggression. It emphasizes maintaining a strong yet flexible base to enable swift movement.
2. Rippling Movement: Like the gentle ripples on a serene river's surface, this aspect focuses on the fluidity of motion. Practitioners learn to move with grace and ease, ensuring that their transitions between attacks and defenses are seamless and natural.
3. Evasion and Adaptability: The Flowing River Stance encourages practitioners to evade and adapt to the changing currents of battle. They are trained to respond to attacks with agile footwork, shifting their stance to avoid danger and create openings for their own strikes.
4. Defensive Flow: This aspect teaches the art of defending while maintaining forward momentum. Practitioners use circular and flowing defensive movements, which not only protect them but also allow them to respond with counterattacks swiftly.
5. Striking from the Current: In this final aspect, practitioners are trained to deliver precise strikes while in motion, mirroring the power of a river's current. This teaches them to remain offensive even as they flow like a river, making them formidable opponents who can both defend and strike with finesse.
With the book in my hand, I left the study and made my way to the training grounds. As I strolled towards the open area, I couldn't help but notice that none of my pesky courtiers had questioned the book I held. I had an excuse prepared, stating that I found it in the abandoned section of the library, but it seemed unnecessary.
Upon reaching the training grounds, I picked up a wooden training sword and placed the book on a nearby bench. I quickly studied the illustrations in the book and positioned myself to mimic the postures. I followed the instructions meticulously, and within the next hour, I had completed the first two chapters, which covered the basic stance and movement. After a short break and a sip of water provided by a nearby servant, I resumed my training.
I progressed through the next three chapters, determined to complete one more before sunset. With the book as my guide, I ventured to the center of the training ground. I shadowed the movements and techniques illustrated in its pages. It took another full hour to master the evasion and adaptation techniques outlined in the book. Satisfied with my progress, I returned the book to the bench and decided to find a training partner.
Since this was my private training ground, located about a hundred meters away from the earldom's soldiers' training ground, I headed there. I observed Sir Sigurd and Sir Osbert engaged in a sparring session focused on sword arts. I had previously encountered Sir Osbert during a sparring match with me, where his martial level had been an impressive 19. However, the bracket now displayed a 16 due to his debuffs from old age. He faced off against Sir Sigurd, who was old, yet not too old, and maintained a martial level of over 20. The difference in their skills was evident, as the older man was sweating profusely, his breathing uneven.
In martial arts, maintaining a steady breathing pattern is crucial, and any disruption can be detrimental. Sensing this, Osbert yielded, saying with a smile, "I yield." It was a wise decision to concede to a stronger opponent. Sigurd reciprocated the smile, saying, "It was a good spar, Sir."
"Yeah, but you always win, don't you?" Osbert replied, wiping the sweat from his brow with a cloth provided by a nearby servant.
"Yes, I suppose so. But I must admit, maybe ten years ago, I wouldn't have stood a chance against you," Sigurd replied humbly.
"Well, age does play tricks on a knight's fighting ability, but one must make the best of what they have," Osbert acknowledged.
Sigurd noticed my presence as I sat on the wooden bench and promptly bowed. Osbert followed suit, also showing his respect. I rose from the bench and approached them.
"What do you say to another sparring session, Sir?" I asked Sigurd in an amused tone.
"I'm always ready for a challenge," Sigurd replied with a smile.
Within moments, I readied myself with the training sword and assumed the stance I had learned from the book.
"Impressive stance, I must say," commented Osbert as he observed the spar from the bench.
I couldn't help but smile and nodded, then signaled to Sigurd to initiate the bout. I executed the movements according to the book's teachings, and to my surprise, I found myself evading Sigurd's attacks quite effectively. However, within the blink of an eye, Sigurd switched his fighting technique, transitioning from an elegant sword style, likely acquired through significant investment, to a more raw, mercenary-style of combat. While the adaptability I had learned from the book helped to some extent, I was outmatched in terms of speed and skill. Within a mere two minutes, Sigurd had disarmed me.
A round of applause emanated from behind as Osbert stood up, clapping in approval. I scratched my head while smiling, accepting the praise graciously.
"Remarkable improvement, milord," Sigurd said proudly, fulfilling his role as the sword instructor.
I nodded and replied, "Yes, sir. I recently learned a new sword style and wanted to refine it with your expertise. That's why I came here to spar." I made sure to acknowledge Sigurd's role in my progress, not wanting to discourage the old knight. After receiving a couple of tips from both knights, I headed back to my chambers and requested that supper be brought there. I was too fatigued to join my family for dinner at the moment.