That day, the city of Saint Delavan suddenly became lively. Thanks to some intentional hype, what was originally a straightforward duel suddenly turned into a major event. Yesterday's conflict had spread throughout the city, with exaggerated stories flying around. Some even believed that Linton was on the same level as Baier, speculating that the match might actually be competitive. Initially, the duel attracted only those curious about seeing the Golden Phoenix Knight in action, but now, more people wanted to join in on the excitement.
As the time for the duel approached, the city streets became deserted, with everyone heading to the arena in the north of the city, where it was packed with people. The turnout was far beyond what even the emperor had anticipated, and additional guards had to be dispatched to maintain order. Watching the trial by combat was originally free since it was essentially a public execution, but now some were even willing to pay for seats, showing just how many people had come.
The duel was set for noon, but some people had come early in the morning to secure spots, turning the event into something that resembled a festival, almost losing the original intent of a trial. Regardless, noon approached quickly, and with the arrival of a squad of royal guards, the once-rowdy arena suddenly fell silent. The emperor was about to arrive.
Emperor Wiggly Luka Adele Bon Gasson, the 12th Emperor of the Holy Ilan Empire, was highly regarded by the people, seen as a relatively good ruler. As such, when he appeared, the crowd respectfully quieted down.
Besides the emperor, other notable royal figures were present as well: Empress Antina, the Grand Princess Flora, and the Third Princess Yalan. The crowd was surprised to see so many royal family members attending the trial, but considering that it involved the injury of the Crown Prince, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
There was, however, one detail unknown to the public. The main reason for Emperor Wiggly and Empress Antina's presence was to see Linton—specifically because of the Third Princess. Yes, as agreed, when the Third Princess returned, she declared that she had found true love and vowed her life to Linton. Emperor Wiggly was, predictably, furious, but before he could address it, the beast attack that injured the Crown Prince took priority.
In the days that followed, Emperor Wiggly didn't bring up Linton again, but he announced that he would attend the duel, clearly aware of Linton's involvement. Princess Yalan speculated that her father hadn't mentioned Linton because he assumed Linton wouldn't survive the trial. If Linton died in the duel, the matter would resolve itself.
Princess Yalan could only hope that Linton wouldn't cause too much of a scene. Despite her blind confidence, knowing Linton's past and having witnessed his fighting skills, she believed he could win—even though his opponent was a renowned knight. But Yalan also knew that Linton had a penchant for stirring up trouble.
"I hope he follows the advice and doesn't use mental magic," Yalan thought. Revealing his true identity in such a situation would be disastrous.
"Are you worried about him?" a voice beside Yalan asked. Turning her head, she saw her sister, Princess Flora. Flora looked very much like Yalan, except she had inherited their father's golden hair, whereas Yalan had sea-blue hair. Their personalities and demeanor differed slightly, but both were stunningly beautiful. The two sisters were quite close, and Flora's presence here, though unnecessary, was likely because she was curious about her sister's "beloved."
"Yes," Princess Yalan nodded. She was worried, though not in the way others might think.
"The man you've fallen for certainly knows how to cause trouble. He's only just arrived here and has already stirred up such a commotion," Princess Flora commented. "But standing on the dueling stage for his family does show some sense of responsibility. Let's hope he survives."
"…" Yalan didn't know how to respond.
"Shall I have someone quietly tell the Golden Phoenix Knight to spare his life?" Flora offered.
"No, I trust him," Yalan replied.
"Really? The Golden Phoenix Knight is at the pinnacle of the nine-star swordsman level, just a step away from becoming a saint. This is no joke," Flora said, surprised.
"Well… probably." Yalan wasn't sure of Linton's exact strength, but with the magical beast as a reference, she believed he'd be okay—though the issue of mental magic still worried her.
"You're telling me this guy is at the nine-star level?" Flora became serious. If Linton were truly a nine-star swordsman, he would be a national treasure, given his age.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I believe in him," Yalan could only say.
"I see," Flora smiled, seemingly understanding. Was this what they meant by "beauty is in the eye of the beholder?" She hadn't expected her sister to have fallen for this troublemaker so deeply. Still, Flora didn't believe Linton was at the nine-star level.
"That kid is definitely strange," came another voice behind them. Both princesses turned to see their teacher, the court mage, Leifa.
"Teacher, you've come to watch the duel?" Princess Flora asked in surprise.
"I came to see the boy," Leifa said.
"Do you know him?" Flora asked.
"He's tricked my master more than once," Leifa said through gritted teeth. "He's been staying at my master's estate, teaching him strange magic. The boy's infuriating; every time, he leaves me fuming."
"Strange magic?" Yalan was startled, hoping it wasn't mental magic.
"Some kind of duplication technique or something. My master finds it interesting," Leifa explained.
"Archmage Kortweik?" Flora was surprised. "Now I'm curious."
"It sounds like nonsense to me," Leifa said. "Anyway, as my disciples, you should ignore such weird magic. Focus on what I've taught you."
"Yes, teacher," the two princesses nodded. Yalan sighed in relief—it didn't seem to be mental magic.
As they conversed, the trial below officially began. First, a bishop-led tribunal took their seats at the temporary courtroom set up next to the arena. Shortly after, both the plaintiff and the defendant were brought out. The plaintiff, naturally, was Kroze, and this trial was held in his name. Although he hadn't selected the trial knight, the matter was largely out of his hands and rested with the royal family. The defendant, of course, was Gasson.
"Before the Holy Spirit, I, Cardinal Duma Meglion of the Holy Ilan Empire, preside over this sacred trial in the name of the Holy Church," the bishop declared, reciting scripture before announcing the trial's commencement. A cleric then summarized the charges against Gasson before questioning him.
"Gasson Melovey, do you admit to these charges?" Meglion asked.
"I deny them. I am innocent and had no involvement in this incident," Gasson replied. "I request a sacred trial by combat."
"Very well," Meglion nodded. This had already been decided, and the inquiry was just a formality. "In the name of the Holy Church, I beseech the Holy Spirit to judge this matter. The trial by combat is approved."
With the church's approval, the trial by combat gained legal standing. After this ceremonial start, the arena staff quickly took over, and a host stepped onto the stage. "Now, let's welcome the two champions. First, representing the Holy Spirit, the trial knight, the Golden Phoenix Knight, Shaw Baier!"
The arena erupted in cheers. Most of the audience was there to see this legendary knight, and Baier did not disappoint. As the Holy Spirit's representative, Baier wore his beautiful armor, draped with a white and gold cloak. He radiated an aura of holiness. This was the image people thought of when they heard the word "knight."
"And from the west, representing the defendant, from the Melovey family, Linton Melovey!" the host continued.
Amid the crowd's astonished gazes, a young man, not even twenty, strutted onto the stage with an arrogant gait. His demeanor practically screamed "cocky."
"Hey, why didn't you announce my nickname?" Linton shouted at the host.
"Nickname? Uh…" the host hesitated. "What would that be?"
"I'm Linton, also known as 'The One Who Killed Marco with a Single Punch.' That's a big deal, so remember it," Linton said.
The host's eye twitched. What kind of nickname was that? And who was Marco, anyway? Why was he so unlucky to become someone's nickname?
In the stands, Princess Yalan facepalmed. She knew Linton's personality, but did he have to start like this? She glanced at her sister, Princess Flora, who was barely holding back her laughter.
"Your tastes are getting more… unique," Flora commented.
"Let me be," Yalan muttered.
Down in the arena, the host, clearly fed up with Linton, quickly moved things along. "Alright, are both sides ready? Let's not waste time…"
"Hold on," Linton interrupted. "Can I say a few words?"
(End of Chapter)