Chapter 54

"Um, does that mean there will be 15 matches at the beginning with 30 participants?"

"Yes, look, this is the match-up chart."

I hadn't noticed the paper in my hand, and I took it as my mother-in-law suggested.

The first match was with Sir Percival, and I was so surprised that I opened my eyes wide and froze.

Considering the imposing presence of my father-in-law, I was seriously worried about my heart with Sir Percival's match being the first one.

And at the very end of the matches, Prince Frey's name was there. Indeed, they wouldn't face each other until the final.

"Each match is 5 minutes, with no overtime. If there's no clear winner, the judges will decide based on how many hits were landed and what would have happened if they were real strikes. Participation in the martial arts tournament isn't just for those who volunteer; they need to be recommended. So, Percy is properly recommended and can participate. He won't lose easily, don't worry."

"Y-Yes...!"

I clasped my hands at my chest and gripped them tightly.

The sound of a trumpet rang out again. I could tell from the armor that Sir Percival had entered from the left.

From the right, a knight with a similarly well-built physique entered. Sir Percival seemed a bit thinner, but he was probably about the same height. The knights, without their mantles and with the same emblem on their chests, faced each other in the center of the Colosseum, and the crowd cheered.

I didn't even notice the cheers. Sir Percival was focused only on the front. He must have known I was here, but that wasn't on his mind right now.

He was only thinking about defeating the opponent in front of him. I could tell.

They both drew their swords and took their stances. Sir Percival held his sword with one hand, positioning his body sideways so that the blade and his body were in a straight line.

In contrast, the opponent held his sword back and made a fist with his other hand, holding it forward.

I'm practically a novice when it comes to combat. I only know what I've seen in fiction, so I don't understand how these stances are advantageous or disadvantageous.

"Watch," Sir Percival had said. I held my breath and didn't blink, focusing only on Sir Percival, determined not to miss a single moment.

The crowd's cheers drowned out the start command, but the referee must have said "begin."

Sir Percival and his opponent moved to close the distance simultaneously.

The opponent's fist lunged toward Sir Percival's helmet at a speed that made me want to scream.

Sir Percival must have read this from the start. He avoided it easily, but the opponent's sword was already thrusting forward. I instinctively covered my mouth to stifle a scream, but Sir Percival was one step ahead.

With his sword already positioned in front of his body, Sir Percival thrust his sword at the gap between the opponent's helmet and armor as he dodged.

When the opponent's sword was thrust from behind, Sir Percival's sword had already struck the opponent's helmet, sending it flying. The opponent, surprised, lost his balance and fell on his buttocks.

"Winner! Percival!"

During the match, everyone in the audience had been holding their breath. The match was over in an instant, but everyone had watched every move with bated breath.

The referee's voice broke the silence.

Amidst the loud cheers, Sir Percival sheathed his sword and offered his hand to his opponent.

Perhaps it was hot, but Sir Percival, having removed his helmet, finally turned to me and waved with a smile.

I could only nod, tears welling up in my eyes, feeling a different kind of heart palpitation and a warmth in the back of my eyes.