Chapter 33

When Alfred refused to accept Johan and his companions, Eric, demonstrating his strength, personally challenged him to a match.

Alfred accepted this and, at the training ground, let Eric choose a practice wooden sword. Eric selected a wooden sword of a suitable size, swung it with a whoosh, and assumed a middle guard stance with a slight forward lean.

This is the basic stance of the Orblan style of swordsmanship, which has been passed down through the generations in Johan's family, the Orblan family.

"I have heard that Your Highness is quite skilled with a sword. However, you do not know what a sword forged on the battlefield is like."

Alfred chose a wooden sword of the same size as Eric and assumed an upper guard stance. Indeed, he was of common birth and had risen to the rank of commander of the knights by earning numerous military honors in the war ten years ago—quite a contrast to Johan, who was born into a noble family.

Perhaps that is why Johan cannot be recognized.

And because Eric knows this, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

"Then, Your Highness, please come at me from any direction... If you fear injury, it would be wise to surrender..."

In this case, even if Alfred were to injure Eric, he could not be held accountable. Eric is a fair and just person, and even if he were to suffer serious injuries, he would not complain.

Alfred's killing intent—once you enter his range, a fatal blow awaits. If you receive his technique, known for his immense strength, even with a wooden sword, it will not be without consequences.

A mage like me could attack from a distance, but how will Eric, who is at a disadvantage in reach, respond...

"What's the matter? Surely you're not afraid—!?" "Don't blink so easily. Don't you know that in battle, you won't even be taught such things?" "Wha—!?"

Alfred did not seem to be negligent. At the moment of a blink, which he read as a breath, Eric entered his airspace.

And he extended his arm to thrust the wooden sword mercilessly at Alfred's throat.

However, Alfred, as expected, is not an ordinary soldier. If a regular soldier were to be targeted at such a moment, it would be the end, but Alfred is different. At the last moment, he blocked Eric's wooden sword with his own... and they exchanged several blows.

From the slight disadvantage Eric was in, it seems that Alfred's power is indeed superior.

"Hmph, the Orblan style is nothing to fear...! I admit that I was caught off guard! However, I will not show any more openings!"

"Don't misunderstand. What you will see now is the Orblan style of swordsmanship—Makurayuki!" "Wha—!?"

Makurayuki, the basic technique of the Orblan style, involves attacking the blind spots at super speed, making the blade seem to disappear. I can see it, but from Alfred's perspective, it must feel like an invisible sword is attacking him.

"Huff, huff, this... this is the Orblan style..."

"Indeed, Alfred. You have reflexively taken a defensive stance against attacks from outside your awareness, avoiding a decisive blow."

"Huff, huff, I must be able to do this much to survive on the battlefield—"

Alfred reestablished his stance and once again assumed an upper guard position. The pressure from the invisible sword technique must have been considerable, but it seems that his spirit has not been broken.

"Alfred here! In terms of spirit, I will not lose to anyone!"

From a position outside the range of the sword, Alfred swung his wooden sword with a whoosh. However, the wind pressure generated by his powerful strike made Eric's feet wobble, causing him to lose his balance.

"This is my chance!"

Alfred, seeing this opportunity, charged at Eric. The ease with which he was going to silence the insolent prince was gone, and he was now determined to take a serious shot, infused with the resolve to defeat a formidable opponent.

"Orblan style, Kuchizashimizu..." "Wha—!?"

Alfred's wooden sword cut through the air. And Eric, who was now back-to-back with Alfred, had his wooden sword at Alfred's throat from behind.

The wobble was an act by Eric—predicting that Alfred would charge in at that moment, he turned around and struck in an instant. This is my speculation based on what I saw, so I'm not sure if it's accurate...

"Johan is much stronger. His arms are much thicker and more powerful. The match was decided with the first Makurayuki..."

"You mean that a protector cannot be weaker than the one they are protecting..."

"That's right. Thank you for understanding."

Thus, Alfred apologized to Johan for his rudeness and decided to cooperate closely to protect the king.

Although there was a bit of conflict, they are both pure-hearted individuals who are dedicated to protecting the country and the king. If they can show their strength, they will be accepted.

Now, the movements of the two major nobles other than Duke Gilbert are concerning. How will they act...