Reunion and Duel
“Have we heard anything from the rebels yet?”
As the horses line up, a tall man who has been assigned as Abel’s guard, raises a sharp voice. The man’s name is Bernardo Vigil, who have a thick mustache and sharp eyes like a hawk. He is the head of Remno Kingdom’s Immediate Response Army Unit.
He is also known as Adamantine Spear, because of his prowess in battle and because of his choice of weapon. Unlike a normal spear made of wood with a metal tip, his spear was fashioned from a single steel rod. It was too heavy for a normal human to even carry, let alone wield. But the Adamantine Spear uses it with ease. And hence, the nickname.
Unlike the Diamond Legion who was yet to prove their mettle in battle, the Adamantine spear was a veteran knight who has destroyed numerous bandits, won all battles with neighboring countries, and raised his martial arts each time.
Now I understand how this is supposed to work. The actual commanding will be done by Bernardo, and I’m just here as a decoration and claim credit for this campaign.
Abel came to this conclusion after observing the dynamics of what was happening.
“Prince, how do you want to proceed? I think we have given them more than enough time. Fortunately, Senia has low walls and the barricades built by the rebel are weak. It won’t be difficult to break through.”
Contrary to Abel’s prediction, Bernardo properly asks Abel in every important decision. Despite the prevailing tendency to make light of the weak-willed Prince, the veteran commander always lent a willing ear to Abel’s thoughts. It was a perfect display of his respect to him and to the chain of command. But this also means that every decision weighed heavily on Abel because the decision to supress his own people would be by his own judgement and command.
“A prince’s duty, huh?”
Abel quietly muttered. He then straightened his back and looked forward…
“It will be problematic if we let it be. To boost the morale of the soldiers, we should strike…”
“Report! There is a new report from the town.”
A scout rushed into the commanding camp. The tension built up.
“What? Did they send a messenger?”
Bernardo’s sharp question was answered by the young soldier with a confused look.
“No, I mean… that’s… two children are coming… and they want a meeting with His Highness Prince Abel.”
“It’s stupid. The rebels wanting to see Prince Abel in person? And they are just kids? Who do they think they are?”
“Well, that’s… they’re not ordinary children. They claim to be His Highness’ schoolmates…”
“His schoolmates…? What on earth …”
“Excuse us.”
A boy appeared, pushing away the messenger’s explanation.
The dignified behavior and the overwhelming atmosphere of a king opened the way through the soldiers as if they were under pressure.
“Sion Sol Sunkland, why are you here? No, wait… does that mean… that’s no way…”
Abel widened his eyes in astonishment. He saw her right behind Sion…
“Princess Mia …”
“It’s been a long time, Prince Abel. I missed you.”
Platinum-colored hair that shines like moonlight in the sunlight, beautiful eyes with deep intellectual brilliance, and shiny skin. That day, she was wearing the same beautiful sparkle as that party night dance. It was Mia Luna Tearmoon who appeared in front of Abel Remno.
“So do I. I missed you terribly. But how I wish I was the aim for your visit.”
“Oh? Are you saying there was another reason for me visiting you?”
Mia tilts her head quizzically. But Abel knew her well that this was just an act. Of course, it may be that she came to see him. But it was just happenstance. She surely came to the end of this stupid battle. It didn’t seem for Abel that Princess Mia, the Wisdom of the Empire, would come all the way here just to see him.
Maybe Princess Mia won’t take my side… Still, I …
Just for a split moment, Abel’s determination wavered.
“Prince Sion, how about you? I assume you did not come here just to see me like Princess Mia?”
“Oh, that’s right. At first, I was only going to escort Princess Mia… but at this point, I can’t standby doing nothing.”
Sion lightly touches the handle of the sword on his waist.
“It was a little earlier than I expected. But it is time to fulfil the promise of rematch from the summer.”
Abel was caught off-guard by the sudden declaration. But he quickly collected himself…
“That means… you’re challenging me to a duel?”
“If you return to the royal capital without pulling out your sword, then we can wait until the winter swordsmanship tournament.”
Abel tried to answer Sion. But Bernardo stepped forward.
“You don’t have to listen to him, Your Highness. To challenge the prince and commander of an army to a single combat is absolutely stupi-…”
“Stand down, Bernardo. The crown prince of Sunkland has placed his life on the line for the justice he believes in. If I decline the challenge, it will affect the morale of the soldiers.”
Abel dismisses Bernardo’s advice. Then, he glanced at Mia and smiled slightly.
And because I can’t just back down in front of her.
Exhaling a little, Abel declared.
“So be it, Prince Sion. Let us duel.”
