The Promise That Hasn’t Been Fulfilled
Heavenly moons, this is strange…
Mia tilted her head in confusion at the situation that was unfolding before her.
I mean… I did say it after all. I said that I came here for him. According to Elise’s story, at times like these the next step should be something romantic… a hug probably? Or at least a smile? and then everyone smiles as well, the atmosphere is lifted, and we all go home problem solved!?
That’s why Mia was waiting with her arms wide open, expecting a hug from Prince Abel. For some reasons, incomprehensible to her, the focus of the story has shifted to Abel and Sion instead of Mia.
Oh, this seems to have happened before. While we were eating our sandwiches at the swordsmanship tournament, these two went off with their own conversation and left me hanging…
“Our roads are wide and flat, so it should be good enough place for a duel.”
When Mia looked at them again, the two were already walking away.
“Prince Abel! Wait! A duel… you can’t!”
Mia rushed to catch up but was stopped by Bernardo.
“Bernardo, I specially command you. Protect Her Imperial Highness Princess Mia. Make sure that no harm comes to her.”
“Are you sure?”
“I need the princess to bear witness to the legitimacy of this duel. She is neutral, coming neither from Sunkland or Remno. If the King of Sunkland complains, she can testify for what happened.”
“No! Prince Abel! This is all wrong!”
“I was looking forward to seeing you again, Princess Mia. I only wished it happened under better circumstances. I wish… we could have…”
Abel shakes his head a little and smiles at her.
“Hahaha. All that resolve and determination, and now that this time has finally arrived, I’m getting cold feet.”
As if to cut off that feeling, Abel looks away from Mia.
“Prince Abel!”
Mia’s scream failed to move Abel. He did not look back. His eyes were now set firmly on the boy standing in front of him.
“Did Mia’s words do not reach you?”
“No matter who it may be, they can’t stop me now. You also know this, Prince Sion.”
“Abel Remno, do you choose to die for your rotting kingdom?”
“Rotten or not, a king is still needed. A world without order is hell. Chaos breeds suffering, and the people will be its kindling.”
Without a king, order would collapse. Bandits will swoop in. People will suffer more. Peace would end.
“If the throne is corrupted, it’s my job to correct it, nor yours.”
There was a tone of finality in Abel’s voice. He said no more as he unsheathed his sword.
“Still, I can’t overlook you trampling over your own people.”
To that end, Sion was willing to do a military intervention to remove a corrupt regime. The views of Sion and Abel are irreconcilable. Abel chose to side with order and loyalty to his kin and kingdom.
“If you are to partake in oppressing the people, then you shall fall before my sword, Abel Remno.”
Sion pulled out his sword, glaring at Abel with a sharp look.
Just like in the swordsmanship tournament, Abel lifted his sword high above his head. It is his trademark aggressive stance. Sion, on the other hand, hangs his arms loosely and is ready to parry and counter.
“Don’t think that it will be the same as the last time. You won’t catch me off-guard again.”
“I don’t intend to. You know well that this is the only attack that I am confident about.”
The next moment there was a burst of movement… and it came from Sion. He dashed forward in a surprise attack! Keeping his body low to the ground, he dashed forward into striking distance.
Knowing Sion’s uses a counter-attack style, Abel was caught unprepared with this sudden attack. He reflexively stepped back, which gave Sion the opening he needed to attack.
Sion’s advantage, however, was short-lived. Eventhough Abel’s balance was impaired, and his feet were not firmly planted, he brought down his sword while stepping back. It was at such a speed and force that Sion had to stop his own attack midway and try to defend himself.
“Guh!”
The heaviness of the blow far exceeded Sion’s expectation, and he raised his sword just in time to receive Abel’s downward strike. The two weapons collide with such a force that Sion also had to step back.
“Such power eventhough you are not in a perfect stance. I can just imagine how much heavier your strike could be if you were in a good position.”
Sion remarked as he continued to back off.
“I see … I wasn’t the only one who was training for the rematch.”
“As you can see, I’m not a genius like you. And since I am trying to surpass a genius, I needed to go the extra mile.”
Abel, who has regained his stance, launches an attack this time.
“I admire your effort. But victory against me won’t be so easy.”
From a powerful step, Sion tilts his sword and parries it. Sparks flew over the blades. Abel’s force was too heavy that Sion’s parry couldn’t catch up. A bloody gash appeared on Sion’s arm.
Yet it did not faze him.
“Haaa!”
Immediately after, Sion started his attacks. Sion did not use his signature riposte before. But this has all changed as his sword hit Abel’s side with precision. It cut through Abel’s side… But Abel took it without wincing. Instead, Abel roared and drove his shoulder into Sion.
“Haaaa!”
“… Ku. So this is your plan against me? You plan to close the gap instead of stepping away? I must say, I am impressed, Abel Remno.”
“Well, I must also say that you are no pushover yourself, Sion. One wrong move and I am a dead man. I am wearing a chainmail and you were still able to cut through it easily.”
Abel said with a laugh while patting on his bloody side.
Firstly, I hate translating action scenes. They are hard… But oh well. Have to deal with it.
Secondly, What is your opinion of the title of the Webnovel? Do you think it could be better?
