A Response to Her Voice
Every time two people cross their swords, fresh sparks and fresh blood would scatter. Each of Abel’s attack were answered with a parry and riposte by Sion. But not without Sion receiving also damage by the heaviness of Abel’s swings. Sion’s movement were graceful and flowing. His sword attacks were like a dance. The soldiers watching all held their breaths as they admired the beauty of their motion and also the flurry of blood flowing.
There is only one weapon that Abel has in confronting Sion’s overwhelming sword techniques… that is his determination. He refuses to give up. It is normal to hesitate when staring down at a blade, but Abel overcomes this hesitation. By swallowing his fears, he steps forward every time their blades met. By stepping in instead of stepping away, Abel minimized the lethality of Sion’s attacks. Together with his armor, he was wounded but not fatally.
“To be able to stand against me this long… you are really somebody I can’t underestimate.”
“Hah. I’m glad to I did not let you down.”
Abel smiles but it was a strained one. Abel felt that Sion’s slashes are becoming more and more powerful. For a genius like Sion, adjusting his sword attacks while fighting is probably like a child’s play.
I don’t think I can last any longer. The next one is probably the last one.
Abel sighs. Then he kneels in one knee out of pain. He changed his gaze slightly and noticed Mia
That’s right… I can’t give up yet.
Taking a deep breath, Abel stands up again.
“Get ready, Prince Sion. It’s time to end this!”
Abel gripped his sword and willed all of his strength into this one final strike.
“Please stop! Both of you will really die!”
Seeing the two of them, Mia raised her desperate plea again. Tears running down her face without her even knowing or caring. To her horror, her voice doesn’t seem to reach anybody. Their weapons were drawn, and she could feel that this will be the last strike.
Ahh… In the end, my words don’t reach them or anybody after all …
She remembers the previous timeline. She travelled with Ludwig through the empire. She pleaded again and again with them, speaking as the Princess of the Empire. But her words were lost in a sea of anger and hatred. Ultimately her efforts proved useless. She failed to win the trust of her people.
It’s the same as that time.
Mia was filled with despair as she stared at the two people who were about to slash each other. If she thinks about it, it may be inevitable. Faced with people who have already drawn their swords and determined to fight, words are powerless.
That’s why Mia’s words… don’t reach anyone.
…or did they?
Does Mia’s voice really not reach anyone? Absolutely not! Eventhough her words don’t reach the duelling princes, the bonds she had forged would carry her voice. And who was listening to her voice? Her faithful retainers, of course.
“Now, aren’t you two just a bunch of troubles.”
Something flew past Mia in a blur. In its wake, the tears that ran down Mia’s cheek fluttered in the air, shining brightly.
“Aren’t you two terrible for making my little Princess cry?”
That something that flew past was a someone. And he did not stop until he was in the center of the duel. Abel swung his sword down and Sion swept his up. There was a loud clang – actually two clangs. Then both of the princes’ swords were flying in the air.
The princes then froze when the man who disarmed them pointed a sword to them. One sword for each prince’s chest.
Dion Alia, a sword in each hand, then smiled.
“My princess is a crybaby, you know. So, I would appreciate it if you don’t give her a reason to cry.”
“Ah……”
The sudden appearance of an ally brought a wave of relief to Mia. She did not realize how tense and nervous she was. Now it was all released, and she can feel her body weaken.
Mia’s knees started trembling and she fell back. But she did not fall into the hard ground, instead something soft and tender hugged her.
“Mia-sama …!”
It was a nostalgic voice. Mia spun around to see a familiar face.
“Oh, Anne…”
Her first and most loyal vassal held her in her arms with tears in her eyes.
“Anne, Anne…”
Mia hugged Anne and buried her face in her chest sobbing.
“Knave! You dare point your weapon at His Highness Prince Abel? Lower it at once!”
It was the man who had been entrusted with guarding Mia, Bernardo the Adamantine Spear. And he was glaring down at Dion.
“It’s unthinkable to intrude upon a sacred duel between royalties.”
“Ah, well, I guess you’re right. Must have been hard on you resisting to help your beloved prince. And then I just selfishly come and join in the fun. Annoying, isn’t it? But then again, my allegiance is not sworn to any of these princes. ”
“Shut up! That rudeness is worthy of death! Consider your life forfeit!”
Immediately after, Bernardo started running towards Dion. Dion just smiled. Then he stabbed to the ground the sword in his left hand. He then switched his right-hand sword into a two handed one. He watched his approaching foe with a delightful grin.
Author’s Note:
Merry Christmas!
Have a nice Christmas, everyone.
