Swordsmanship Tournament Part 5: Promise of Rematch
A high-pitched metallic sound echoes in the arena. It was the second time in this match that the two blades met. There was a subtle change in the match. For the viewers, it seemed trivial, unnoticeable. But for the two fighters in the ring, the change was night and day.
“I see, so you are now really getting serious?”
Abel said while grimacing from the feeling from the clash of the swords. It would have been better if he felt his sword deflected or if he felt a strong resistance from a block. However, his slash met without much resistance. The momentum of his strike has been parried. He nearly lost his balance that he had to dig his heels into the ground to keep from falling over.
“No, I know you might not believe me, but I’ve always been serious since we started the match.”
While staring at Abel quietly, Sion gave a weak smile.
“Knowing really isn’t everything. I know where your strike is coming from, but still, it took me almost everything to parry it. Your overhead slash is the real deal.”
Sion smiled as he slowly lowered his sword and positioned it for a lower stance.
“In honor of that sharp attack of yours, let me offer you an advice. If you do the same attack once more… then it will surely be your defeat, Prince Abel.”
Sion’s smile now changed. What was a weak smile before, has turned into a ferocious smile. Abel realizes that he is not lying…
“Well then. There’s only one thing I can do.”
Abel raised his sword high above his head. His attitude hasn’t changed at all. It was going to be the exact the same attack.
“Does this mean that you are giving up?”
Sion sees Abel’s unchanging stance and frowns slightly. Abel laughed in response.
“Give up? No. This is how I will win, Prince Sion.”
“Really? Well, it seems like I might have not given you the due respect you deserve. Allow me to change that. Abel Remno. I will do my best to defeat you.”
If Abel listened to Sion’s words and changed his tactics, Abel’s defeat would have been certain. There is no attack that could have let him win in front of Sion’s genius in swordplay. But Abel did not waver. He took the same stance that he was most confident in. It was not because he is giving up, but because there is nothing else he can do to win. There was a determination in his eyes. This next attack would be harder, faster, and even more powerful than before.
Sion acknowledged Abel’s wordless challenge. He does not see him as a mere opponent but as a rival. A respected rival who is willing to bet everything he has to gain victory. It was only fitting that Sion match his resolve.
The two approached each other then stopped just at the right distance for a strike. The rain has started to pour heavily but it seems these two cannot feel nor worry about it anymore. The heavy downpour wet and soaked every part of their clothes and body, but neither one of them even blinked. Abel was only thinking about hitting Sion with his best strike, and was improving his concentration. He has forgotten or stopped caring about everything else around him; and even the reality of the situation.
That this is neither a life-threatening battle nor is it a battle. It’s just a match to deepen the friendship between students. It’s not something that is supposed to cause its contestants to catch a cold, or risk injury if they continue to fight under the rain. So of course …
“Both of you up there!”
The referee’s voice called out.
“That’s the end of this match! Stop now!”
Abel, was half-stunned by what he just heard.
“Oh well, that’s that. I expected this would happen.”
Sion shrugs his shoulders and sheathes his sword into the scabbard. Apparently he understood fully well what happened, and he didn’t seem to be particularly surprised by the referee’s decision.
“I’d like to settle this match someday… but probably not now for the time being. I wonder if this winter’s swordsmanship tournament will be the closest opportunity.”
With that said, Sion smiled at Abel.
“How about it Prince Abel? Can you promise me that we will have a rematch?”
Sion extended his hand.
“That is exactly what I want.”
Abel took his hand.
Thus, with a firm handshake, the tournament match between the two ended.
“Prince Abel!”
Mia ran up to Abel as soon as he got off the arena. Mia gives her utmost praises to Abel, her champion, who was about to defeat her archnemesis Sion in just about one more strike.
“It was amazing! But ooohhh, it was regrettable. You were just one step away. Just a little more and hnnnngggh!”
“Thank you Princess Mia… but if I kept going like that, I would probably have…”
Mia continues to rant, unaware of Abel’s reaction.
“I’m sure someone who is jealous of Prince Abel’s victory wished for this rain. That jerk is so shallow minded! It’s a shame that you were just one step away. You were really so soo close! This rain… interfering with a fair match… so unfair!”
…By the way, in the previous timelines, Mia, after eating her lunch alone, withdrew to her room alone. At that time, when Mia heard that the hated Sion was likely to win, she wished and prayed for rain, and when she heard that the tournament was cancelled due to rain, her screams of happiness could be heard.
It was Mia who had forgotten about herself, who was shallow and a jerk for wishing for rain to interfere in the match.
Thus, this year’s swordsmanship tournament was cancelled due to rain. The promise of a rematch between the two princes will be fulfilled in an unexpected place, faster than they expected. It’s not on the arena, but on the battlefield, and that time, they will have to put their lives on the line…
But that’s a little further on the story.
Translator’s Rants:
The disappointment… I know… Rain wins the day. That’s why I betted on Liora.
It’s the weekend so enjoy!
