The reason Anshelm clung to the trial by combat was simple.
He sought to damage both the honor of Lord Hermann and the chastity of Lady Cassel, while using them as leverage to clear himself of the charges of heresy and betrayal of the city.
Anshelm’s charges still lacked concrete evidence.
The methods the church used to identify heretics were thorough and diverse, but Anshelm raised the scandal with Lady Cassel to thwart them.
“Blood will have to be shed,” thought Keldric, loosening his stiff shoulders.
The people Keldric had faced up until now were all far beneath him.
The mercenaries who had attacked the Bellaf family and the cavalry were examples, and even the bandits he fought most fiercely with weren’t a match for Keldric.
The rock trolls were another matter altogether, but Keldric didn’t regard them highly, seeing them merely as brutish creatures lacking intelligence.
The true opponents he needed to review were the cavalry from Carlton Village and the bandits from Schaffendorf.
They were well-trained, with coordinated tactics, and while they were tough opponents, they were still no match for a knight.
A knight’s duel was not just a personal fight.
Both knights wore heavy, durable armor, so rather than delivering destructive blows, the combat became a relentless exchange of blows where each knight had to endure and defend.
In such a case, Keldric knew that any lapse in attention could result in injury.
Yet Keldric was somewhat confident.
Though the bandits and cavalry had been different from knights, after a few battles, Keldric felt his blood boiling.
And if this was a battle for personal gain and honor, it made it all the more meaningful.
“Keldric, are you alright?”
“Ah, Lord Hermann.”
Lord Hermann, with a slightly tense expression, approached Keldric, who was fully armored except for his helmet.
He was also wearing full armor, though it was not for battle.
As knights did, he was dressed appropriately for an official and important occasion.
Keldric glanced over Lord Hermann’s armor, which, though not as many plated sections as Lord Werner’s transitional armor, still looked quite sturdy, particularly on the chest and shin guards.
He could tell it was expensive without even needing to ask, which made Keldric look at his own chainmail and surcoat without regret.
A bear with a raised paw in a deep oak brown color roared on the dark blue surcoat.
“Are you nervous?”
“Nervous? If a woman doing laundry suddenly grabbed a club, should I be afraid?”
“Ah, no. Not at all.”
“Same here.”
Lord Hermann nodded awkwardly.
Keldric was the only one who would compare Sir Johannes to a laundry woman.
“Lord, don’t underestimate Sir Johannes.”
“Have you seen Sir Johannes fight?”
“Twice in tournaments.
Though it was in direct combat…”
“How was he?”
“He was quick and light with his attacks, using his shield to obscure vision and striking suddenly from behind it to land a stab.”
Based on Lord Hermann’s description, Sir Johannes seemed to use his shield and a short arming sword, relying on unpredictable swordsmanship.
“That was three years ago.
Things may have changed since then, so just keep that in mind.”
“Thank you. That’s enough.”
Despite his confidence, gathering information about his opponent was essential.
In this regard, Keldric had the advantage.
Though Sir Johannes had won eight times in tournaments and was a veteran, Keldric had only just emerged from a small village as a knight.
His only notable feat was rumored to be killing a rock troll with his bare hands, which would make it hard for Sir Johannes to respond to Keldric’s style.
“It seems like it’s time.”
“Right, we should go now.”
As Keldric picked up his longsword with one hand, Lord Hermann, surprised, stammered and nodded.
Keldric’s large build was a symbol of strength in the northern lands, and in that sense, he was a formidable warrior.
☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩
The trial by combat took place in the open yard in front of the castle, near the stables.
It was more like a courtyard surrounded by the castle walls, but all the clutter had been cleared away, and a makeshift fence had been set up.
Most of the scattered stones had been removed, showing that a great deal of effort had gone into preparing the area.
Cedric walked out slowly, his helmet tucked under his arm.
On the opposite side, a knight clad in armor also walked out.
“Is that…”
“Sir Johannes of the Furenstern family.”
Sir Johannes’s armor was similar to Cedric’s.
He wore chainmail and a surcoat, with a cape that covered the upper half of his chest.
The emblem on the surcoat was a shield split in half, with a cross on the left side and a black eagle on the right.
His gear was average, and his appearance didn’t raise any particular concerns.
While Joseph had a rat-like, despicable look, Sir Johannes’s face appeared solid and resolute.
He seemed like someone who would deliver a heavy blow, but, as Sir Hermann had remarked, he didn’t look like someone who enjoyed light attacks.
However, Cedric wasn’t going to let any prejudice based on appearance dull his blade.
If he was going to face someone, he would always do his best, and especially now, he had to give his all.
Like Cedric, Sir Johannes’s eyes reflected the intention to probe his opponent as they locked gazes.
Johannes briefly scanned Cedric’s armor and then smirked when his eyes landed on the longsword hanging over Cedric’s shoulder and the mace at his waist.
“…You’re not mocking me, are you?”
“Well…”
Sir Hermann, who had been watching, remained silent, unsure of how to respond.
Although it was a sacred trial by combat, provoking the opponent to win was a fairly common tactic.
“Sir, don’t let yourself get too worked up. It’s just a trivial provocation.”
“I’m not bothered.”
Though Cedric said this, he could feel himself getting slightly irritated.
No matter how excellent his self-control as a knight was, Cedric was still human.
If someone acted arrogantly in front of him, it was natural to feel anger.
“It’s been a long time since the trial by combat, hasn’t it?”
“To think that knights like you are fighting each other. Who will win, I wonder?”
“May the Lord favor one of you.”
Meanwhile, the courtyard in front of the castle, which had been busy with chatter, soon became filled with a restless crowd.
Many of the castle servants and soldiers were present, as well as several of Bellam’s idle townsfolk.
“Everyone, quiet down! The brave and honorable knights will step forward!”
The boisterous crowd fell silent at the command of the old priest who stepped forward.
He appeared to be a churchman, and behind him, several people in attire that clearly marked them as clergymen stood.
The once-chaotic atmosphere quickly turned solemn, and Cedric and Sir Johannes stood before the old priest.
“These two brave knights have sworn to fight for their honor and justice!
Before we begin, let us pray that this sacred trial be conducted fairly in accordance with the will of the Lord!”
At the priest’s proclamation, everyone in the courtyard made the sign of the cross and began praying.
This was also a display of the church’s authority.
By showing that the crowd was religiously fervent, the church ensured it had influence over the masses.
Cedric, seeing Sir Johannes also make the sign of the cross, did the same, pretending to pray.
The old priest, observing this with satisfaction, continued.
“Recently, it has been raised that Lady Cassel committed adultery with the head of the Mormont Trading Guild, Anshelm!
If this is true, then it is an offense against the sacred bond of marriage, and the Lord will certainly pass judgment!”
Sir Hermann’s face twisted in discomfort.
Meanwhile, Anshelm, who was bound and sitting nearby, wore a sneaky smile.
“At the same time, it was also raised that Anshelm, who is a heretic, attempted to betray Lord Devanus Mikesh, the rightful ruler of Yaben! To betray loyalty and embrace heresy is a sin, and the Lord will judge this as well!”
A tense silence fell, and sharp glares focused on Anshelm.
To believe in heresy was deeply despised by the common people, who lived by faith and superstition.
This was especially significant because the church had now taken part in the trial.
If Anshelm’s heresy was confirmed, he would surely become the target of public wrath.
“Do the two honorable knights swear here, before the Lord, to accept His judgment and fight honorably for their honor?”
“I swear, as the knight of the Furenstern family, Johannes, that I will not betray the honor of a knight, according to the Lord’s will.”
“I swear, as Cedric of the Bellaf family, to raise my sword with honor and faith, as the Lord desires.”
After both knights solemnly swore, the priest closed his eyes for a moment in prayer before speaking again.
“May the Lord’s blessing be upon this sacred trial, and may the winner be the one whom the Lord has chosen with a true heart.”
The trial by combat was ultimately seen as the Lord’s will, and the outcome was believed to be His choice.
A victory meant everything would fall to the victor, while the loser would gain nothing.
This principle applied in the present case as well.
If Cedric won, Lady Cassel’s honor and Anshelm’s guilt would be affirmed by the Lord.
But Cedric was not the type to worry about the consequences of failure.
Like Sir Johannes, Cedric slowly donned his helmet, which obscured his fierce blue eyes.
His vision narrowed, and the tightness of the helmet made it hard to breathe.
However, Cedric focused only on the opponent before him.
About ten paces away, Sir Johannes, wearing a bascinet helmet, drew his weapons.
He held a large shield and an arming sword over it.
As Sir Hermann had mentioned, Johannes seemed intent on using swift and graceful swordplay to wear down his opponent.
“In the name of the righteous Lord and the rightful ruler of Yaben, Devanus Mikesh, I declare that this trial by combat will be carried out fairly!”
The priest’s proclamation marked the beginning of the duel, signaling the start of the bloody battle between the two knights.
☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩
Anshelm was somewhat confident.
Sir Johannes was a knight who had won eight local tournaments, and the fact that Baron Gottfried had assigned such a knight to him was proof that Anshelm had not been abandoned yet.
With someone of Baron Gottfried’s stature backing him, Anshelm had nothing to fear.
‘There are no variables.’
If one had to point out a possible variable, it would likely be Cedric’s large physique and courage.
However, thanks to the merchants, Anshelm, who was well-informed, had heard that the large, young knight had no notable achievements.
All that was circulating were absurd rumors that he had supposedly killed a rock troll with his bare hands, which were hard to believe.
The fact that Cedric had wreaked havoc in the merchant guild was certainly threatening, but that was something any knight, not just Cedric, could do.
A seasoned knight with eight tournament victories versus a young, inexperienced knight with no proven feats. Any merchant with a sharp mind would naturally bet on the former.
Therefore, there were no variables. Anshelm considered this assumption to be obvious.
☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩
Keldric faced his opponent and took his stance.
He had learned enough about swordsmanship from Sir Volphem to feel confident in this duel.
Although it wasn’t the secret technique of his family, it was a form of two-handed swordsmanship that Sir Volphem had perfected through countless battles.
It was clean and efficient, with no unnecessary flourishes, a style that was ruthless.
In short, it was a style that suited Keldric well.
He raised his longsword above his shoulder with both hands, rotating his wrists as he frequently changed directions.
No matter how confident he felt, his opponent was still another knight.
Keldric was not about to underestimate him or become careless.
Through the limited view he had, it was Sir Johannes who made the first move.
Stepping cautiously, Sir Johannes hid his sword behind his shield and suddenly thrust forward.
Keldric blocked the thrust with his longsword and quickly pivoted, attempting a counterattack above his head.
However, Sir Johannes was a step ahead.
It seemed he had already anticipated that the first attack would be deflected.
With a quick motion, Sir Johannes swiftly retrieved his sword after it bounced off Keldric’s, and with a battle cry, he struck Keldric’s sword aside with his shield.
The heavy thud of the longsword hitting the shield echoed, and a few wooden splinters flew off.
Keldric used the recoil to quickly back away.
He knew that getting too close would be dangerous.
If he closed the distance recklessly, he would be the one at a disadvantage.
If they resorted to a brawl, Keldric was confident he could win, but even then, he wasn’t entirely sure.
Sir Johannes had honed his skill in the art of thrusting with the arming sword, a technique he had perfected through countless practice.
If Keldric tried to get close and start swinging his fists, there was no guarantee Johannes wouldn’t exploit the opening to strike through the eyehole of Keldric’s helm.
In fact, Keldric was certain that Johannes would do just that.
Therefore, he needed to find an opening in his seasoned opponent’s defense.
‘I need to create an opening.’
Keldric was determined to force an opening, no matter the cost.
A low laugh escaped Sir Johannes as he faced Keldric, almost mocking him as if saying, “You’re weaker than I thought.”
However, for someone to say Keldric’s swordsmanship was lacking would be an exaggeration.
His swordplay was still a formidable threat.
Sir Johannes could feel the sweat forming in his palms.
His outwardly calm demeanor was betrayed by the slight tremor in his left hand, still gripping the shield.
Keldric once again prepared himself.
Instead of wildly swinging a mace and risking it getting blocked by the shield, he decided to continue with the longsword technique he trusted most.
This time, Keldric was the first to charge.
With a sharp swish, the heavy longsword cut through the air with surprising speed.
Surprised, Sir Johannes quickly raised his shield to deflect the attack.
When the incline is steep, an attack often misses, and that was exactly what Sir Johannes was aiming for.
If the opponent swung a heavy sword like that, it would likely throw off their balance, which was exactly what Sir Johannes had planned.
“Eh?”
But instead of hitting the shield, the longsword came to an abrupt stop in midair, defying all expectations.
Sir Johannes’ eyes widened in disbelief.
This was a technique he hadn’t even considered possible.
No matter how skilled one was with a weapon, swinging a heavy longsword with all their might and then stopping it mid-swing was nearly impossible.
Yet, the giant knight before him managed to do it effortlessly, without even breaking a sweat.
“Wh—”
Before Sir Johannes could blink in astonishment, Keldric swiftly rotated his wrist, sending the longsword swinging in the opposite direction.
The unprotected side of Johannes’ body, vulnerable without the shield, was wide open.
Sir Johannes, startled, quickly deflected his Arming Sword to the side, but Keldric’s Longsword stood tall.
Kwazizik-!
“gasp.?!”
Sir Johannes gulped as a ring of dense chain scattered in all directions.
The Arming Sword rattled as its crossguard was shattered in a failed attempt to block.
Sir Johannes quickly stumbled back a couple of steps, but a fist was already flying at his defenseless head.
Bam!
“…..?!”
Sir Johannes’ face turned a deep shade of blue, though he couldn’t see it through his helmet.
The chains of his chainmail rang out again. Sir Johannes was forced to adjust his stance as quickly as he could.
But Keldric’s attack was heavy and swift enough to make it difficult to react.
Boom, boom, boom!
Two fists crashed down in quick succession.
Three punches in total, all of which landed squarely on Sir Johannes’s face.
Fortunately for Sir Johannes, he wore armor and was trained as a knight.
If he had been naked, he would have fallen back in disbelief.
“Aaah, aaah!”
Keldric took a step back as Sir Johannes swung his shield at him in a death-defying struggle.
Then, this time, the longsword struck again. Still reeling, Sir Johannes quickly raised his shield to block it.
As if deflected, Sir Johannes staggered back, shield in hand, and looked ahead with trembling eyes.
A low voice rang from Keldric’s helm.
“It’s nothing.”
Ten paces in front of him, Keldric’s breathing was still even.
That planted the seed of fear in Sir Johannes’ mind.
Before Sir Johannes could gather his wits, Keldric began to move once more.
If Sir Johannes was a wolf, slowly chomping away at his opponent, Keldric was a bear.
If there was an opening, he would make it with a single strike.
And Keldric preferred to make sure he had an opening and open it wide.