“Hahaha! You actually managed to block this Young Master’s Whirlwind Rain Sword Technique—you’re not half bad!”
“……”
Young Master Bert shouted excitedly, his sword thrusting even faster—yet his opponent’s defense remained utterly unmoved.
No, it’s not even that he’s actually trying to block. He’s just putting his Axe in front of his chest, isn’t he? You’re the one aiming at the Axe…
Lian silently thought, feeling speechless as he saw through the situation.
The burly man on the stage frowned helplessly. He was the “Challenge Target” who had just won a defensive match, only to immediately be challenged by a new opponent—Young Master Bert.
His chosen weapon was a massive Axe—just this alone was enough to confirm his exceptional strength. By contrast, Young Master Bert’s swordplay was all flashy form without substance…
“Young Master, Young Master! Aim at his feet or his hands!”
“Aiyo, Young Master, stop fixating on that Axe!”
Even his Vassals, watching from the waiting area, shouted anxiously. Luckily for Lian, their attention was glued to the match, and they didn’t notice him sitting not far away.
If that big guy got even a little serious, this bout would be over in an instant. Ah…here it comes.
Just as Lian made that judgment, the burly man finally lost his patience and sprang into action.
He shoved Young Master Bert away with his Axe, then, as Bert lost his balance, swung the Axe down toward his head.
He was sure Young Master Bert couldn’t dodge this blow, so he was already preparing to shift the trajectory to avoid serious injury.
“It ends—”
The Master of Ceremonies, seeing this, raised his hand to declare the result—only to be interrupted by a sudden twist.
“Your defeat lies in underestimating this Young Master.”
As he made this declaration, Young Master Bert braced himself with one hand on the ground to keep from falling.
Twisting his body to dodge the Axe, he lashed out with his right leg, landing a clean, sharp Sweep Kick on the big man’s leg—
Nice move!
Even Lian couldn’t help but silently praise the move. The momentum of the spinning Sweep Kick shattered his opponent’s balance, sending the burly man crashing heavily onto the stage.
“Admit defeat!”
Standing tall, Young Master Bert swept back his bangs with an exaggerated flourish—his trademark gesture. With his sword pointed loftily at the man’s neck, the big man could only let go of his weapon and concede with a sigh.
“Yes!”
“Young Master wins! That means Young Master’s secured his place in the next round!”
The Vassals hugged each other and danced with joy. Both the challenger and the Challenge Target had to fight three matches, but winning two was enough to advance to the second round on the next day.
As the challenger, Young Master Bert had apparently already won one match earlier, so with this victory he was now guaranteed to move up.
This kid’s skills are actually pretty decent. And that feint of playing the fool really did make his opponent drop his guard…
Could it be that his previous spoiled-brat act was also a ruse?
Lian felt a bit surprised. Just as she was about to revise her opinion of Young Master Bert, he burst into exuberant laughter atop the stage.
“Hohahahahahaha! Rejoice! This Young Master’s advancement is only natural! Tonight’s drinks for everyone here are on me! Be grateful, you lot! Remember this Young Master’s name and house—Bert von Walstroom!”
At some point, he had respectfully received a coin pouch from a Vassal and began scattering fistfuls of bills, setting off a thunderous cheer throughout the hall.
“Long live Young Master Bert! Long live Young Master Bert! Long live Walstroom!”
Amid the rising roar, Lian quietly picked up a bill—bearing her own portrait—that had landed on her head, and slipped it into her pocket.
…Maybe I’ll hold off on revising my opinion just yet. Still, thanks for the money.
“Now then, contestant Young Master Bert from the Central Realm’s Walstroom territory has officially advanced to the next round! You may now challenge your third opponent… Let me confirm the name.”
Having scooped up several bills himself due to his proximity, the Master of Ceremonies beamed with joy.
Far more enthusiastic than before, he pulled out the participant list and announced Young Master Bert’s next opponent:
“His next challenge will be against Lian Ashus from the capital, Seles City! Lian Ashus, please come to the stage!”
Ah, just as I thought.
For some reason, Lian was already used to developments like this. She hopped up and landed lightly on the stage, drawing surprised looks from the crowd.
“So she’s the ‘Challenge Target’? She looks so delicate…”
“She can’t be over twenty.”
“She’s pretty, but…what’s with those plain clothes?”
The onlookers appraised Lian from all angles. But the loudest reaction still came from Young Master Bert’s Vassals below:
“The wicked girl, the wicked girl… It’s you again! Do you have to haunt our Young Master like this?”
If anyone’s haunting someone, it’s you lot.
“I’m here. Let’s get started.”
Lian rolled her eyes at them, then addressed the Master of Ceremonies.
“What weapon would you like to use—”
The Master of Ceremonies started to ask, but Bert waved him off.
“Hold on a moment. I know her, and I have a few questions. You recognize me, don’t you? The woman named Lian.”
“Of course I do. Congratulations on advancing, Young Master Bert.”
Lian really didn’t want to offend him any further here, so she tried to make her tone as polite as possible.
“Very good… Seems you’re not an uncultured woman after all. —That day when I forced you to drink, it was my fault. I ask for your forgiveness, Lian.”
Eh?
If she’d been a little surprised before, Lian was utterly shocked now.
The golden-haired youth who’d just been laughing madly and throwing money was now bowing his head, sincerely apologizing to a maid he’d once offended—
“…Didn’t I also toss you aside back then, Young Master? Let’s call it even.”
Lian could tell his apology was genuine. Otherwise, given his personality, there was no way he’d bow that proud head.
“Haha… You’re far wiser than those idiots in my house…”
Her reply was so soft that only the three people on stage could hear. Bert realized quickly that she was trying to save face for him in front of the crowd.
“I quite like you. How about you consider transferring to the Walstroom household? We can discuss salary and benefits in detail—”
“Thank you for the offer, but I must refuse.”
“…I figured you’d say that. But I didn’t think you’d refuse without even a moment’s hesitation?”
It seemed he’d expected her refusal. Still, he looked at Lian in some confusion.
“I’m very satisfied with my current job and life, and I’m happy, too. So I don’t want to change.”
“Very well…forget my earlier offer. Go ahead and pick your weapon—”
“No need. Let’s start right now.”
Seeing Lian before him, not even bothering with a fighting stance, Young Master Bert’s previously relaxed expression slowly grew serious.