Kiev led his sister, Callis, to a secluded spot in the garden, ensuring they were far away from prying eyes and any potential listeners. Once they were certain of their privacy, their conversation began.
The derian Princess couldn’t contain her excitent, and her cheerfulness overflowed as she exclaid, "Oh, brother! I can’t believe you finally accepted Rafe!"
However, Kiev interrupted her, his tone serious, "I understand your excitent, but there’s sothing else I need to discuss with you."
"About what? If it’s about Elis being your soulmate, you don’t have to tell . I already knew," the derian Princess stated calmly.
Surprised, her brother inquired, "You knew? How?"
A mischievous smile ford on Callis’s expression.
"That look on your face gave it away. When you said you would die for her, I figured it out. I wonder when it began since I know you couldn’t sense your soulmate due to cultivating your mana in the mountains. Then, I rembered... you kissed her during my banquet in Rivendelle."
Kiev blushed.
"It wasn’t a kiss! She was choking, and I blew air into her mouth to save her!"
Amused, Callis teased, "Aha... but your lips touched! A kiss was the only way for you to sense your soulmate, and that was how it happened! Who would’ve thought the one ant for you was right under your nose!"
Blushing with embarrassnt, Kiev replied, "Oh, co on! Enough of that!"
He cleared his throat to regain composure, and his face gradually returned to its normal colour.
"Now that you know about Elis, I feel much better. However, that’s not the main reason I wanted to talk to you. It’s about the sword, the emperor’s sword."
Callis’s mory was jogged as she recalled the king ntioning it.
"Yes, I’ve heard about it, too! What is your concern regarding the sword?"
Kiev’s voice grew even more severe as he pondered the potential implications.
"What if it were to fall into Princess Anna’s hands? If she touched it, could sothing terrible happen to her?"
The derian Princess wore a brooding expression as she considered the question.
"I’m not sure, but deep down, I don’t think so. The sword is supposed to protect its owner," she said. "The fact that it possesses the emperor’s magic suggests that it has a consciousness of its own. It’s said that the sword can react and recognise its true owner," the derian Princess continued.
"And we both know who that person is," Kiev added, his tone filled with concern.
Callis raised an important point.
"But how could it ever fall into her hands? She can’t summon it without her powers. Besides, although Anna has learned and mastered the Ro’an language, she remains unaware of her true identity."
Surprised, Kiev asked, "How do you know that Princess Anna has learned the old language?"
"We spent ti together at Sir Jarr and r’s betrothal ceremony last night. You didn’t go, rember? So, I went with Rafe and beca friends with her and the other won," Callis explained.
"I see. It’s not surprising if her ability to learn it ca naturally. It’s in her blood."
The derian Princess continued, "Well, despite her remarkable ability with the language, I believe it’s doubtful for Anna to summon and wield the sword. Her physical prowess is so weak. I doubt she can even lift it, let alone wield it."
Concerned, Kiev replied, "Still, there’s a risk, and we don’t know what will happen."
"So, that’s why you asked to duel with the king using different weapons!" the derian Princess finally realised her brother’s initial request.
"I don’t want to put her at risk. But you know how the king is. He’s observant and intelligent. I had to agree with him about using his sword. Otherwise, he would grow more suspicious of ," Kiev explained.
"I understand. Rember when he asked about Anna’s resemblance to Great Aunt Regina? We almost got caught. If anyone knew she was the spitting image of the empress, it would put her in grave danger," said Callis, recalling the close call during a luncheon with the king, ministers, and officers.
Nodding, Kiev added, "Anna is already a target of the Bargesians and the Ardelian King. Given her current condition, if her true identity is exposed, she’ll beco prey to all the enemies and those who wish to take advantage of her. That’s why we need to get her off this continent as soon as possible, not in a way that raises suspicion and leads anyone to Seta."
"I know that. But now that I’m married to Rafe, I won’t be able to send Anna back to our ho with you since I’ll be staying in Cassian with him. Of course, I’ll return to the island later to introduce my husband to our parents, but I’ll follow him afterwards."
"I’m not worried about that since you weren’t a mber of my initial entourage. You sneaked onto the ship and made yourself part of it on your own, rember?"
Callis smiled, reminiscing.
"Well, I’m grateful I did that because if not, I wouldn’t have t my soulmate and ended up married to who knows who!"
"Honestly, I’m glad you’re married to Rafe rather than so kind of a jerk," said Kiev, relieved.
"Now you know how good my husband is and how I’m right in deciding to marry him! It was worth it to have him put the roses on my hair! I’ll ask him to do the ritual a hundred tis more!" the derian Princess responded proudly.
"Save that for later. Now, there’s sothing important I want you to do," urged Kiev.
"What is it?" asked Callis, curious.
"Princess Anna would surely want to watch the duel. I want you to persuade her to leave," he revealed.
Callis creased her forehead.
"Umm... given her stubbornness... I don’t think she will listen."
She shook her head with a solemn face, sensing the opposition to the idea.
Kiev grunted.
"Urghh! How can she inherit that trait from Angel? That behaviour is completely like her mother’s. They’re both so determined when they set their minds on sothing!"
Callis pressed her lips together and shrugged off her shoulders.
"All right, change of plans. You sit next to her. Protect her at all costs. If anything seems off or the emperor’s sword reacts to her, raise your shield and protect her no matter what!"
The derian Princess raised her thumb.
"That sounds good to ! She’s my friend now, and friends stick together. It wouldn’t be weird if I sat next to her," she agreed.
Kiev took a deep breath, hoping that everything would turn out well.
"I hope you win, brother! You have found your soulmate, and I wish for nothing more than your happiness. But... what about Anna? Are you still going to marry her?" Callis asked.
Kiev let out a wistful smile.
"I made a promise to Angel, Callis. That’s the only way I can protect her," he said.
"But you don’t love her. You love Elis! It wouldn’t be fair to your soulmate either!" the derian Princess retorted.
"This is why so Ro’an Emperors took concubines despite having official wives. It could be due to promises, welfare, politics, and other reasons. People see Their Majesties building a harem and living in lust surrounded by their wives. But they don’t see the imnse responsibility of caring for these won and the children born from those relationships. Even caring for a woman is a challenging task, let alone more than one," said Kiev with a severe gaze.
"So, who will be your official wife? You can’t make Anna your concubine. Her status is higher than yours, and on the other hand, Elis is your soulmate. No soulmate has ever beco a concubine," stated the derian Princess.
"You already know the answer, even if I didn’t tell you. I don’t want this to happen too. I’m not so kind of a pervert driven by lust and greed. But I can’t let them both go, not either of them. One is my love, and the other is my responsibility," said Kiev solemnly.
"I hope you make the right decision. I know you’re wise, brother. But, if you end up with two wives, you must improve your temperant. It takes a lot of patience to live with won."
"I know. You alone are enough to give a headache. I’m relieved that burden is now transferred to Rafe," admitted the derian Prince.
"Hey! Watch your tongue!" warned Callis, slapping her brother’s shoulder.
Kiev chuckled lightly.
"Let’s get ready for the duel. I’ll put on my armour this ti," he said to his sister.
"By the way, please refrain from using your magic against His Majesty. I don’t want you to lose your magic again like last ti. That would be dangerous," advised Callis, a look of concern on her face.
"Understood... Now, let’s go!"
Leaving the garden behind, the derian royal siblings made their way to prepare for the upcoming duel.
The stakes were high, and the scene was being ticulously set for the impending clash.
Anticipation hung in the air as a fierce battle was ready to comnce.
***
’Shingg!’
The sound of the tallic blade being drawn from its scabbard filled the air, echoing with anticipation.
A proud and determined expression adorned King Kyden’s face as he unsheathed his sword. Clad in full armour, except for his helm, he stood ready for the impending duel.
The sunlight danced upon the polished steel, casting shimring reflections upon the king’s armour. With both hands firmly grasping the hilt, his piercing blue eyes scrutinised the blade’s sharp edge before him.
"It has been a while since I last wielded you," he murmured, a smile playing upon his lips.
"Ramios, atra ettar dunai ant ermar ettar."
("Ramios, uphold my dignity and safeguard .")
King Kyden fervently prayed, his voice reaching the audience, who had taken their seats and eagerly awaited the duel’s comncent.
Anna’s erald-green eyes fixated on the shimring sword raised by the king, her interest piqued. Tilting her head, she studied the blade with curiosity.
The long, double-edged sword, adorned with intricate patterns engraved on both sides of the blade, captivated her gaze.
Its steel glead with a radiant silver hue. The sword’s hilt provided a secure grip, while the exceptional material of the quillons demonstrated durability, withstanding the test of ti. A majestic erald adorned the poml, adding a touch of regal splendour.
"That’s a magnificent sword!" Anna exclaid, unable to contain her admiration.
Callis, who had sat beside her, turned to the princess, her tone cautious.
"Why are you so interested in it?" she asked.
"I have never seen another one like it. Even Kyren’s sword is a simple broadsword with no engravings, but this one is truly unique," Anna replied, her gaze still fixed on the king’s blade. "And I didn’t realise we could na a sword," she added.
"What do you an?" asked the derian Princess, her curiosity piqued.
"Didn’t you hear His Majesty calling its na in his prayer just now?" Anna looked at Callis intently. "I suppose, as a derian, you would understand the Ro’an language, wouldn’t you?"
"Of course, we were educated in it from a young age," the derian Princess responded.
"Then you must know it has a na. His Majesty ntioned it just now. Ramios, that’s its na," Anna revealed.
At the training ground, King Kyden suddenly creased his forehead. He felt a force pulling at his sword, causing him to grip the hilt tighter to regain control. The blade quivered slightly in his hand.
"Ramios!" he exclaid, summoning his weapon.
The sword ceased its movent and returned to its usual stillness. King Kyden stood bewildered. Luckily, no one else had noticed the peculiar motion of the sword in his grip.
"What’s the matter, Your Majesty?" asked Charles, who held the king’s helt.
"I don’t know. I felt as if sothing was tugging at my sword just now. It wasn’t strong, but I am certain there was a force," King Kyden replied.
"That’s peculiar. Could it be because you haven’t held it for quite so ti?" Charles wondered.
"Perhaps," the king murmured. "Forget it. It’s fine now. Put on my helt," he commanded his chamberlain.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Charles responded.
The chamberlain carefully placed the helt on the king’s head and adjusted the rest of his armour.
Once finished, King Kyden took his position on the designated spot. On the opposing side, Kiev stood, fully armoured and prepared for the impending duel.
At the edge of the training ground, standing equally centred from both opposing parties’ direction, Eric, the appointed herald, raised his hand to ensure the contestants were ready.
Once the confirmation was made, he proclaid in a commanding voice, "Let the duel comnce!"
Kiev raised his sword and leapt forward, launching the first attack. Displaying his agility, King Kyden managed to evade the strike. Analysing his opponent’s patterns, he strategised his next move and countered with a determined thrust, showing his skilful swordplay.
Their blades clashed, creating a brilliant spark upon contact. Both combatants exhibited formidable prowess and an unwavering will. The audience watched with bated breath as the two adversaries fought, their stakes and dignity hanging in the balance.
King Kyden posed a high attack, then skillfully transitioned it into a low strike. However, Kiev, an experienced swordsman, saw through the feint and reacted swiftly.
He deflected the king’s sword, targeting his lower limbs, and attempted to follow up with a kick to King Kyden’s side. The king’s fast movent saved him from the audacious attack.
Recovering from his parry, the king attempted a riposte, his blade resounding with each strike in the fierce duel. The intensity of their fight held the onlookers captivated.
"Oh, my! I had no idea His Majesty possessed such remarkable combat skills! His movents are similar to His Highness the Grand Duke!" exclaid Eli in awe, watching from his seat.
"It’s not surprising. His Majesty and His Highness trained together since childhood. They share similar agility, but our lord possesses greater prowess. Whenever they spar, His Highness always erges as the victor," Damon explained.
"How do you know? Have you witnessed their sparring sessions?" inquired Eli, his blue eyes filled with anticipation.
"I haven’t, but Sir Navin has. He has observed them spar several tis," Damon replied.
Luke and Garin approached Eric, who had chosen to remain standing with his arms crossed over his broad chest, intently watching the duel with a stern expression.
"It seems like this match is quite intense. Who do you think will win, Sir Navin?" asked Luke.
"I cannot say for certain. Both fighters possess exceptional defensive stances and attacking skills. Their footwork is agile and swift," comnted the second-in-command knight.
"His Highness Prince Kiev will win."
The statent caught the attention of the three n. They turned to the voice belonging to Noah, who sat behind them.
"What makes you so confident to say that?" Garin inquired.
Noah’s black irises carefully observed the fight before them.
"His Majesty has a slight hesitation whenever he thrusts his sword. Perhaps he is not accustod to it," the knight remarked.
Puzzled, Luke replied, "How can you tell? He seems fine to ."
"He grips the hilt too tightly, and his attacks are calculated. Though he executes quick flourishes with his sword, his thrusts are controlled and reserved. On the other hand, His Highness Prince Kiev is at ease with his blade. He swings it wildly, placing his trust in it. He exudes complete confidence in his weapon," Noah explained.
Eric turned his attention back to the match, observing the king’s actions more closely.
"I see what you an," he acknowledged, noticing the nuances in the king’s fighting style.
"But aren’t His Majesty and His Highness trained in various weapons as northern warriors? They are more than just swordsn, aren’t they?" Luke inquired.
"That is true. However, each warrior has their own speciality in terms of skills, and both His Majesty and His Highness excel in swordsmanship," Eric revealed.
"A swordsman’s mastery would be incomplete without his trusted sword," Garin added in a low voice as if agreeing to Noah’s earlier remarks.
"Do you an that His Majesty is not accustod to his sword? How is that possible? That blade is undoubtedly his! He even ntioned it when he summoned it for this duel," Luke interjected.
"To truly unleash your full skill, you must have a harmonious bond with your weapon and beco one with it. It’s akin to having a trusted companion, soone you can whole-heartedly rely on," Eric explained.
’Clank! Clink! Clank!’
Kiev rushed in and launched blistering strikes, responding to the formidable Ramios as the duel continued.
The king, demonstrating his keen reflexes, deftly parried and deflected the attacks and then vertically slamd a hit on the derian Prince, causing him to stagger backwards. Then, Kiev returned in an en garde position as he regained his footing, lunging another thrust.
A loud clang reverberated as the contestants’ swords clashed again. This ti, the force exerted by both sides was stronger. The tip of Kiev’s blade nearly grazed the king’s head, its strength only barely blocked by Ramios.
The contestants found themselves in close proximity, with the sharp edge of the king’s sword a re inch away from King Kyden’s neck to obstruct the attack.
Filled with anxiety, Anna stood up and exclaid, "Ramios will sever His Majesty! No! Make it stop!"
"Anna, calm down. This is part of a duel. If you can’t handle this, it’s better if we leave," Callis suggested.
The princess’s head shook, her worry for the king palpable in the air. He was not only her ruler but her family, soone who had always treated her with kindness and love. The thought of witnessing him getting hurt was unbearable to her.
"Oh, God! Ramios, please stop!" she exclaid.
At that mont, the king’s sword began to shake. A force took hold of the blade, causing King Kyden to lose his grip.
The sword soared through the air, leaving both Kiev and the king bewildered. The derian Prince attempted to strike to halt it, but his sharp blade only managed to bash the right part of the sword’s hilt guard and caused it to veer off course and yaw.
However, the attempt made was too late...
Ramios, empowered by its strength again, shot towards the audience where Anna stood.
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