Mia tilted her head in confusion at the situation that was unfolding before her.
I mean⦠I did say it after all. I said that I came here for him. According to Eliseās story, at times like these the next step should be something romantic⦠a hug probably? Or at least a smile? and then everyone smiles as well, the atmosphere is lifted, and we all go home problem solved!?
Thatās why Mia was waiting with her arms wide open, expecting a hug from Prince Abel. For some reasons, incomprehensible to her, the focus of the story has shifted to Abel and Sion instead of Mia.
Oh, this seems to have happened before. While we were eating our sandwiches at the swordsmanship tournament, these two went off with their own conversation and left me hangingā¦
āOur roads are wide and flat, so it should be good enough place for a duel.ā
When Mia looked at them again, the two were already walking away.
āPrince Abel! Wait! A duel⦠you canāt!ā
Mia rushed to catch up but was stopped by Bernardo.
āBernardo, I specially command you. Protect Her Imperial Highness Princess Mia. Make sure that no harm comes to her.ā
āAre you sure?ā
āI need the princess to bear witness to the legitimacy of this duel. She is neutral, coming neither from Sunkland or Remno. If the King of Sunkland complains, she can testify for what happened.ā
āNo! Prince Abel! This is all wrong!ā
āI was looking forward to seeing you again, Princess Mia. I only wished it happened under better circumstances. I wish⦠we could haveā¦ā
Abel shakes his head a little and smiles at her.
āHahaha. All that resolve and determination, and now that this time has finally arrived, Iām getting cold feet.ā
As if to cut off that feeling, Abel looks away from Mia.
āPrince Abel!ā
Miaās scream failed to move Abel. He did not look back. His eyes were now set firmly on the boy standing in front of him.
āDid Miaās words do not reach you?ā
āNo matter who it may be, they canāt stop me now. You also know this, Prince Sion.ā
āAbel Remno, do you choose to die for your rotting kingdom?ā
āRotten or not, a king is still needed. A world without order is hell. Chaos breeds suffering, and the people will be its kindling.ā
Without a king, order would collapse. Bandits will swoop in. People will suffer more. Peace would end.
āIf the throne is corrupted, itās my job to correct it, nor yours.ā
There was a tone of finality in Abelās voice. He said no more as he unsheathed his sword.
āStill, I canāt overlook you trampling over your own people.ā
To that end, Sion was willing to do a military intervention to remove a corrupt regime.Ā The views of Sion and Abel are irreconcilable. Abel chose to side with order and loyalty to his kin and kingdom.
āIf you are to partake in oppressing the people, then you shall fall before my sword, Abel Remno.ā
Sion pulled out his sword, glaring at Abel with a sharp look.
Just like in the swordsmanship tournament, Abel lifted his sword high above his head. It is his trademark aggressive stance. Sion, on the other hand, hangs his arms loosely and is ready to parry and counter.
āDonāt think that it will be the same as the last time. You wonāt catch me off-guard again.ā
āI donāt intend to. You know well that this is the only attack that I am confident about.ā
The next moment there was a burst of movement⦠and it came from Sion. He dashed forward in a surprise attack! Keeping his body low to the ground, he dashed forward into striking distance.
Knowing Sionās uses a counter-attack style, Abel was caught unprepared with this sudden attack. He reflexively stepped back, which gave Sion the opening he needed to attack.
Sionās advantage, however, was short-lived. Eventhough Abelās balance was impaired, and his feet were not firmly planted, he brought down his sword while stepping back. It was at such a speed and force that Sion had to stop his own attack midway and try to defend himself.
āGuh!ā
The heaviness of the blow far exceeded Sionās expectation, and he raised his sword just in time to receive Abelās downward strike. The two weapons collide with such a force that Sion also had to step back.
āSuch power eventhough you are not in a perfect stance. I can just imagine how much heavier your strike could be if you were in a good position.ā
Sion remarked as he continued to back off.
āI see ⦠I wasnāt the only one who was training for the rematch.ā
āAs you can see, Iām not a genius like you. And since I am trying to surpass a genius, I needed to go the extra mile.ā
Abel, who has regained his stance, launches an attack this time.
āI admire your effort. But victory against me wonāt be so easy.ā
From a powerful step, Sion tilts his sword and parries it. Sparks flew over the blades. Abelās force was too heavy that Sionās parry couldnāt catch up. A bloody gash appeared on Sionās arm.
Yet it did not faze him.
āHaaa!ā
Immediately after, Sion started his attacks. Sion did not use his signature riposte before. But this has all changed as his sword hit Abelās side with precision. It cut through Abelās side⦠But Abel took it without wincing. Instead, Abel roared and drove his shoulder into Sion.
āHaaaa!ā
ā⦠Ku. So this is your plan against me? You plan to close the gap instead of stepping away? I must say, I am impressed, Abel Remno.ā
āWell, I must also say that you are no pushover yourself, Sion. One wrong move and I am a dead man. I am wearing a chainmail and you were still able to cut through it easily.ā
Abel said with a laugh while patting on his bloody side.
Translatorās Note:
Firstly, I hate translating action scenes. They are hard⦠But oh well. Have to deal with it.
Secondly, What is your opinion of the title of the Webnovel? Do you think it could be better?
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!