This bas—
Challenge a knight to a duel and win? How does he expect a sheltered king to fight against a trained knight and win?
He's only seeking to humiliate me in front of everyone, that's for sure.
Koul stared silently at king Sestrus. His displeasure was clearly written on his face.
An expression that only made king Sestrus smile more.
A duel… can I?
Koul clenched and unclenched his fist, gauging his strength and capabilities.
Although I know nothing about swords, I wasn't exactly a weakling in my previous life. I know more than two tricks to win in a fight, but….
… can I win with this body?
No no! The chances of me winning are zero! Complete zero! Absolute zero!
This body can't do anything at all. There's barely any muscle to show.
King Sestrus kept quiet. He simply watched as Koul fought inside his mind because of his condition.
"What's with that look of hopelessness?" Sestrus asked, smiling with amusement.
"Surely, you aren't concluding inside that you have no chance, are you?"
A single look at Koul's face made it clear he had hit the nail right where it hurt.
"Really, I think it should be common knowledge by now to know that no one can ever guess the outcome of a duel. After all, the impossible tends to happen," he said.
"Why give up when you haven't even tried? Do you think strength is all that is needed to win? Who knows? One little trick might help you. Or the god of luck might decide to take your side on that day."
Eh… he's really trying to convince me to accept his condition. How bad does he want to humiliate me?
But…. there's no lie in what he's saying though. All I might need is a little trick. Also, how will I even know if I don't try?
And this might also be a chance to gauge my capabilities. Scratch that! Who am I fooling? I could just ask to spar with one of my knights if I want to gauge my strength.
Still, to challenge a knight to a duel in front of everyone…
And that too, for a woman I haven't even seen.
Koul was torn on what he should do. He knew there was no way he would win the duel. And he knew the humiliation that would come along with it.
But, he couldn't also ignore the fact that a woman was suffering. That she has been held captive for almost a year now.
He couldn't even imagine what they might've made her go through.
Shouldn't a husband protect his wife?
He raised his gaze firmly at king Sestrus.
"Fine. I accept your condition."
A big smile stretched across king Sestrus' face. He tapped Koul's shoulder, commending him on his bravery.
But I can't leave things like this else I might earn a penalty.
Koul would never have done this for any of his wives.
"But know this," he started calmly. "I'm not accepting this duel just to have you free my wife. I accepted because if I win, it will restore part of my honor and reputation."
"Hohoho! Such spirit!" Sestrus laughed, raising his cup of wine to Koul before taking a sip.
"Then, I think I will retire for the night," Koul said.
Since the duel was tomorrow, he wanted to retire early and go think out a plan. He had to think up a trick or two and also ask some of his knights about the duel.
But…
"Oh, why is that? Are you leaving me to drink by myself?" King Sestrus asked, bearing his eyes oppressively on Koul.
Koul's composure faltered, taking a step back as he felt pressured by his gaze.
"Organizing a party for me and leaving me to celebrate all alone, this isn't what you intend do, is it?"
This old—
He knows! He doesn't want me to do anything at all.
"O-of course not," Koul replied. His face was tense and twitching as he struggled to put on a smile.
"Good! Come, let's drink."
King Sestrus dragged Koul back to the table where he forced him to drink with him. He completely blocked any chances of Koul slipping away and made sure they drank to their heart's content.
From the drinks and pressure, it didn't take long for Koul to get drunk and succumb to Sestrus' scheme.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
"Hmm.." a low groan sounded through the hallway as two figures walked.
It was Koul and his knight. After the banquet ended, Koul was completely wasted and out. So one of his knight, the one who had stood up to him the other day, took it upon himself to carry Koul back to his chamber.
He carried Koul on his back, ignoring his occasional groans and disturbances and returned him to his room.
He made sure Koul was lying confortably on his bed before he exited the room and stood guard outside the door.
Normally, there were two guards guarding the door, but he dismissed them and took it upon himself to guard Koul's door for the night.
All because it was in these vulnerable moments enemies will choose to make their move.
Koul slept peacefully in his room, completely out. But a moment later, a figure crept into his chamber.
The shadow loomed over his bed as it drew closer. The figure walked over to Koul's bed and saw him laying unconscious.
"Hmm? You asked me to come see you, yet you're already asleep?"