A wave of shock swept through the room, clouding every face with disbelief
For a mere knight to act so swiftly and speak so rashly toward a royal was an act deserving of grave punishment.
But even when the vice captain knew this, he didn't bat an eye before severing an arm from the prince's knight.
He was prepared for whatever penalty awaited him, as long as he made his point clear and his Lord wasn't disrespected.
The shock clouding Koul's face dissipated into a proud look, and his lips curved into a satisfied smirk.
Hmm? Were his concerns toward me genuine all along?
His eyes brimmed with pride for his guard.
When I declared a while ago that no disrespect should be tolerated in my palace, I had no idea they'd take it so serious, hehehe.
I like him.
Koul gazed proudly at the guard who exuded a calm aura. He was tall and fit with his red tousled, buzz cut that perfectly shaped his face.
His was now finally giving the vice captain a proper look.
Koul's soft smile toward him passed on a silent message, 'well done.'
The prince snapped up to his feet, his face twisted beyond mere expression.
"How dare you… a lowly knight!.. speak to me in such a manner?!" He fumed, huffing angrily.
"To draw your sword against my knight is drawing your sword against me, which can be interpreted as you picking a fight against my kingdom. This calls for war!"
The elders snapped to their feet at the mention of the word war, panic shooting through their nerves like adrenaline.
A while ago, they had all kept silent and watched as the prince humiliated Koul. Only putting on feigned concern but secretly happy he was being disgraced.
But now, it was pure fear that streamed through them. Should a war break out between the two kingdoms, the loss and damage wouldn't be minor.
They could not afford that.
"Y-your highness, please calm your nerves," they soothed desperately. "We are well aware that you've been disrespected and we'll see to it that the guard is punished. But please, we beg you to keep a calm head and not speak so casually about war."
"Yes, your highness. Let's settle this amicably. Going to war won't favor any of us."
Prince Armin's shoulder rose and fell with each pant of rage he drew. Still enraged, he sat back on his chair, folding his arms across his chest.
"I am calm. Don't make me look like I'm some idiot that can't control his emotions in dire situations!" He reprimanded the elders, his face still tight with anger.
"Thank you, your highness."
Relief flowed through the elders, taking back their seats.
These fools, they don't kiss up to me with the same respect they're showering the so-called prince, Koul fumed within him.
As he flicked his gaze toward the prince, he met the girl beside the prince staring intently at him like he was the issue on ground. Koul wondered why, but wasn't so curious so he turned his gaze away.
"So, how do you suggest we handle this matter?" Prince Armin asked the elders.
"W-well, we know we're truly in the wrong from the way we've treated you from the beginning. For that, we are sincerely sorry," one of the elders began.
"As for the knight, we'll make sure he is punished."
"Punished? What punishment will weigh equally the sins he's committed against me?! Or will you cut his arm off right here, right now?" Prince Armin fumed.
"T-that's…" the elder's words trailed off as he turned to look at Koul whose face was stern but unbothered by the situation.
Even if he didn't say much, it was evidently written on his face that his knight would face no punishment, whatsoever.
"You can't, right?" A fleeting smirk ghosted the prince's face. "Then let me suggest a better way."
The elders all gazed at him, waiting for him to come out with the way he had.
"If you're the littlest bit sorry for how I've been treated despite displacing myself to come pay you a visit, then you'd honor this," the prince said.
Koul stared at him with disinterest, but silently hinting at him to go on.
"A match," he continued. "Between the king and I."
A surge of murmur rippled from the elders, their faces growing tense as they whispered amongst themselves.
Koul, to whom the duel had been directed, remained silent and unbothered.
But… his task screen appeared, wiping away the calmness on his face.
[Ding!]
[A new task has arrived.]
<
Time Limit: 24 hours.
Sigh! Are they saying I should win this duel to redeem myself from the first one I lost? Sigh.
The elders tried to protest.
"Your highness… but this—"
"What?" Prince Armin cut in. "Am I asking for too much when I've been insulted in front of servants. And now disregarded by a mere knight?!"
"Well.. we—"
"Leave it be," Koul finally spoke. "If it is what he desires, then so be it."
I've changed since the last duel. I've grown a bit stronger. Like this, maybe I can win…. just maybe.
A small smirk graced prince Armin's lips.
"Then, the match will take place in the morning. There are no rules, whatsoever. Except we won't use magic or any abilities since I doubt you have any. The winner is free to claim whatever he desires from the loser."
"As you wish. If this is all, then I shall take my leave."
Why do I feel like this was his plan from the very beginning? It hasn't been long since he left here with his father. And I've certainly been humiliated in the first duel.
So why would he still ask for a match between the both of us?
Confidence? That he can beat me and humiliate me more in front of everyone? That might be it.
He seeks more of my humiliation. Since the first one didn't quite go as they planned due to the commotion that happened with my injury.
Koul rose and started walking to the door. As he reached the vice captain who severed Prince Armin's knight's arm, he smiled.
"Your name," he demanded.
Only now was he finally asking his name.
"Kanstiv, your majesty," the vice captain bowed.
Koul placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking him softly. "You have done well."
With that, he left the room without looking back.
As soon as he left, the prince burst out into a loud laugh like one who had gained victory over his enemies.
The elders all watched with confusion but none dared question his lunacy.
After a while, he drew a long sigh, his expression turning stern.
I got what I wanted, but at what cost?
Everything, all my actions from the very beginning had all been for this.
By being rude, I knew they wouldn't take it lightly and do something that would risk starting a war. Through that, I knew I could ask for whatever I wanted as compensation.
It worked, but one of my men had to lose an arm. And father won't be generous enough to get a healer to regenerate his arm because he's a mere knight among many.
Still… this is enough. Koul Ysmay, get ready to lose another of your possessions.