The Way of Knight
Chapter 28 – Shadows of Politics Behind the Duel
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Whispers After the Arena
The training yard had emptied, but whispers lingered in the corridors of Helbrecht's estate. The name Fenrir Eisenwald was now on the lips of many young knights.
"He's just a boy from the swamps, yet he withstood Reinhard…"
"His aura… crimson, like molten lava. I could barely breathe when I saw it."
"Don't underestimate him. That was no fluke."
Fenrir walked away from the arena with steady steps. His arm throbbed with a shallow cut, but his gaze remained calm. Every movement, every word, he knew, was being watched.
Behind him, Reinhard still sat, his face flushed red with humiliation. The young knight glared at Fenrir's back with burning hatred.
"Swamp brat… I'll repay this shame. One day, I'll break you before them all."
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A servant approached, bowing politely.
"Lord Eisenwald, Marquis Helbrecht requests your presence in his private chamber."
Fenrir raised a brow. So soon after the duel? He truly is watching closely.
He followed through the torchlit corridors, lined with paintings of Helbrecht's lineage: crowned lions, marching knights, banners bearing the golden lion crest.
The doors of dark ebony opened, revealing Marquis Helbrecht seated in a carved chair. His robe was simple yet carried undeniable weight. His eyes, sharp and assessing, settled on Fenrir.
"Fenrir Eisenwald," he rumbled. "Sit."
Fenrir bowed slightly and sat. His heart pounded, but his face showed only composure.
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"Your duel with Reinhard… was interesting," said Helbrecht. "You didn't just endure, you struck back in a way that made him lose control. That is not the instinct of a mere fighter. That is the instinct of a leader."
Fenrir met his gaze without flinching. "I only did what was necessary, my lord. On the battlefield, there is no empty honor. There is life and there is death. Nothing else."
Helbrecht chuckled, low and amused. "Harsh words, from a child."
"But true," Fenrir replied firmly.
Helbrecht studied him for a long moment. "You are… different. Boys like Reinhard rely on pride. You rely on thought and instinct. That makes you dangerous—and valuable."
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The System's Voice
The familiar chime rang in Fenrir's mind.
Ding!
Quest Completed!
[Secure the Marquis' Favor] – SUCCESS.
Reward: +800 EXP, +2 Cunning, +1 Charisma.
New Quest Unlocked!
[Seeds of Influence] – Build alliances or rivals within Marquis Helbrecht's court. (Progress: 0/3).
Fenrir kept his expression still, though a faint thrill stirred inside. The first step is done.
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"Fenrir," Helbrecht said, his tone heavy with meaning, "you must understand one thing. The sword is important, yes. But in the court, a sword that cuts too sharply will leave you surrounded by enemies. If you wish to survive… wield it wisely."
Fenrir bowed his head slightly. "I understand, my lord."
Helbrecht nodded. "I will watch you, Fenrir Eisenwald. Do not disappoint me. For if you truly have fangs… one day, you will need the wings of a lion to shelter them."
The words echoed in Fenrir's mind. The lion… and the wolf. For now, I must move under his shadow. But someday… I will stand equal.
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Elsewhere, Reinhard struck the wall of his chamber with a fist.
"I, Reinhard Helbrecht, will not let that filthy boy steal my honor!"
Another knight tried to calm him. "He was strong, yes, but—"
"Silence!" Reinhard roared. "I will prove that the true lion cannot be shamed by a swamp wolf!"
In his eyes, fire burned. Fenrir was no longer a rival. He was an enemy.
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Fenrir returned to the guest quarters. He sat on the bed's edge, his training sword across his knees.
The roars, the glares, the Marquis' words—all replayed in his head.
"I'm still weak," he whispered. "I beat Reinhard, but only because he left himself open. If it had been a veteran knight, I would already be dead."
His grip tightened on the sword. Crimson aura flickered faintly, like embers in the dark.
"But I will keep moving forward. No matter who stands in my way. The wolf does not bow forever."
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