Kaiser finally arrived at the county headquarters. The main building stood in the middle of the central courtyard, perfectly visible despite the constant coming and going of soldiers. Several guards walked briskly, others were returning from patrol. His arrival was immediately noticed. The count's second son wasn't someone who went unnoticed in these places. It neither bothered nor impressed him. He was already used to sidelong glances, muffled whispers, and forced respect. But right now, he had no time for that kind of thing.
Even though the soldiers tried to hide their disdain, he could clearly see the furrowed brows, the barely contained smirks. Still, he stayed upright, face calm, showing no reaction. Kaiser approached a guard who seemed a little less hostile than the others.
"I'd like to see the county soldiers' commander," he said in a simple, direct voice.
The guard flinched slightly. He threw a hesitant glance at his comrades, then nodded without arguing. He knew the young man's rank, and even if many despised him, no one wanted to cause an unnecessary incident. He led Kaiser through a stone corridor to the door that opened onto the commander's office.
"We're here, young master," he said before bowing slightly.
Kaiser stood in front of the door. He took one breath. His face remained impassive, almost frozen, as if he were still wearing the same mask. He raised his fist to knock, but an invisible blow hit him before his knuckles touched the wood. A heavy, crushing aura suddenly poured into the corridor. His heart skipped a beat, but he immediately controlled his breathing.
"What do you want, young master Paragon!" a cold female voice rang out from inside.
"Commander Kethra, I need to speak with you."
"I'm quite busy, young lord. Be direct."
Kaiser sighed. Of course he wouldn't be respected, especially not by Kethra.
"I need you to teach me the basics of swordsmanship."
"As I said, I'm busy. Come back with a letter from my employer."
'The way she talked about my father, she doesn't like him either.' Kaiser thought as he prepared to knock again.
"Young master?"
He turned his head toward the presence at the end of the corridor.
A man was walking slowly toward him. He had a shiny bald head, dark taut skin marked by years of training. His black armor revealed imposing muscles, as if he had been carved for combat since birth. He stopped just a few steps away, a smile that said everything plastered on his face.
"So, what brings the young master to these parts," the man said in a deep voice.
Kaiser didn't flinch.
"I came to see the commander," he answered calmly.
The man shrugged slightly. He still carried that threatening aura around him.
"The commander has no time to waste on you. You heard her say she was busy, right?"
Kaiser felt a quiet irritation cross his mind. This asshole really wasn't afraid of death. Did he take him for a joke?
But he stayed true to himself. After all, he was weak, and this was exactly the kind of treatment weak people got. It served as a lesson. And above all, Kethra was hearing everything that was happening. And one of the things she hated was cowards.
'I can't show weakness!'
"I have no intention of leaving without seeing her."
The man let out a short laugh.
"She just told you no. That's clear, isn't it?"
"And who's going to stop me?" Kaiser repeated in a dry tone.
The silence that followed drew several soldiers closer. Some moved in discreetly to hear better. Others were already wearing amused smiles. They were enjoying this far too much.
The man raised an eyebrow.
"In that case," he said, "I challenge you to a duel. Right here. A swordsman must put his honor on the line." It was a well-known principle among knights.
Kaiser clenched his teeth. If he accepted, it was suicidal. There was no other possible outcome for this fight... he was going to get his ass kicked in public, but he had no choice.
'I must not look like a coward.'
Kaiser took a step forward.
"I accept..."
The man looked surprised. He crossed his arms, looking like someone who was hesitating. He hadn't expected this outcome.
"A duel? You're not known for that kind of bravery," Kethra retorted from inside.
"I won't back down," Kaiser replied. "No matter the outcome, there will be no consequences for you. I'm putting my honor on the line."
That sentence had its effect. The man raised an eyebrow, then smiled again.
"Very well."
...
On the training ground
Someone brought a sword for Kaiser. The soldiers formed a circle in the inner courtyard. They looked eager. The bald man drew his weapon, a heavy, wide blade clearly made to be wielded by someone of his build.
The fight began without ceremony.
The man charged first. His speed wasn't anything special, but his raw strength was terrifying. Kaiser awkwardly parried the first attack, staggering back three steps from the impact. His arm tingled immediately. His opponent smiled even wider.
"Did this bastard have no shame at all? He didn't even let me take the first strike," Kaiser cursed inwardly.
"This is starting well," the man said, his smile growing.
Kaiser gritted his teeth. This time he attacked, trying to aim for the usual weak points, but the man blocked with disconcerting ease. The difference in power was obvious.
A sideways blow came too fast. Kaiser raised his weapon, but the force of the impact made the blade vibrate. A few soldiers burst out laughing.
"Look at that, he's gonna fly."
Another blow hit Kaiser in the stomach. The light armor he wore cushioned the shock, but the pain spread instantly. He slid across the ground, but before he could even catch his breath, the man charged again.
"Get up, young master."
Kaiser stood up. His breathing was irregular, but his eyes remained determined. He got back into position. The soldiers started whispering.
He's gonna give up
No, look at his eyes
You think he'll last much longer?
Kaiser tried another attack. This time he aimed for the leg. The man blocked it with a simple flick of the wrist, then kicked Kaiser in the chest, sending him back to the ground. Dust rose around him. He tasted iron in his mouth.
"And that's just the beginning," the man murmured in an amused tone.
Kaiser got back to his feet. He was staggering, but he didn't let go of his sword. His hands shook slightly. The man shook his head.
"You're not cut out for this. Give up."
"Never."
The soldiers laughed again. Some shook their heads, others waited impatiently for what came next. The man charged once more. This time he struck so hard that Kaiser's sword flew from his hand. It embedded itself in the ground several meters away.
A murmur ran through the crowd.
It's over
He can't defend himself anymore
He should have listened
Kaiser looked up at his opponent. He was breathing heavily, but he had no intention of backing down. He clenched his fists.
"I continue."
The man seemed surprised.
"You have no weapon left."
"Then I'll fight without one."
That simple statement silenced some of the laughter. Even the man seemed to hesitate for a second. Kaiser threw himself forward. Without a weapon he was even more disadvantaged, but he aimed for the face and neck. The man parried the blows with his bare hands, then grabbed Kaiser by the throat and slammed him violently to the ground.
"Stay down."
Kaiser rolled to the side and stood up again. His forehead was bleeding, his breathing short, but he kept moving forward. His legs were shaking, but he didn't retreat.
"Why do you keep insisting?" the man asked, genuinely surprised.
"I already told you. I want to meet your commander."
The man stayed silent for a second. Kaiser tried one last punch, but the man stopped it with a single hand. He looked the young man straight in the eyes.
"You lost. But you didn't run. You've got balls, young master."
He released his grip and stepped back slightly. The soldiers watched the scene, this time without sneering.
"We only respect those who have the courage to defend their honor," the man said as he sheathed his sword. The commander will probably see you now.
Kaiser straightened up as best he could. Despite the pain coursing through his entire body, he stood tall. He walked toward the door, leaving behind a heavy silence.
No one was laughing anymore.