I Became King by Following My Little Sister's Advice. Now the Princess I Forced to Marry Is Giving Me Death Stares, What Should I Do? - Chapter 13: Let's Duel

Chapter 13: Let’s Duel

At the eastern border, Armstrong Fortress, the heavy and thick castle gates opened to let in five individuals. 

All were young men on horseback.

Leading them was a black-haired man… he was Van Arlengs.

“Grandfather…”

“I can’t believe they came with only five people!”

Marquis Ulbers exclaimed in astonishment as he watched the five men enter the fortress. 

Even though the kingdom was newly established, he had expected the king to bring a considerable number of guards, if not a whole division, on an expedition.

But here they were, only five. 

To venture into what could be enemy territory with such a small group required immense courage.

“…”

(So, this man is Van Arlengs. The traitor who killed the king!)

Meanwhile, Lyusha, the granddaughter of the Marquis Ulbers, was also trying to assess Van.

(I’ve heard he’s an excellent knight… but to commit regicide and usurp the throne is something no knight should ever do!)

Lyusha was an honest and righteous person.

The idea of betrayal and killing one’s lord was intolerable to her.

Most of the Aidron Kingdom’s royalty was corrupt, and few mourned their deaths. Some of the common people even celebrated the death of the king who had oppressed them.

However, such bad news didn’t reach the eastern border region.

To Lyusha, the dead king was just known to have a bad reputation. 

Therefore, she viewed Van more as a disloyal usurper than a hero who had defeated a tyrant.

“Grandfather, please win…!”

“Of course, I have no intention of losing. But remember, this is not just about winning or losing. It’s about assessing the king’s worthiness.”

“Yes, I will watch carefully with my own eyes.”

“Good. Then, let’s proceed.”

Marquis Ulbers walked towards Van, who had been led to the courtyard of Armstrong Fortress.

“It’s such an honor. Welcome, Your Majesty, King Arlengs.”

Marquis Ulbers greeted him. 

While he bowed his head, he did not kneel. He acknowledged Van as a king and showed respect, but whether he accepted him as a master to serve was a different matter.

“Ah, you must be Marquis Ulbers.”

“Yes, I am Neighber Ulbers.”

“We’re supposed to duel, right? It’s getting colder, so can we start soon?”

“…”

Marquis Ulbers narrowed his eyes. 

Van didn’t seem nervous at all, even though they were about to duel, which could potentially be a fight to the death. He was remarkably calm. 

Perhaps he was very accustomed to such situations, despite his youth.

(Or maybe it’s the ignorance of someone who’s never faced a stronger opponent… Either way, youth can be quite daunting.)

“Indeed, this is the first snow of the year. Finishing early would be best.”

Van and Marquis Ulbers faced each other in the courtyard, standing about three meters apart, similar to the setup for a knight’s mock battle.

Van’s guards, the Marquis’ soldiers, and Lyusha were watching from the sidelines.

Van held a single-edged greatsword. Its blade was jet black, likely made of black steel. Marquis Ulbers wielded a halberd, his longtime companion. A soldier stood between them as the referee. 

Everything was ready.

“Shall we begin the duel, Your Majesty?”

“…I’m not used to being called that.”

“Then how about Sir Van?”

“Yes, that’s better.”

“…”

Even as they stood facing each other with weapons in hand, Van showed no signs of tension. 

Marquis Ulbers felt slightly deflated.

(He lacks any sense of tension. He’s either extremely confident or just a fool…)

“Both sides, get ready…”

(Well, I’ll find out soon enough…)

“Begin!”

The duel commenced. 

Marquis Ulbers lowered his stance, preparing to leap forward, but…

“…!?”

In the next instant, the duel was over. 

The halberd in Marquis Ulbers’ hands was cut in half and sent flying through the air.

“What…?”

Van, who had been in front of him, had vanished.

In his place were deep footprints, evidence of a powerful leap.

“…”

Marquis Ulbers stood in shock, sensing Van’s presence behind him.

(Did he… cut my weapon in an instant?)

Marquis Ulbers realized with a shiver. 

Van had used his incredible leg strength to lunge forward, crossing paths with the Marquis at such a speed that he cut the halberd in half.

(Just how fast is he…? The “Ogre of the Roicardan Plains.”… I never imagined he was this powerful…)

He had heard reports about that battle. 

The Roicardan Plains in the northern part of the kingdom had been the stage for a conflict with a northern nation. 

Van Arlengs had led a squad of knights deep into enemy territory alone, setting their camp ablaze.

This act had turned the tide of what seemed like a losing battle, allowing the kingdom’s army to repel the invaders. 

Despite his outstanding bravery, Van hadn’t received any rewards due to acting independently and the jealousy of the great nobles. 

Nevertheless, his deeds became legendary among the soldiers who had fought there.

(I thought the stories were exaggerated, but they were true. This man is a hero…!)

The Marquis of Ulbers stood still, weaponless. 

His subordinates and Lyusha, who had believed him to be the strongest, were speechless at his defeat.

“…Well, it seems your weapon might have been old.”

Van turned back and spoke calmly after his easy victory.

“A poor-quality weapon won’t let you fight at your best. If you’d like, we can start over with a different weapon.”

“…”

Marquis Ulbers couldn’t immediately respond to Van’s offer, which could be seen as a mercy from the victor.