Read Novel Full Chapter 43
Chapter 43
A Promise for a Duel
Three months, after I swore to properly confess my feelings to Lizbeth.
Today once again, I was undergoing extremely harsh training under the tutelage of Marquis Fahlcrantz.
“Weak! You won’t win against Liz…….*ahem*, your enemy if you stay like this!”
“Kuh!!”
Faced against the overwhelming flurry of blows from the Marquis, I desperately dodged, guarded and then parried it all.
I had gotten strong enough that I myself could feel a clear growth in my abilities, and yet, I was still far, far away from the Marquis.
More……….I need to get even more stronger…….!!
“Yaah!!”
“Hmm”
Evading the sudden overhead strike from the Marquis, I lunged in deep close to his chest.
“As if I’d let you do that!!”
With a reverse motion, the marquis used his raw strength to swing the sword back up.
Feeling like this was my only chance, I decided to jump on his sword itself.
“Hmmm!?!”
“THIS IS IIIIIIIITTTTTT!!!!”
Using the strength of the Marquis’ own swing, I jumped over him and took his back.
“……….kuku, this is my loss, it seems.”
Somehow, I had managed to win against the Marquis.
“With this much, I believe you have gotten to the point where you can get the result you want like I said back then.”
“ah…………..”
Judging by his expression and words, I could tell that the Marquis had intentionally lost to give me a confidence boost.
“Thank you very much! I will continue to do my best, so that I can live up to your consideration, your excellency!!”
Facing him, I gave a deep, courteous bow.
He has gone this far just for my sake. I need to win against Lizbeth no matter what.
“Prince Rudolf! That was an incredible match!”
“To win against the Master, incredible!”
“A,ahaha-………”
Lizbeth and Maya ran towards me, and showered me with praise.
B-but, this is all simply because the Marquis took it easy and let me have this win, that’s all……..
But even so……….
“Lady Lizbeth………a week from now, during the night. May I ask you to face me in a duel?”
“!?”
The moment I said that, Lizbeth’s eyes opened wide with surprise.
And then.
“fufu………..very well. I, Lizbeth Fahlcrantz, will gladly face you with all my strength.”
Lizbeth showed the smile of a competitor and elegantly curtseyed.
Now then………the preparations are done.
All that’s left is to win against Lizbeth now…….
“Wa-wait a minute please! A week from now, that would be the Imperial household’s New Year’s celebration party you know!?”
“”Ah………!!””
Now that she mentioned it, that’s right.
I too am the fourth prince after all, I couldn’t just skip it either.
Th-that said, I can’t exactly pull back now, and not to mention, I can’t let some boring Imperial party get in the way of my important day of me telling Lizbeth my feelings.
That’s why.
“………Sorry but Maya, I’ll be prioritizing my duel with Lizbeth over the party.”
“Same here. To refuse Prince Rudolf’s ask for a reason like that would bring shame to my family name.”
“You two, are you both actually serious!?”
“Yes!” “Indeed!”
Me and Lizbeth glanced at each other, and then nodded together.
Her expression right now, was not her usual affectionate one that she normally had when looking at me. It was the smile of a warrior, full of confidence and dignity.
“Prince Rudolf, a week from now. I’m greatly looking forward to it.”
“Me too.”
To seal our promise, and give our good lucks to each other, we both exchanged a firm handshake.
I was……..complete smitten with Lizbeth’s cold yet dignified look.
“……….kuku, to think he’d actually manage to take my back, of all people…….”
While gazing at us both, Marquis Fahlcrantz muttered to himself, while I remained blissfully unaware of it all.
.
.
.
To ready myself for the my duel with Lizbeth, I started training even more rigorously than usual.
Enough to even forget eating and sleeping at times.
Lizbeth as well, would line up beside me and swing her spear, in smooth flowing motions.
But, it was not like a dance or something like I had originally imagined. It was simple, clinical, just 3 actions. [Poke][Strike][Swipe]. On a repeat. Over and over again.
Honest, and straight forward, and yet, her movements had not even a shred of waste to it.
That alone, showed me that Lizbeth had spent years upon years building up strength until this point.
That said, it was because I too had learned the sword from Lord Fahlcrantz, I could tell just how amazing she really was.
……………can I even win against her?
“No, I shouldn’t be thinking like that!”
I greatly shook my head, and slapped my cheeks sharply, with some proper force behind it. And then, I returned to wholeheartedly swinging my sword again.
That’s right. What I need to do right now isn’t to become timid just from seeing Lizbeth’s greatness.
To win against her, I simply need to give it my all……….but.
“………………….”
“L-Lady Lizbeth……?
Before I realized it, Lizbeth was instead staring directly at me as well.
Wh-what’s this about then……..?
“Prince Rudolf, your swordplay has truly become impressive to watch.”
“Y-you think so…….?”
“Yes. No flashy showing off, just simple, and honest repetition……… however, a swing, that once fired is simply unstoppable. That indeed is the very essence of our prided martial arts of the Fahlcrantz family.”
Being praised by Lizbeth……….no, that’s not it. Being acknowledged by Lizbeth was what made me the happiest.
It just shows that I am indeed getting closer to becoming the ideal man for Lizbeth.
“Now then………..it’s already quite late. Let us stop here and rest. In this season, if you let the sweat get cold from the air, you’re likely to catch a cold.”
“Got it.”
I took Lizbeth’s hand, and left the training area and its cold winds.