Chapter 189: Warrior Family’s Tradition
「Uoooh!」
「Take that!」
A warrior clad in white robes lunged at me, shouting, his long spear aimed my way.
I deftly twisted my upper body to evade the thrust, then promptly seized the man’s spear and hurled it aside. No need to draw my sword for such a minor skirmish.
「That’s enough!」
Master Jerome, acting as the judge, raised his hand.
When I went to Louise’s house to pay my respects, I found myself embroiled in an unexpected challenge: a knockout battle against all of Carlson Style’s disciples. Apparently, they adhere to the tradition that only strong men are worthy of marrying their daughter. As a martial clan, I can’t entirely fault their reasoning.
The ritual itself dates back to two hundred and forty years ago when the founder of Carlson Style initiated this traditional engagement ceremony during his beloved daughter’s wedding. However, it’s been a century since it was last performed. To weed out all of Carlson Style’s disciples like pulling burdock roots is no small feat—something a regular person couldn’t manage.
As a neutral hero blessed by both the Goddess of Creation and the Mother of Chaos, I’ve strayed far from the realm of ordinary humans. Hence, I find myself capable of such feats.
「Are you sure about this, Master Jerome?」 「It’s a joyous beginning. A lively event is preferable. Besides, it serves as good publicity for our dojo.」
Master Jerome chuckled, stroking the red beard he sported. Well, if the bride’s father approves, there’s little we can do.
The townspeople gathered, curious and hungry for entertainment. It seems they’re starved for diversion. Perhaps sensing a business opportunity, a slave girl from the Sawatari Company swooped in and set up a makeshift open-air stall.
「Care for some refreshments? We have light snacks and delicious sweets!」
Business was booming, but somehow, this whole affair had turned into a spectacle. What was meant to be a respectful visit to secure Louise’s hand in marriage had transformed into a full-blown festival.
Promoting the dojo, huh? Master Jerome certainly knows how to seize an opportunity. Perhaps the bustling commerce in the capital has influenced this.
The landscape of warfare is changing. As Carlson Style, which once thrived as the epitome of Silesie Kingdom’s martial tradition, completes its role as a training ground for knights and soldiers, it must now adapt survival tactics for the next era.
「There’s no way hero will lose!」
「Come on, keep knocking them down!」
But seriously, why are even Are, Eleonora and the others here, cheering louder than the dojo members?
They have nothing to do with this whole affair.
And speaking of numbers, nearly a hundred disciples stand in formation. While I won’t tire easily at this level, the sheer quantity is becoming bothersome. If I engage with each one individually, the sun will set before we finish.
「Enough of this. Come at me together!」
「Ooo, as expected,, King Hero is truly audacious!」
Taking advantage of their encouragement, about ten dojo disciples rise, each brandishing a spear or sword. Although the edges have been dulled for practice, they’re still iron rods. Suppressing a smile, I grip my black cedar practice sword and face them.
「Uaaah!」 「Nuo!」 「No!」
「Keep it up, keep it up…」
From my combat perspective, the disciples’ swordsmanship seems sluggish. With Ria acting as our healer, even if I accidentally injure someone, it’ll be fine.
I have enough leeway to disarm them by striking their knuckles with the wooden sword. Swiftly, I disarmed ten of them.
At this rate, I’ll take them down in groups of ten. Yep, that’ll speed things up.
「Well done, Your Excellency King General!」
「What do you think, Master Jerome? Is this sufficient?」
Once I’ve defeated all the disciples, I know it’ll be Master Jerome, the master swordsman, who’ll face me. As a hero, going all out would be unbecoming, so I plan to give Master Jerome a bit of a challenge and ultimately let him win. But as they say, things rarely go as expected.
「Silesie’s Hero-sama, I humbly request the honor of crossing swords with you!」
To my surprise, a mercenary-like man clad in layered lamellar armor—designed for ease of movement—stepped forward from the audience. His belt held two swords, and while he appeared somewhat unconventional, his demeanor exuded practical combat expertise.
「And who might you be?」
「I am a wandering warrior on a quest for self-improvement. The chance to face the renowned Silesie’s hero-sama in combat is an utmost privilege. I beseech you to engage with me.」
Glancing at Master Jerome, I noticed his wry smile and nod. While I hadn’t intended to host a martial tournament, perhaps I could indulge in a friendly match.
Upon my agreement, a resounding cheer erupted from the spectators. It seems impromptu challenges by martial artists add excitement for the onlookers.
The spacious dojo was somehow filled with local residents and tourists unrelated to Carlson Style Dojo. At least three hundred spectators had gathered. Maybe I should have charged an entrance fee.
Curiously, if there are swordsmen like Musai—wandering warriors and adventurers dedicated to mastering individual sword techniques—perhaps organizing a martial arts tournament in the capital could be profitable. It’s a bit reminiscent of the Germania Empire’s approach, though.
Musai, armed uniquely, drew the twin swords from his belt. Clearly, he intended to wield both. It had been a while since I faced a dual-wielding opponent.
「May I inquire about your name?」
「To be asked by Silesie’s hero-sama is the pinnacle of honor. I am Musai, a humble sword practitioner. Let us begin!」
His humility bordered on excessive. But once we engaged, I realized Musai was a formidable adversary.
His dual sword technique resembled my favored Tiger’s Dance style: using the left sword for defense and the right for offense. He spun his body like a chess piece, striking rhythmically with precision.
「Quite skilled…」
「Hero-sama too…」
Musai deftly parried my wooden sword strike. Using a sword for defense is more challenging than wielding a shield. His acrobatic swordplay impressed me, but even more remarkable was the precision of his footwork—a level of training that couldn’t be acquired overnight.
I realized I’d need to take this seriously; otherwise, I’d be bested. So, I stepped in deeper than my opponent. Swiftly, I sidestepped Musai’s defensive blade and knocked aside his attacking sword.
When a dual-wielding practitioner becomes one with their blades, victory is often decided. I pressed my spare sword to Musai’s exposed throat.
「Enough!」
Master Jerome’s shout confirmed my win. Musai dropped his sword and knelt—a graceful defeat.
「Truly, the sword of our era’s greatest hero… Remarkable. I’ll carry this tale back to my homeland.」
「No, you held your own. I even got serious.」
Musai’s eyes sparkled with joy. Even among independent swordsmen, there are skilled practitioners. As someone who’s always had an affinity for swordsmanship, I occasionally find such recreation enjoyable.
「Now it’s my turn.」
「Why is Eleonora joining in? The purpose seems to have shifted.」
Eleonora declared, brandishing her black cedar practice sword. I didn’t know she still had it.
Well, fine—I won’t lose to a mere princess knight.
Knowing she wouldn’t relent until we dueled, I treated it as a casual opportunity. I deflected Eleonora’s sword as she lunged.
And just like that, it was over in seconds.
Eleonora’s wooden sword spun through the air and embedded itself in the ground.
「Truly, Takeru, you’re impressive!」
「Areh?」
「What’s wrong?」
「Nothing, really…」
I realized Eleonora wouldn’t be sulking about losing to me anymore.
Normally, she’d pick up her sword and challenge me repeatedly, but perhaps marriage has mellowed her competitive spirit.
By the way, I can’t tell how many times Eleonora said “Here I come” but I’ve been saying that to her a lot recently.
Of course, I’m not talking about sword duels.
While I was thinking that, Dragon Maiden Are, picked up a massive sword dropped by one of my defeated students.
「Hero, I shall face you as well!」
「Wait, hold on…」
Before I could protest, Are, with no regard for my objections, casually gripped the sword and leaped toward me, her dragon wings fluttering. Now, facing the princess knight would be one thing, but tangling with a Dragon Maiden—the mightiest terrestrial creature—was an entirely different challenge!
「Uooh!」
What’s this? Her speed is incredible, but her sword swings lack finesse—they’re those of an absolute novice.
As she lunged again, I deftly caught her attack and swiftly disarmed her of the massive blade she held.
「Wow, impressive! Truly befitting to be the hero!」
「Phew, is this enough…?」
The victory came too easily; it left me slightly underwhelmed.
Ah, so Are’s prowess lies in hand-to-hand combat; wielding a sword seems to weaken her.
With various interlopers now dealt with, I’ve likely defeated all the necessary opponents.
Finally, I turned my attention to Master Jerome, expecting him to be my last adversary. But instead, he chuckled and shook his head.
「Areh? Isn’t Master Jerome supposed to be next?」
「No, this time it’s my turn, Takeru!」
With a triumphant neigh from her white steed, Louise appeared, her silver armor gleaming as she gracefully adjusted her cloak. Quite the elaborate touch.
And my final opponent? My own bride, it seems.
「Her attire resembles the days when my daughter was still a Royal Knight.」
Master Jerome remarked, gazing up at Louise from his mounted position.
Indeed, Louise, clad not in a bridal gown but in a white cloak, stood before me—a noble knightess.
Louise, once celebrated as a knight of the Silesie Royal Guard, now stood before me in the attire befitting those illustrious days. Perhaps more fitting than any bridal gown—the white cloak she wore was her true regalia.
「Will you dismount from your horse?」
「It’s fine this way, but let’s fight as equals, swordsmen.」
Louise replied, drawing her saber from her waist.
She raised the single-edged saber with both hands, and I responded by adjusting my grip on the black cedar practice sword.
「Let us begin, Silesie’s hero, Sawatari Takeru.」
「Let the contest commence, Ten Thousand Swords Knight, Louise.」
Louise propelled herself forward, her saber slicing through the air.
The sharpness of her blade, the terrifying speed, and the raw power—it was a true duel between warriors.
We clashed, our swords grinding, silently conveying emotions that needed no words.
In this harsh fantasy world, Louise was the first person I met.
From that fateful encounter until now, so much had transpired.
Once, I relied solely on her aid, but now I stood toe-to-toe with Louise in swordplay. It was a fair match—a test of our pure swordsmanship. Today, I would win.
I would demonstrate that I had become a stronger swordsman than Louise. Finally, I stood on equal ground with her, ready to propose marriage.
「You’ve improved, Takeru!」
「Not yet! Come at me with all your might, Louise!」
My taunt seemed to work. Louise lunged at me with blinding speed.
Her two-tiered strike—from high to mid—sliced through the air with a resounding whoosh. I couldn’t evade; I could only brace for impact.
Her saber bore down on me, and my nerves tensed.
But now, I could see her attack, anticipate it, and defend. And next, it would be my turn.
I, too, unleashed my full thrust technique—the secret art, Quadruple Phase Break!
If Louise’s two-tiered strike was her specialty, then mine was the four-stage thrust.
「Kuh…」
「How about that!」
Though I absorbed three stages of her attack, my final thrust grazed Louise’s shoulder lightly. Swiftly, she swung her saber and distanced herself.
「Uaaah!」
「Coming back at you!」
Louise raised her saber high, emitting a resounding battle cry.
That high-pitched roar—the Dragon Roar—was Louise’s signature move. As the hero who slew dragons, her shout reverberated through the air.
While it might terrify any creature, it held no effect on me, the hero. But along with her cry, Louise’s sword pressure intensified. She leaped from above, her white cloak billowing, and delivered a devastating strike fueled by her entire weight.
I braced myself, gripping my wooden sword with both hands. The impact was tremendous, and orange sparks burst forth.
「Haha, you caught it!」
「That attack would’ve shattered any sword except this black cedar one.」
Louise laughed, seemingly delighted.
Not just anyone could withstand a full-force blow from the hero who had slain dragons. Each clash of our swords carried immense weight and impact. We fought on equal terms, our silent conversation echoing through the clash of steel.
Through countless battlefields, surviving deadly encounters, we had arrived here. Even in the purity of swordplay, I had come close to matching Louise.
We poured our hearts into every slash and thrust. Louise’s elegant swordplay dazzled, but I couldn’t afford to be mesmerized.
With each exchange, we pushed our limits—slashing, thrusting. Louise’s formidable technique danced brilliantly, yet I couldn’t afford to be distracted.
I responded with my own swordsmanship, meeting Louise’s full force. Pouring my emotions into every strike, I received and returned them all.
To avoid my desperate upward slash, Louise leaped back. But somewhere along the way, her smile vanished.
The air hung heavy with exertion, both Louise and I breathing raggedly. Amidst intense concentration, our swords clashed.
Soon, that unwavering focus would waver. A momentary lapse could be fatal.
Louise measured the distance carefully, ever watchful for an opening. Our seemingly eternal duel was drawing to a close.
「Shall we settle this?」
I invited, deliberately relaxing my arm and opening my stance.
Understanding my intent, Louise still launched her full-force strike directly at me.
This was Louise—the renowned Ten Thousand Swords Knight. Her attack was nothing short of a wholehearted thrust, and it was precisely that commitment that left her vulnerable.
Anticipating her blow, I kicked off the ground with my right foot. Evading Louise’s lightning-fast thrust by a hair’s breadth, I simultaneously swung my wooden sword upward with force.
Her saber—the one Louise wielded—sprang from her grip and tumbled to the ground.
「Enough… Takeru-dono wins.」
Declared Master Jerome, our referee.
The crowd, holding their breath, erupted into cheers.
I exhaled deeply. Louise had indeed been formidable. But now, as I caught my breath, there was no room for celebration.
Louise seemed equally winded, her shoulders rising and falling.
We had fought honorably, pouring our all into this duel. And finally, I had defeated Louise.
「Takeru… You’ve grown stronger.」
「How about that, Louise! Now I…」
Before I could finish, Louise surprised me by embracing me tightly.
Her crimson eyes locked onto mine, and she kissed me passionately.
「Mmm!」
Ah, unexpected and passionate kisses from Louise in a moment like this…
Caught off guard, I simply surrendered to the surprise.
The intense tension dissipated, and I inadvertently relaxed. My wooden sword slipped from my hand and fell to the ground.
The crowd erupted into cheers at Louise’s fervent kiss.
Honestly, they’ll cheer for anything!
I should probably play it up a bit for the audience. But out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Master Jerome watching us with a complex expression. That piqued my curiosity.
Louise paid no mind to any of that. Well, I guess I’ve been defeated.
Finally, I managed to face Louise head-on and win. Despite the dramatic scene, I can’t help but feel that Louise is still beyond my reach. But it’s not a bad feeling.
And so, our engagement ceremony—a dazzling affair—comes to a close.