Chapter 14: in the presence of the king

After purchasing a weapon and leaving the shop, Dennis headed towards a thrift shop. He intended to buy a souvenir for Amelia. Since he didn’t have enough funds to buy new fabric, he planned to check out the second-hand clothing.

Clothing in this country was expensive. There were various types of fabrics, such as linen, cotton, wool, and silk, and they became increasingly expensive in that order. When it came to silk fabric, one needed to prepare five gold coins to afford it.

Even second-hand clothing made of silk fabric was pricey, costing one or two gold coins. Upon entering the thrift shop, Dennis searched for something good among the silk garments and cotton textiles.

Eventually, he settled on a shiny, dark red dress and a green coat, both made from top-notch silk fabric. However, their designs were considered outdated.

Dennis decided to remodel Amelia’s clothes, so he bought things based on the quality and quantity of the fabric rather than the design. However, the item would cost a total of two gold coins and three large silver coins, causing Dennis’s purse to become significantly lighter, almost swaying in the wind.

After strolling around for a while and returning to the inn, he found that Egmont was already back.

“Where have you been?” 

“Just went to town to buy a souvenir for Amelia,” Dennis replied.

“I see… tomorrow, it has been decided that you will accompany me to the castle,” Egmont said.

Dennis was taken aback by the sudden mention of the castle. 

“Why me? Why should I go to the castle?”

“Geralt has been officially being adopted into their family,” Egmont explained. 

“No way…..So, what about the heir to our Baronet family?”

Egmont directed his gaze at Dennis.

“There is no one else but you.”

“But I haven’t received any type of proper education to become the head of a noble family,” Dennis said.

Nobles lived in their hometowns until the age of twelve, after which they were supposed to receive their education as nobles at an academy in the capital city. After four years of study, the noble children would graduate and either return to their hometowns or take up official positions in the capital city.

“As the head of the noble family, the only essential subjects you absolutely need to learn are etiquette, land management, and battlefield action. You can learn them while I’m still alive,” Egmont explained.

Dennis didn’t have any interest in inheriting a debt-ridden territory. However, if he were to also refuse, Amelia would have to marry someone else and inherit the territory. That seemed pitiful as well.

Reluctantly, Dennis agreed, feeling there was no other choice. The matter of visiting the castle was also related to this decision. It seemed that the successor of a noble family had to take an oath before the king as the next heir in line.

It appeared that Geralt had also taken such an oath, but they decided not to go through with the formalities. Such occurrences were not uncommon. In a world with a high mortality rate, it was common for successors to pass away or become unable to inherit due to various other reasons.

Dennis didn’t have any suitable attire to present himself in front of the king without embarrassing himself. Therefore, they decided that he would borrow the clothes Geralt had obtained and use them to enter the castle.

In the castle, King Manfred III was discussing his afternoon schedule with his secretary, Barnabas. King Manfred was around forty-five years old, an energetic man with a solid build and a sharp intellect.

“We have two ‘Successor’s Oath Ceremonies’ scheduled. Following that, there is a meeting with Minister Klaus,” 

“Hmm. Who are the successors?” 

“We have Sir Eckhart of Kum Territory and Sir Dennis of Beneshof Territory,”

The king couldn’t recall the exact location of Beneshof Territory. Observing this, the secretary added,

“Beneshof Territory is a baronet’s territory situated on the western outskirts, near the frontier.”

“I see. So, the one to watch for is the prospective successor of Kum Territory. What kind of person is he?”

“He graduated in second place from the Royal Zelman Academy and is said to be one of the Four Devas in Kurtz Swordsmanship,” the secretary informed.

“Ah, the Four Devas. I heard that Marquis Theobald, the current head of Kum Territory, is skilled in Hartmann Swordsmanship. So, his son chose Kurtz Swordsmanship. It seems that this art of the sword is flourishing,”

“It appears that the swiftness of the sword is praised more than sheer strength,” 

“In that case, what about the successor of Beneshof?” the king asked.

“I don’t have much information about Sir Dennis. However, there have been reports that, on his way to the capital, he defeated four bandits in combat,”

“Oh, so he’s more of a practical fighter. What style does he use?” 

Secretary Barnabas stated the facts in a composed manner. “It seems he has his own unique style.”

“Hmm. Wasn’t he educated in the capital?” 

“Sir Dennis is said to have left Beneshof Territory for the first time on this occasion. It appears he hasn’t received proper formal education.”

King Manfred’s face clouded over. “Why was someone like him chosen as the successor?”

“I’ve heard that it’s because the eldest son, Sir Geralt, is marrying into the Gratzel family,” the secretary explained.

“Poor fellow… Chosen as the successor without even being prepared.”

In the afternoon, the ‘Successor’s Oath Ceremony’ began. In the audience chamber, Eckhart’s relatives, as well as Dennis’ father and brother, were present to witness the procedure.

Dennis had a nervous expression as he knelt on one knee in the audience chamber. Feeling the pressure from the king seated on the throne, he instinctively tried to lift his gaze.

However, he remembered that this was the audience chamber and forced himself to endure, keeping his eyes down. As he did so, he heard a low voice from above.

“Raise your head.”

Dennis lifted his head and was met with the majestic figure of the king before him. If this had been a few years ago, he might have been overwhelmed by the king’s majesty and the sacred atmosphere, and he might have been unable to act properly.

But now, he had Masaya’s knowledge and insight, so he could calmly assess the elaborate embroidery adorning the king’s attire and the carefully groomed beard that accentuated the king’s majesty.

The Oath Ceremony began.

“Eckhart Din Kumphalis, do you swear to inherit your territory and dedicate yourself to its prosperity?”

“I swear, in the name of the Creator, to inherit the land protected by my ancestors and guide it to prosperity.”

In the midst of the sacred atmosphere, the Oath Ceremony continued, and Dennis also spoke his oath. After the ceremony concluded, King Manfred addressed the two of them.

“From now on, you will learn the genuine aspects of governing your territories. Utilize your strengths and lead your lands to prosperity. So, I ask you, what are your strengths?”

King Manfred turned his gaze towards Eckhart, prompting him for an answer.

“…I am skilled in the art of the sword. Through my sword, I intend to train strong soldiers and strive for the maintenance of law and order in my territory,” Eckhart replied.

Next, it was Dennis’ turn.

“I don’t particularly possess any notable strengths. However, there is a small labyrinth in my territory. Currently, I am exploring the labyrinth, in the hopes of making something of it,” Dennis answered.

“No notable strengths, you say… Do not be humble. I have heard that you defeated four bandits in combat.”

After the small talk, King Manfred inquired about Dennis’ swordsmanship.

“I heard that you practice your own unique sword style. What kind of swordsmanship is it?”

“It is not my own unique style. By chance, I encountered a master swordsman and learned from him,” 

It is easy to declare that skill as one’s own unique style, but the Miyasaka style encompasses the essence of refined swordsmanship developed over many years. Claiming it as one’s own creation would naturally lead others to perceive you as a genius in the making.

“Oh, what is this style called?” the king inquired.

“It is called the Miyasaka style,” 

“What an unusual name. Is the master of this style a foreigner?” 

“I believe so,” 

“I’d like to see it,” 

The king’s words captured Eckhart’s attention.

“In that case, allow me to be your opponent,” Eckhart offered.

Dennis thought it was unnecessary, but those around them began to show interest. In a world with limited entertainment, the aristocrats wouldn’t like to miss an opportunity like this.

Among the nobles were the ranks of duke, marquis, earl, viscount, baron, baronet, and knight. The last rank, knight, was the only hereditary title, bestowed upon commoners who attained an official position.

Led by King Manfred, the two of them moved to the training grounds. Dennis and Eckhart stepped forward. Eckhart was a boy of the same age, but he had a more robust physique and a well-trained body.

The two faced each other, each wielding a wooden sword. It became clear in that moment of confrontation—Eckhart appeared to be the better swordsman. It was only natural, considering that Eckhart had honed his swordsmanship since childhood.

However, that didn’t mean Dennis had no chance. Eckhart was unaware of how fast Dennis’s overhead strike from the Miyasaka style’s high stance could be.

Dennis’s sword, descending from above, possessed extraordinary speed. Despite having recently started practicing the Miyasaka style, his speed was abnormal.

One could attribute this to the presence of Masaya. It seemed as if his presence accelerated the time it took for their combined thoughts and consciousness to comprehend and acquire techniques.

Among the spectators, Marquis Theobald and his younger brother engaged in conversation.

“Big brother, this is an excellent opportunity.”

“What for?” 

“To showcase Eckhart’s skill to the king,” 

“Nonsense. This is simply an opportunity to examine the sword used by this young man named Dennis,” Marquis Theobald stated.

Despite saying that, the marquis gazed at his son with evident delight. It was the look of a father who was confident in his son’s victory.

“On the opposing side is Eckhart, who was chosen as one of the Four Devas. That country bumpkin won’t even have a chance to showcase his swordsmanship.”

“That may be true, but I also fear that Eckhart might go too far,” 

Meanwhile, Egmont and Geralt watched Dennis with worried expressions.

“Father, how good is Dennis with a sword?” 

“For his age, he’s remarkable. However, his opponent is one of the Four Devas of the Kurtz Style. I can only pray he doesn’t suffer a humiliating defeat,” Egmont replied.

It seemed that the king himself would serve as the referee.

“This is an exhibition of swordsmanship. No use of Mana Arts is allowed,” 

With the king’s signal, the match began. Dennis poised his wooden sword in a high stance, while focusing his entire body on observing Eckhart’s movements.

Eckhart never considered himself to be the one to lose. He had trained diligently in the Kurtz Style to the extent of being recognized as one of the Four Devas. However, upon seeing his opponent’s stance, a sense of unease began to sprout in his heart.

It was a stance that left his torso wide open, yet it carried an unmistakable air of deliberate provocation, beckoning for an attack. Doubt began to creep into Eckhart’s heart, slowly eroding his confidence. Sensing his son’s hesitation, Marquis Theobald broke the silence.

“What are you hesitating for?”

Startled by the voice, Eckhart sprung into action. Since he judged that the attack to the torso was a trap, he aimed his wooden sword at the raised arm, swinging it with precision.

Eckhart’s sword moved with remarkable swiftness, slicing through the air as it honed in on Dennis’s arm.

Yet, Dennis’s wooden sword descended with even greater speed. The two wooden blades clashed mid-air. In terms of sheer power, Dennis’s wooden sword proved its superiority, effectively deflecting Eckhart’s strike.

The onlookers, including Egmont and Gerard, were taken aback by Eckhart’s unexpected defeat. Disbelief was etched across their faces, mirroring the disbelief in their hearts.

King Manfred couldn’t hide his surprise, 

“To think that a young man hailed as one of the Four Devas would… this Miyasaka sword style cannot be underestimated!”

Upon hearing his words, Secretary Barnabas, unable to contain his own surprise, responded, 

“It appears that the Beneshov territory has found itself a good successor.”.

King Manfred nodded quietly, acknowledging the statement.