Chapter 17: Duel (2)

The victor of the duel is already decided.

The battlefield become silent as they see the Nors champion is bleeding to death after that heart beating moment of the duel. They didn't expect the sudden turn of events as everyone can clearly see that Sir John is the one losing in the duel, and he is almost hack to death when he lost his balance.

"That bastard nearly lost and die, what an idiot." Sir Roderick comments. Even if he looks unconcern during the duel for the wellbeing of his comrade, inside he is concerned of whether he will win or not.

"One-Eyed Wolf!"

Then suddenly, after everyone is woken from their stupors, loud chants and cheers suddenly emerge from the Aquintanian legion camp. Soldiers of the eighth legion are cheering wholeheartedly and some of the knights participate.

History has just been made after winning a single combat against a Nors champion who always dominates in fighting and martial capabilities.

Sir John then raises his sword up and the soldiers cheer louder. He enjoys the cheer and praise from the men around.

Even the Nors warriors respect the victor of the duel by bashing their shields with their fists. For them, fighting and combat are a way of life, and a strong warrior would always be respected even if he is an enemy.

At top of the cliff, a mounted soldier blows the horn for everyone to hear, stopping the cheering and celebration of the legionnaires and the knights. All of them return in their fighting state, even Sir John braces himself holding his sword tightly and walks backwards towards back to the legion's lines.

But the opposite has happened, the Nors warriors are leaving the area, two men approach the dead body of Njal. They slightly bow their heads to Sir John and pick up the dead body and his equipment.

"He is a great warrior." Constance commented, they rode towards where Sir John is standing currently.

Sir John is surprised as he didn't notice them approaching him but is glad that they came bringing his horse with them.

"Hah... you almost lost your head; it is just luck that you won."

Sir Roderick sneer as he sees the peaceful and calm face of Sir John. He is sure that deep inside, the bastard is enjoying and happy of his victory and getting the nickname after the duel and would surely gloat this later at him.

"Luck is also a skill you know. It is not the strongest who always win, but it is the one who survive, and win is the strongest."

Sir John speaks calmly like a monk who just reach enlightenment. He then smiles towards Sir Roderick, a teasing and gloating smile as he enjoys seeing Roderick jealous and bitter at him.

"It seems something went wrong in your head after surviving that fight, you sound like those priests and monks in the outskirts." Sir Roderick retorted angrily. The prick is really enjoying gloating at him, especially after receiving the moniker of the One-Eyed Wolf.

"Stop now you too. Congratulations Sir John of your victory, you have brought pride and honor to us. Your enemy is strong, but you are the stronger one." Constance stops the quarrelling between the two Arignon knights as the legion continues to cheer Sir John. "Let us return, the Grand Prince and the soldiers are waiting for you champion."

Sir John mounts on his horse and follows Constance and his companions, the cheers are getting louder as they are getting nearer to the camp. The jubilee and morale of the men are at its peak when they arrive only a few paces of the camp.

Even the imperial knights recognize the victory and clap their hands as Sir John enters the camp. The soldiers then follow the Sir John who enters the camp and start to celebrate the victory, the enemy who always harass them for days have been defeated in a duel and it inspires the men for the future campaign.

Amidst all the celebration, Constance strode alone towards Princess Tessia who is still looking to the leaving Nors warriors who are already far some distance from the camp, most have already disappeared in the woods while some look back to the camp one last time before entering the woods.

"It would give the men some respite and rest in the coming days Your Imperial Highness." Constance speaks to the princess who seems to be thinking deeply and didn't notice his presence.

Princess Tessia is awakened from her concentration and notices that someone is now near beside her. Aside from her two personal female knights with her, there is no one else besides her and Constance at the field outside the camp.

"Your knight has really won the day Lord Arignon. Thank you."

Princess Tessia is sincere of her gratitude as she witnesses the suffering and weariness of the men after the harassments of the Nors from the past few days. Winning the duel is a big deal as it surely hits the morale of the enemy, and it is unlikely that they will be back here tomorrow.

"It is our honor Your Imperial Highness, you should give your sincere thanks to Sir John as he is the one who put his life on the line."

"I will Lord Arignon, but we are still thankful to you as he is your knight and the one who make this thing possible."

Constance just smiles sincerely at the Young Princess who is much younger than him by about five years. When he looks closely to the Princess, she looks prettier if he looks closely away from her tomboyish demeanor.

"Why are you looking at me like that Lord Arignon?"

Princess Tessia felt uncomfortable of the deep intense stare of the young lord towards her but didn't feel bad about it, instead she felt something comforting and pleasant deep in her heart.

"Oh, it's nothing Your Imperial Highness, I just find you prettier than before." Constance replies casually to the princess, not thinking of how the princess would perceive his statement.

Princess Tessia blushes after Constance just compliments her as pretty. She didn't hear such cute compliments towards her as they much compliment her tomboyish and adventurous personality.

"And oh, before I forgot Your Imperial Highness... His Imperial Majesty the emperor asks for you to go back to the capital as soon as possible." Constance remarked, the earlier they leave, the earlier they can go home.

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To the White Wolf of Aquintaine's dear readers. I hope that you will give a positive novel review for this novel as this is participating for the Webnovel Spirity Awards 2023. I would do my best to write more chapters as the story could gain more readers and support.

I would really appreciate it. Please give it a review. Thank You!