Chapter 756: Chapter 19: The Struggle for the Holy Sword

“Let’s call it a day, Seventh Knight.”

The man in military uniform sheathed his rapier, saying no more. Orianna saw the disappointment in his eyes, but she was at a loss for words.

“Yes, Prince Jackson.” She bowed her head, replying with remorse.

The training in the dueling arena lasted for about an hour, during which she failed to summon the power of the Final Sword even once. Not to mention the disappointment of the sparring partner who had specifically taken time to check on her progress, even she was utterly disappointed in herself. Orianna dared not lift her head; she couldn’t face the gaze of her colleagues around her, let alone see herself as she was now—a shameful failure who repeatedly let everyone down.

“Hard work, Miss Orianna. Have a drink first.”

A bottle of energy drink was handed to her, and Orianna subconsciously accepted it, looking up to meet Mo Yuankai’s smile.

“Ah!” Orianna exclaimed softly, “Mr. Mo! How come you’re…”

“The armor repair went smoothly, and since my work for today is done, I had nothing better to do than to come and see how you’re doing.” Mo Yuankai nodded, turning to the man in uniform. “May I ask who this is?”

The man looked to be about thirty, with blond hair cropped to a buzz cut, standing ramrod straight, and offered no smiles with an air of ‘keep out.’ Knight Rakael quickly stepped forward to greet him, then introduced with a solemn tone, “I am honored to introduce to you the Second Prince of the Kingdom of Morton, Duke Connot, Admiral of the Royal Navy, protected by Holy King Morton—Connot Jackson Morton.”

“Oh, hello, Prince Jackson…”

Mo Yuankai had thought he would be meeting a military officer, but to his surprise, this man was a distinguished member of the Royal Family. Just as he was contemplating the correct way to bow, Prince Jackson extended his hand and gave a firm handshake.

“Hello, Mr. Mo Yuankai. On behalf of the Royal Family, the Military Department, and myself, I would like to thank you for your outstanding contributions to our kingdom.” Jackson released his hand, “Due to your sensitive status, we cannot award you following the completion of this task. But I assure you, on my honor, that you will receive all that you deserve.”

Jackson spoke without a smile, but his straightforward words seemed all the more genuine. Mo Yuankai looked into his eyes and said, “You don’t look like a prince.”

“What then?” Jackson asked.

“A soldier, or a specialist.”

“That’s good. The kingdom has no shortage of nobles, but specialists are always in high demand.”

Jackson looked toward Orianna, about to say something, when a female voice came from far away: “Elder brother~ Orianna~ How’s it going~?”

A young woman was briskly approaching from the entrance of the training ground. She wore a mage robe embroidered with stardust patterns, holding a large, thick book; her long golden hair was braided into pigtails, and she wore a pair of plain glasses, looking like a female student.

There was a sly look in the girl’s eyes, not as stern as her elder brother’s. She walked up to Jackson, curiously examining Mo Yuankai as Orianna quickly bowed, “Lady Grey, this is Mr. Mo Yuankai, who has come from the City of the Sky to repair our armors! Mr. Mo, I am honored to introduce…”

“Don’t be so formal, Orianna! It’s not a formal diplomatic occasion.” The pigtailed girl pushed her glasses to the side and nodded at Mo Yuankai, “The Third Princess of the Morton Kingdom, just call me Grey. Elder brother, this time—”

“The Final Sword still cannot be utilized normally.” Jackson shook his head, “Knight Orianna, you have 26 days. If you cannot meet the requirements before the upcoming royal duel, we will have to officially discuss a contingency plan.”

“I will try my best, Prince Jackson,” Orianna whispered.

“I wish you success.”

After saying this, Jackson said farewell to everyone and left, accompanied by a group of military attendants. Grey patted Orianna’s hand, comforting her, “You know, good knight, he means no offense… We all recognize your capabilities. But time is too tight this time, and an unprecedented challenge is about to arrive, everyone is anxious.”

“I understand, Lady Grey.” Orianna nodded vigorously, “If I still can’t do it by the beginning of next month, please replace me.”

“I don’t think they will choose that method, who could do better than you? It’s more likely that they will consider the suggestion from our teacher Lorningle, to use the sword as a conduit… Sigh, but I think that’s even riskier, and even mother would oppose it.”

Jackson stopped in the distance, as if waiting for his sister. Grey quickly said, “Could you pass a message to Dawn Knight for me? Tell Prince Charlie he will visit in person tomorrow morning… I guess he has a private request. Alright, I have to go now. Don’t be too tense, good knight, everyone understands.”

The Third Princess Grey hurried away. Orianna stood motionless in the center of the dueling field, as if crushed by that mighty sword.

Mo Yuankai and Rakael exchanged a look, Mo signaling “say something” with his hand and Rakael nudging his chin as if to say “you go, you go.”

“Ahem!” Mo Yuankai coughed, passing over a towel, “Miss Orianna, why don’t you wipe off some sweat first?”

Orianna jerked as if awakened from a trance, accepting the towel and wiping the sweat from her face, gradually becoming aware of her current state: hair damp with sweat, face covered in dust, and still clad in armor, fully armed.

“Ah… Ah, ah, ah!”

Orianna gasped in shock. She closed her eyes, pushing the towel forward and then, blushing, she ran off. “I… I’m going to freshen up…!”