Chapter 799: Chapter 32: Duel Day (Part 3)

Gongsun Ce didn’t know how the knight beside him perceived him, nor was he interested in their opinion. Leaning on the railing by the road, he said, “How long is this going to last?”

Mo Yuankai flipped through the manual: “It looks like the parade ceremony lasts all morning. Knights gather at the royal palace at noon.”

“What’s so good about this?” Gongsun Ce complained. “Why are they so excited?”

The three of them squeezed on one side of the road divided by iron bars, closely watching the kingdom’s soldiers in their glorious red uniforms, black hats, and shiny leather boots amidst the crowded throng. The continuous cheers of the surrounding crowd were like waves, everyone eager to push forward for a better view. Gongsun Ce clung to the iron railing, feeling like a pitiful rock, unable to hide, only able to take the waves pounding against his back.

“The excitement comes from the festival atmosphere and a collective sense of honor, similar to how classmates get excited during a cultural festival!” Rakael’s wax figure shouted loudly. He had to shout, or the people nearby wouldn’t hear him.

“I see, but speaking of which, why are you, kingdom person, talking about cultural festivals? Have you seen one?”

“I’ve seen them in animation!”

Rakael’s wax figure also came along as a guard, alongside Yuliy, flanking two Superpower Users like left and right protectors. The three quirky nerds were enthusiastically discussing, moving from campus cultural festivals to maid cafes; the silent Yuliy felt his mind was severely polluted, yet he preferred not to interrupt.

Their messy discussion continued until Gongsun Ce suggested looking at something else. Yuliy felt relieved and proactively suggested they walk to non-activity areas outside the main road. They exerted effort to push through the crowd, heading towards Wood Park. Fortunately, the two knights used camouflaged Heart Phase Weapons; otherwise, if recognized, they definitely couldn’t get out.

“Speaking of which, I’ve been curious about something for a long time.” Mo Yuankai said as they walked, “Usually, Impermanence Law Enforcers hide in society’s dark side, so why are the Royal Knights public figures here?”

“This relates to the kingdom’s traditions. You know, before Shadow Mist City was founded, the country was plagued by beasts and ghosts, and knights often killed evil in public. Nowadays, even though barriers are established, knight activities are deeply embedded in the culture and we have become symbols of safety.” Rakael explained, “Also, knights’ non-stop patrolling serves as a ritual to maintain barrier stability, and these complex factors prevent us from hiding from public view. As of now, citizens see us as not only elite against giant dragon phenomena but also as a stable cultural symbol. In our daily work, we also uphold justice, maintain order, and provide free assistance to the public.”

“Sounds exhausting.” Gongsun Ce commented, “All those Impermanence Law Enforcer Mage apprentices enjoy slacking off happily; why do so many people still want to be knights?”

“For justice and glory.” Yuliy said with a serious face.

Rakael rubbed his fingers and smiled: “Also, because our benefits are slightly… better than those in the same Realm.”

Gongsun Ce uttered an “Oh” in understanding and nodded. They entered the park and found it busier than usual, with citizens waving small flags everywhere like on the streets. Many spread cloths on the grass to sit and chat, and quite a few played musical instruments. An unfashionably dressed old gentleman was playing an accordion. Seeing them approach, his eyes gleamed and he came over excitedly asking: “Hey! Kids from the Empire or Zero Island? Did you come all the way to attend our celebration?”

“Empire’s. We’re on summer vacation, so I came with classmates to travel.” Gongsun Ce stood out to speak, while the other “classmates” smiled cooperatively, “We heard about the Duel Day celebration before coming; it’s even livelier than in the videos.”

The old man disdainfully puffed his beard: “Promotional videos only feature places like the Royal Palace Museum; most people can’t get in! Let me tell you, today’s best place is at the bar, with jazz music, free snacks, and ‘Punch and Judy.’ The bar owners generously give each customer a big glass of beer. In my youth, my friends and I went along the whole street, drinking beer until the next day, unable to wake up.”

Punch and Judy is a kind of puppet show performance popular among kingdom’s folk, acted by multiple glove puppets in tragic-comic stories. It has no fixed script but is stitched from several small stories, with vulgar plots yet popular among the public.

“Sounds really nice.” Gongsun Ce said, “I’ll try it this afternoon.”

Yuliy immediately realized he was lying, because after the afternoon’s public duels, the knights would go to Shadow Mist City to prepare for a real duel, and Gongsun Ce wouldn’t have time for leisure. But the young man showed enthusiasm with no awkwardness from lying. He chatted with Mo Yuankai and local middle-aged people, occasionally charming everyone into laughing heartily. The accordion old man happily pulled out a small wine bottle, saying: “Let’s toast to these young people from foreign lands!” “Great!” cheered a middle-aged farmer wearing a cape, “What shall we wish?”

“Wish our Her Majesty the Queen and the country’s peace and longevity! And wish these young people… Hmm…” The old man tried to come up with a sincere and practical blessing, “May you grow up safely and forever be free from the curse of superpowers!”

Mo Yuankai’s smile stiffened for a moment. Yuliy’s heart tightened, not expecting trouble here. He secretly prepared to protect the citizens but was surprised to see Gongsun Ce unchanged, simply smiling and nodding in agreement. “Thank you all.”