Chapter 491: Chapter 491 – Trial by Combat

Trial by Combat

The words meant exactly as their written, A Trial… by Combat.

Simple, right?

Of course it’s right. Not everything can be ‘wrong’ now.

Marika’s words echo around the large throne room as all nobles think clearly to her words. Their quiet murmurs roaming around like buzzing flies that are far away.

After thinking for a while most of the people thought her solution was a good one. The most Henry would lose would be his title, which after a few years he could reclaim.

It was certainly better than jail time which would strip him off his titles, reputation and possibly land.

But the masters of the noble houses didn’t completely align with her solution.

Why?

Because of the Trial by Combat challenge.

Even I was a bit skeptical about that part.

I could accept the first part as I could easily gain some titles and more by doing my part… and also by Abigail’s help. But the Trial by Combat…

“Hmm… that is indeed an adequate solution, Madam Dragonoir.” Abigail said as she called out to the others, “Do any of you have problems with her suggestion?”

A quiet room gave her the answer.

Even though some people did have problems, mainly Margaret and Veronica. But none were ready to stand tow to tow against the strongest house in the Kingdom.

The Dragonoir’s weren’t just called the strongest because of their individual power, but for their allies.

The True Legacy.

Made up of three of the oldest houses back from the Kingdom’s Origin, the Dragonoir’s were the spokesperson while the other two were backers.

It was simply suicidal to face against any one of the houses… yet here I am.

“Lord Henry… do you have any questions?” Abigail asked, giving me a leeway.

“Just one, your majesty.” I look at Marika, “Mar- Madam Dragonoir, may I know the identity of the one that will represent your houses challenge?”

Marika said nothing to me and turned back. She looked at her brother and gave a blink as he nodded deeply.

Her brother stepped up.

“Oh, my!”

“That’s just two much.” A few guys said.

They weren’t wrong.

The person stepping up was Percival Dragonoir, One of the Strongest Knight in the Kingdom. His strength was truly great and could only be suppressed by her older sister, Marika, who’s strength remained unparalleled to this day.

Percival’s commandeering aura and strength sweep around, bearing order. He had a deep voice, “The one who will represent us is… My son, Peter Dragonoir.”

Peter, who was suddenly called out once more, looked bewildered. But it quickly quenched as he felt his father’s eyes bore upon him.

“Peter”

“Yes, Father!”

“Will you take responsibility for your mistake.” Percival’s words spoke of no choice, “Are you willing to represent our great house and finish this matter.”

Peter immediately spoke out, “Yes, Father!”

“Good! That is expected of my son.” Percival made no notice of it and turned around.

For a second, the memory of Henry’s full powered punch came back to his mind before he downed it out.

‘No! That was only the once and he was just lucky. But if he wasn’t…’ Peter’s eyes shone slightly, ‘He still won’t use it. The trial is because of that attack. With so many important people around, he won’t dare use it.’

The rightful fear went out and he accepted the challenge. Willing to show his father that he is the right man for this job and as the future head of the house.

“Now that you know of our fighter,” Marika spoke, “What say you, Tax?”

I look at her face for a moment before giving out a confident smile, “I accept.”

“Then it is settled.” Abigail said, “The challenge will commence two hours from now, on the Impracto Stage.”

Two Hours Later…

Impracto Stage

The stage was 500 meters away from the Royal Castle. The Impracto Stage was over 250 meters long, over 200 meters wide and 70 meter tall.

This was the place where the most important fights in the kingdom happens. Not only was it quite big but it was strong enough to hold almost any kind of fight.

It didn’t matter if it were powerful sigmat fights as there was defensive talisman placed in multiple locations which protected the stage against any damage.

It was also the place where high level Trial by Combat challenges were staged.

All the noble houses, now brought in even their families as they sat upon the thousands of seats, talking. The suns heat could not disturb them as one of the talisman was placed exactly for such a problem.

At the front side of the stage, there was a large column. Over at the column was a large room that was made of anti-manic materials and covered by high quality spectating glass that can withstand torrents of tornadoes.

That box was the place where the royal family sat.

Abigail slowly came in and sat at the high chair made for the king. Looking back, she saw her companions – Olenna, Harry and Dove.

Dove was a tall knight, completely covered by blackish armor. The armor had a rocky look with circular edges and multiple layers. Even her helmet, which didn’t have much distinction, seemed to give off a dark aura.

All combined, you know its heavy but you’d still want it.

Dove had a long bastard sword that she placed the back. The sword was looked like it was made of black bricks, similar to Henry’s own sword.

Olenna and Harry sat to Abigail’s left and right respectively while Dove just stood behind Abigail, always in attention for any sneak attacks.

Seeing that Abigail smiled, “You don’t need to do that now, Dove. Sit and watch the fight with us.”

Dove’s voice came out mechanical through the helmet, “I would have to decline, your majesty.” Her gender unrecognizable, “It could be that small mistake which could cause you harm.”

“We’re inside a place covered by Anti-manic. Don’t worry, nothing will happen.” When Abigail saw Dove was about to retort, she spoke out, “Sit down and watch, that’s an order!”

“…As you command.”

Dove walked down and stood before Olenna. She kept staring at the maid through her oppressing helmet.

“…hah” Olenna sighed and stepped aside as Dove sat down on her previous seat, now closest to Abigail. But she wasn’t relaxed, Dove’s head maybe looking ahead but her mind was fully focused on the surrounding, ready for any attack.

…

Under the column on the stage…

Peter Dragonoir walked out wearing a completely black armor designed especially for the Dragonoir Family. On his back, the Dragonoir Symbol of a white dragon soaring up with its wings spread wide.

Except for the excellent armor, Peter also had a medium black shield embedded on his left arm and a bastard sword on his right hand.

He looked ahead with a stone expression as Henry came.

Unlike Peter, Henry’s attire was different. While Peter was fully covered in armor like a black dragon knight, Henry wore just a chest armor without any hand cover. His pant had armor with chainmail, but it only went up to his knee.

And to finish it off, he had his signature black brick which shouldn’t be called a sword, in his hands.

In one sentence, Henry seemed like a powerful gladiator, thirsting the arena’s blood.