-I want to have a friendly sparring with the descendants of Banryong.
Arathion’s sudden declaration. It was unexpected at first glance, but the elves soon noticed the grand duke’s intentions.
‘Is it to show his power?’
‘Looks like the Grand Duke really made up his mind.’
Those who know better than anyone how public opinion is currently going in the principality. There was no way he didn’t know that this sparring itself meant to push Luke.
That is why most of them could not hide their dissatisfaction even though they participated as spectators in Dalian.
“This is it, it feels like being a bridesmaid.”
“There is nothing different. In fact, aren’t you the man’s maid of honor?”
“If he inherited half-dragon blood, how much would he have?”
The elves, who had little contact with humans inside the principality, would have been interested in watching them. But those gathered now couldn’t possibly do that.
They are located in the border zone and still see human greed right in front of their eyes. Not to mention, he had been insulted beyond words by Count Valdemar before.
If you’re a human, you’re still on the verge of trembling, but you’re a grand duke who openly pushes humans.
“But if the Grand Duke has already made up his mind, what shall we do?”
“Even if it hurts my stomach, let’s do it in moderation.”
From the beginning, I didn’t expect much from human power. It was because being called out as a maid was the Grand Duke’s pressure to follow my will.
How can you resist the mighty grand duke’s authority? Even if you have complaints, you have to be patient and do what you want.
“Anyway, are you really a descendant of half-dragon blood?”
“I don’t know. It might have been mixed with the lineage of a savage beast somewhere.”
“It would be fortunate if you knew how to properly use the power of your lineage.”
“A person who is swayed by power. Wouldn’t that be worth seeing?”
“That too. Power without skill is the dance of an ape.”
The elves, unable to express their dissatisfaction with the Grand Duke, put down Luke. It is certain that he is the holder of the old lineage, as long as he has taken the form of sparring.
However, that much was not enough to impress the elf. What is the difference between a monster and a strong mortal?
‘His Highness called us, but he couldn’t really make us surrender.’
‘You have to follow me. I’ll show you that I’m reluctantly complying, but.’
That was the maximum resistance that an elf who hated humans could do. Since I participated as a bridesmaid in a play, I will not hide that it is a play.
However, the moment the sparring started, those thoughts flew away immediately.
* * *
Kwa Lung, Kwa Gua Guang, and Truong.
“… … .”
“… … .”
Sparks flashed whenever the irons struck, and thunder resounded everywhere. The shock generated by the aftermath of the sword attack became a gust of wind and swept the surroundings.
If I hadn’t been watching the Dalian in front of my eyes, I would have thought that lightning was falling nonstop somewhere. The clash between the two was terrifying.
It was like a small-scale natural disaster.
‘I can’t see it.’
Some of the enamored elves had their eyes trembled. Among merchants and nobles, they were confident in their martial arts.
‘I can’t see it, I can’t see it at all! What the hell is going on?’
Elves have better visual acuity than humans. If you go through a long period of training, you can catch at least one flying arrow with your hand.
The same goes for those who followed Arathion. However, even those who could see and catch arrows could not see the current fight.
Only one thing can be seen. Only the face of the disappointed grand duke.
“Is Your Highness being pushed back?”
“Nonsense! How can a human… … !”
Denial came out as if in a seizure at the sound of someone muttering. The feeling that I couldn’t admit it came out desperately.
However, no matter how much you hate to admit it, the reality in front of you is a cruel law.
Wow.
“Whoa!”
“Big!”
With an eardrum-shattering sound, the two of them stepped back. Only then did the right situation come into sight.
A Luke who is relatively relaxed. In comparison, Arathion gasped for breath. Anyone can see that it was the Grand Duke’s decision.
“Unbelievable!”
Someone’s astonishment represented everyone’s feelings. However, it was Arathion himself who was more surprised than anyone else.
After staring at Luke for a while, Arathion opened his mouth.
“How old are you this year?”
“I am sixteen this year. I will be seventeen next year.”
“Have you learned the sword?”
“It hasn’t even been a year yet.”
“ha ha ha.”
A dry laugh leaked from Arathion’s throat. Soon Arathion looked up at the sky and murmured.
“I took up the sword at fifteen.”
“… … ?”
“And this year, I’ve been sharpening my sword for three hundred and twenty-five years.”
“… … .”
Everyone was silent. A history of the past that is more lightly spoken. However, the weight of those light words was beyond imagination.
325 years. Enough years for a kingdom to rise and fall. That time caught up in just one year.
In the suffocating silence, Arathion raised his sword again.
“Okay, now that we’ve rested enough, let’s start again.”
“I think Dalian is enough now.”
“I am a grand duke, but at the same time I am also a swordsman.”
Regardless of the purpose, it is said that he wants to have a proper fight with Luke. At Arathion’s answer, Luke raised his sword without saying anything.
Because he knew that feeling well.
Wow.
“… … !”
The two swords collided again. Arathion gritted his teeth at the sensation of a tingling shock penetrating his entire body.
‘Are you pushed around so easily? Even if I use the family relics?’
In order to create a new body, a magic formula that could not be reproduced twice was engraved. I swallowed medicines that were no longer available. Even the legacy of the previous heirs was sucked up.
Although it may fall short of its old lineage, it has surpassed mortal bodies. Through the physical foundation, he perfectly mastered the swordsmanship and wore numerous artifacts all over his body.
‘Therefore, he earned the title of Grand Duke of the Sword. He even got the nickname of being the strongest among the mortals of the time.’
I knew that the elves gave me exaggerated nicknames because of their pride. However, there was also a side that was secretly proud of itself.
Even if they were stronger than themselves, if they fought with pure sword skills, they would not be able to win. The swordsmanship practiced over hundreds of years would be enough to subdue the old lineage.
‘You were arrogant.’
He said he was overconfident towards Luke. Who was really overconfident? A bitter smile formed on his lips involuntarily.
Quaang, Jiik.
“Kuk!”
As if awakening his thoughts, Luke’s attack pushed Arathion back. Unlike Arathion, who seemed to bounce off immediately if he let go of his strength, Luke had considerable leeway.
‘I can’t win.’
Arathion had no choice but to admit it. A human who has lived these sixteen years has already become a stronger being than himself.
‘Then I’ll at least give you an unforgettable impression.’
Whoops.
Arathion took a deep breath and straightened his posture. The wind gathered around Arathion’s sword and made a loud noise.
“Let’s settle the matter with the next blow soon.”
“great.”
Fire.
As if responding to him, Luke lit a flame on his demonic sword. It was when the blue flames turned white and the surrounding shapes were distorted by the wind.
Pooh.
There was no sound. Only dazzling flashes and intense shockwaves spread out in all directions. The people watching around them barely supported their bodies that were about to fall.
When the thick dust settled and the flashes died down, people could finally open their eyes and see victory or defeat.
“I, Your Highness… … !”
“Ahh!”
Arathion knelt down on one knee and supported himself with a sword. And Luke, standing on two legs, aiming his sword at the Archduke.
Undeniable winners and losers.
“I have won.”
“okay.”
Arathion said with a wry smile.
“I lost.”
* * *
The aftermath of the friendly Dalian was enormous. Especially among the elves, the change in public opinion was dramatic.
“You mean you really lost? Even if Your Highness fights with all his might?”
“I still can’t believe it. Couldn’t it have been written in advance?”
“Does that sound come out even after seeing that clash? Calm down!”
The defeat of the Grand Duke, who had no doubt that he was the strongest mortal. And the anti-dragon lineage that brought the Grand Duke to his knees from the front.
It wasn’t that the elf’s pride was cracked. The absolute protector collapsed, and I witnessed the existence of a human with great power right in front of my eyes.
The fundamental belief itself that you can win against people like humans has been shattered.
“Your Highness was right. There was no answer other than the marriage alliance.”
“What nonsense is that now!?”
“Did I say something wrong? If that human turns against us, how will we stop it?”
Opponents shut their mouths at someone’s point. He is an opponent who can easily kneel down the Archduke from the front.
Just stepping into the middle of a large army and stirring it would kill countless elves.
“… You don’t have to assume it’s hostile. At least that human seems friendly to elves.”
“under.”
There was a snort of optimism. Before the hot elf could say anything, a sneering rebuttal came from the side.
“Yeah, that person is fine. Then what about the offspring? A human being who becomes five and ten in only a hundred years. What do you think will happen if the number of descendants inheriting that power increases?”
“… … .”
The elf who tried to refute felt like he had been hit in the head with a hammer. As the generations pass, the blood will be diluted.
However, what would happen if the number of offspring who inherited even half or half of that power multiplied to a large number?
What if an atavism occurred among them and any one of them had power comparable to the author? And what if they have no affinity for elves?
‘It’s terrible.’
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Just thinking about it gave me goosebumps all over my body. In the silence of fear, someone sighed.
“There is only one way to stop that from happening.”
“Is it marriage?”
“If you’re a descendant of elves, at least they won’t try to exterminate us.”
“… … .”
No one objected. No one can deny their own blood. I don’t know if there is no evidence, but if there is a clear history and record, it’s like spitting in my face.
Even if the friendship fades over time, if you care about your face, you will protect the elf. One of the silent ones closed his eyes and murmured.
“I can’t bear to follow Your Highness’ insight. Did you look all the way here?”
“Mmm.”
They lamented their own foolishness, and once again admired the grand duke’s wide field of vision. Without knowing that this situation far exceeded Arathion’s expectations.
* * *
Two days later, Arathion, who met Luke again, burst into laughter and said,
“It worked so well. All those who were dissatisfied with the marriage alliance turned to positive support at once.”
“It is more than expected.”
“Because the force you showed me was beyond my expectations.”
To be honest, if I didn’t agree with that force even after seeing it in front of my eyes, I was no different than an idiot. Arathion was relieved by his decision and wiped his heart.
What would have happened if Eoyeongbuyeong went over without presenting a marriage alliance as it is.
‘It might have been one of this guy’s descendants to destroy the duchy after hundreds of years.’
It’s still a realm of imagination, but the scary thing is that the possibility is absolutely not low. Arathion, who had been laughing bitterly, looked at Luke with a serious face.
“I, Arathion, swear that you are my friend and elven comrade. Your offspring will be welcome in the elven realm, and the elven blade will not seek your lineage.”
“… … .”
“So, please pass it on to your descendants. That the elf is a half-dragon’s friend. That our friendship will continue as long as your blood continues.”
Proud and dignified speech. However, Luke read the urgency mixed in. It was the desperation of a leader who was concerned about the future of the tribe.
“Luke Bernstein swears, those with my blood are friends of the elves, even if they are not descendants of Eldira. As long as the elves welcome us, my descendants will never enmity you.”
“Ahh.”
At Luke’s declaration, Arathion finally laid down with a relieved face. It was the moment when the oath that extended the destruction of the elves for over 2,000 years was made.
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