As always Giliath demands your power stones!
*
Despite the unwanted feelings, it did make the time pass by. Once those feelings were swept away, the last event of the celebration of life began.
It was now high noon on November 2nd.
Queen Alicia could be seen in front of a gathered crowd, still on the beaches of Lake Valleria. Some Royal Army guardsmen were also stationed to keep the peace.
"I thank you all for attending this funeral. We have one last event to showcase today, albeit a little unexpectedly. One of our guests offered a duel with none other than our one and only Colonel Cassius Bright. There aren't a lot of men who hold a similar caliber to Colonel Bright, but I think this would make for a rather interesting watch.", Queen Alicia announced, causing everyone present to become shocked.
"There's going to be a duel with Colonel Bright taking the helm!?", One of the guests exclaimed.
"Just who in Aidios's name would be right in the head to challenge someone of the Colonel's strength?", Another guest said with a more worried look. Seeing the ongoing clamor, Queen Alicia chuckled.
"Haha! Everyone, please make your way back to the open reception area near the trees. I will leave the beach to the two in question. Gentlemen, if you would?", Queen Alicia asked, only to look at two very particular people.
It was good I wasn't immediately beside Father during this. Less wandering eyes, the better. I was actually with Estelle and her mother, Lena. Giliath planned ahead, like he usually does. Right now, we're complete strangers to the royal family.
"Your daddy is really going to fight my daddy.", Estelle said to me.
"Right? Don't see this as something bad, though. Duels like these are meant to be enjoyed. I wish it'd be in a more formal setting like the martial arts tournament Her Majesty hosts during her birthdays, but this should work.", I said with a nod.
"Fufu, that Father of yours is quite the man. I won't be rooting for him. This is my own husband we're talking about here. And Estelle.", Lena said, looking down at Estelle.
"Yes mommy?", Estelle asked. She wasn't expecting to hear a question from Lena right now, so she was pretty surprised.
"Don't shout too loudly, alright? After all, this is still considered a passing. Unless the other guests erupt in cheer, we won't.", Lena said.
"Okay!", Estelle replied, nodding her head. She then looked back toward me. "I bet my daddy will beat yours.", Estelle continued, sticking her tongue out at me in a playful manner.
"Haha! We'll see about that.", I replied, seeing two men walk onto the beach. This isn't exactly the perfect setting to have a duel for that matter. Sand is coarse and rough, and difficult to run through. I've seen people train on sand before in my previous life. But having an entire duel on it? You need skill and technique. It isn't hard ground, so you could easily lose your footing, and fall down. And that could decide a match right then and there.
But if you put two very capable people like Giliath Osborne and Cassius Bright who have long trained their foundations with years of training, having a fight on the beach should pose little issue to them. It should be for an exciting battle.
I could feel the growing suspense in the air. Queen Alicia also approached the crowd, while she stood still at its forefront. A few guardsmen surrounded her and Princess Klaudia, which included Second Lieutenant Julia.
Captain Richard was also present, and he was the one who stepped forward along with Giliath and Cassius.
And if there was any sign pointing that this wasn't the games I was familiar with, then this is it. You see in the games, every single character you play as just whip out their weapon right out of their ass, it just poofs into existence. It was a running gag in the Trailsverse. Here? That doesn't happen.
I saw a giant broadsword hoisted on Father's back. That was his weapon of choice. Later on, he would wield a gigantic sword called the Sword of the End. His attacks are extremely heavy, capable of toppling down opponents in one fell swoop. Cassius, on the other hand, launches swift and powerful strikes, easily capable of hitting a person's weak point, or landing critical hits. He can't slash like how swords slashes, but he can blast holes through if he gives enough spin to his pole.
And that was Cassius's weapon hoisted on his back. A large red pole. There aren't a lot of people who use a Pole, either. Once upon a time, he trained with a sword while he was still an Eight Leaves One Blade student, but then he switched. But even then, he still earned the title, "Divine Blade". This title isn't technical, you didn't need to actually wield a blade to have it.
An eerie silence began to spread out once Giliath and Cassius made enough distance for themselves. It wasn't a bad feeling, but I could easily sense excitement from the other guests. Even Estelle watched on with anticipation. I also saw Elie and Henry nearby, as were Maybelle and her father. I saw the two enter their unique battle stances.
Giliath simply parted his feet and took a single step back with his right leg. He then grabbed his broadsword like it was nothing, and pointed it outward. As for Cassius, he did a twirl of his Pole, and brought it over his face.
"Giliath Osborne, Brigadier General and currently serving active duty in Erebonia's Imperial Army.", Giliath said, introducing himself.
"Likewise. Cassius Bright, Colonel of Liberl's Royal Army and also serving active duty as its commander. Please treat me well, General.", Cassius said, introducing himself too.
'I knew it. General Osborne....', Captain Richard said, his expression remained serious. The crowd soared into an uproar once Giliath dropped his name. Sure enough, it carries weight.
I wonder, when will I have such influence where my name is renown? Hell, do I even want that? It's more than likely to happen if I do truly become Liberl's prince later on.
The shock was shocking indeed. Even Captain Richard's expression changed. But I saw him quickly shake his head, causing it to return to normal.
'You can't slack off here. You're in the presence of Her Majesty. I do not know why one of Erebonia's Generals is here at this celebration, but Her Majesty must have done it for a reason. I knew something's been off since this man arrived here yesterday at the gate.' Captain Richard thought.
Captain Richard saw the two now ready for combat. This wasn't a battle to the death or anything. Just a battle meant to be enjoyed with an audience. And I was part of that audience. It never felt more real. You'd never come across something like this in my previous life!
The audience's clamor died down after the initial surprise. Captain Richard took this time to speak to everyone present. His voice is calm and powerful.
"This will be a one-on-one duel with Brigadier General Giliath Osborne hailing from the Erebonian Empire against our Royal Army's active commander, Colonel Bright. Whoever knocks down their opponent first will be declared the winner.", Captain Richard declared. "So without further delay, begin!", Captain Richard yelled.
""En garde!"", Giliath and Cassius stated.
With that the duel had begun!