Bab 30: Throw him off, my love!

Chapter 21: Throw him off, my love!

Kein's POV

Duke Wolford boldly entered the stadium with his fine white horse that ran around the moment it stepped in, making the crowd excited that a noble will be playing. "Yeah! Whoo!"

"Go Aurious Knight!"

"Hey I bet one hundred and fifty gold on the Duke."

"No way a sloppy Duke like him must just be sitting at the table drinking fancy wine. I bet my money on the Aurious Knight whoever he is."

Well, I think some commoners have their own favorites as well as their choice of person to bet on who will win. The grueling realization that some do think of nobility as leeches on to commoners for taxes.

Well for me as long as one of them gets thrown off the horse it's all fine.

Ahem, after all getting thrown off the horse is ten points! So might as well!

Lenard looks like he's more focused on the game than Vincent. I really should remember to ask what happened to these two later.

The Aurious Knight bowed to the Duke as both went to their places. The aides changed their grand guard plates as the war horn blew. "Lance!"

"My lance!"

The aides offered their lances as the two riders grabbed it and then tucking it into their sides. The horses trot hastily as both competitors faced each other head on with no fear. "Whoever this Aurious Knight is amazing." (Lenard) muttered as I leaned in closer.

"Why is he amazing?!" I shouted amidst the loud cheers of the people behind me. Man they are so loud like me!

"Because! Everyone on Duke Wolford's enemy has surrendered apparently!" (Lenard)

"Wait really?! All of them?!"

"Yes! I saw on the leaderboard before this is the finals! Everyone of his enemy raised the white flag! But this Knight is facing him head on!" (Lenard)

Right! This is actually the finals!

Every other Knight who was supposed to battle the Duke has cowardly ran away! Endangering a noble is after all a risk. Meaning imprisonment or death. "Man the guts of this knight! Now I really wanna fucking see who wins."

I looked back again to see that the Duke has poured his magic power into this lance. "Wait, is it just me or is that ice?"

I squinted my eyes to see the tip of the lance has manifested a sharp ice shard at the top. That honestly looks like it could stab someone. The Aurious Knight has already poured his own magic having the lance now have the tip similar to a trident that was made out of water. "Isn't the Aurious Knight in a disadvantage here? Won't his water magic be frozen?"

Lenard shrugs and looks like he doesn't know what will happen as well.

The Duke's lance successfully pierced through the grand guard as expected the water in the trident had turned into ice breaking into tiny pieces. "Duke Wolford one point!"

The Aurious Knight's body was a little wobbly as his horse trotted now stopping for a moment before the both of them went back into the respective lines. "That looked like it hurt." I told Lenard as he nodded.

"I can only imagine... jousting is a dangerous sport after all but thankfully the healers of the church are here to assist the other knights who have been injured. Other than jousting, there are other events as well. Sword fighting, archery, spell casting, and spear toss." (Lenard)

"Wow there's more events?!" This is really getting better and better. People with swords! Bows! Magic! And spears! "I need to see them all."

Lenard pats my head ruffling my hair a little bit as another war horn was blown. "We'll see all that we can later okay?" (Lenard) spoke to me like how I imagined if I had a big brother on earth. It was a new feeling, perhaps it made me happy to get in touch with my inner child once again.

"Lance!"

I nod feeling happy, and focused on the two riders who were now making the second pass with each other. "One point for the Aurious Knight!"

The judge showed the slow version of how the Aurious Knight has managed to land a blow with his lance, even if his water magic was frozen and then broke into little pieces of icicles.

I'm really loving these magical projectors that they have. It's like Live Tv but I'm sure it can only replay a few moments of capture, nonetheless its still awesome.

I looked up top of the spectator's box where I could see Duchess Viviana looked so angry.

She was biting her handkerchief- Vincent comforted his mother, well not going to lie I would be mad too if my beloved got hit by a lance.

"Throw him off my love!" (Duchess Viviana) shouted rising up from her seat as Vincent had to pull her away from the edge of the box.

A lot of people turned to the Duchess and then to the Duke.

"T-That's lord Vincent's mother right?" (Lenard) asked as she pointed at the still angry looking Duchess.

I nod, "I've met both of Vincent's parents and they're really... a sweet couple."

And by sweet I'm literally not kidding. The intimacy of these two is so unreal, fortunately from the looks of it Vincent's parents are married because of love.

The Duke looked up where Duchess Viviana yelled and he nodded. "Lenard I'm not sure but I feel awkward right now. It's like I'm seeing some romance comedy in here." I told Lenard who simply agrees with me.

I feel like the stadium has floating hearts everywhere now. "I envy them, even though they are also arranged in marriage like mother and father. I have... never seen them do something intimate. Not even smiling to each other nor asking how their day has been. I do wonder why they even bothered to marry each other if... that's just it." (Lenard)

I turned my gaze to Lenard, realizing- right his parents- my so called Aunt. I'm guessing she's one of those people who married out of social climbing instead. "There there, I don't get why people just marry like that much either. My friends told me back then that marriage is like jail with no way out sometimes. You have a house, food, water, and all you need but they said it feels like prison."

"You have married friends?" (Lenard)

"I uh- yeah I met some on the way when I shopped in the capital. They always complain how marriage is hard, you know. Meeting the demands of your beloved and all that- oh and having kids is difficult too but I heard for some parents it can be really fulfilling taking care of them."

Well, then again I was the only single person out of all of my friends. I don't mind living alone but fortunately, my daughter came into my life.

I don't regret living life not seeing my child safe.

The reason why I came into this world.

I smile knowing the reason why I've been killed and been transmigrated in another body but I just haven't talked about it.

A life for a life.

Guess the gods really did hear my prayers that time, killing me in exchange to cure my daughter. Instead of sending me to nirvana or some bullshit. I just wish I left my daughter enough money to last for a couple years without me.

I have no other branch family and she was close to being an adult. I hope my friends could pitch me in on favors and... at least take her in for the meantime until she graduates out of school.

"Do you think... My parents are full of me and Lucas?" (Lenard) suddenly asked me as he looked into my eyes, I felt like any second tears could come out of them scaring me.

I hesitate to reply. I swallowed the lump that was forming on my throat as I scratched the back of my neck nervously.

I don't really know fully the relationship between Lenard and Lucas to them so I don't know how to carefully approach this sensitive topic.. "I'm not sure because I haven't met them fully but hey man if you were my kid I'll be damned fulfilled. You're an awesome person but eh I don't know about your weird twin though no offense."

Lenard smiles faintly as he focuses on the game, "Thanks, Kein..."

My face softened as I tried to focus on the game as well. I feel guilty for Lenard, I know I can't do anything about it and it really sucks.

The horses neighed as I heard one of the lances shattering into pieces. "Duke Wolford! Five points!"

"Whoah! The Duke got him! Nice!" I shouted as I looked back at Duchess Viviana's noble spectator box.

"Yeah! That's my husband right there! I love you darling!" (Duchess Viviana)

I could see Vincent at the back face palming himself, ashamed. "Heh. Poor Vincent. I can see him dying from over here pfft." I tried containing back my laughter as Lenard pushed my shoulders gently telling me to stop.

"Hey I know it's sweet but look at the Duke!" I point at the Duke who was covering his front helmet with his hands. "Someone's weak against affection. My oh my. Man, I would pay to see this again."

Lenard nudged my side now with more force, "D-Don't make fun of the Duke, Kein! Come on! Someone could hear you!" (Lenard)

Fine. Thank goodness the Aurious Knight was quick to change the grand guard plate as both of the riders went back into position. "Lance!"

Both of the riders grabbed their lances as they charged again with each other.

It was intense as Duke Wolford was in the lead with six points, and the Aurious Knight with only one point. I wonder how the other Knight is going to turn the table against him?

I watched as the both of them hit each other's grand guard- the sound of cracking lances filled the entire stadium with deafening cheers- "BOTH OF THEM GOT YEETED!"

Both of them get thrown off their horse and holy shit it looked painful. They rolled onto the ground causing dust to fly near them as their aids quickly ran up to them in a panic.

"Are they okay? Each of them gets fifteen points right? Since you know a broken lance plus getting to get them off their horse?" I asked Lenard who looked worried as well.

I kind of regret wishing for someone to get thrown off the horse because god really did deliver.

God can you deliver me a cute girlfriend along the way while you're at it at least?

"Look! Vincent is going there already with Duchess Viviana!"

Duchess Viviana forgot her manners and was running-

One of the ladies behind me snickered, "Look at her run. I thought nobles were a lot more graceful and elegant than that."

"Oh come on- don't speak of her like that. That's the Duke's wife of course she'll run to him like that all worried." I assumed it was her friend that defended the Duchess but that voice sounded familiar.

I turned around to see Veronica crossing her arms glaring at the woman who just spoke ill of the Duchess, "If you have nothing good to say then please keep it to yourself." (Veronica)

I smiled happily, my lips grinning as I felt glad that Veronica was not far from me this whole time! I didn't notice her at all!

"Veronica! Hi!" I waved to her eagerly, getting her attention. She uncrosses her arms looking eustatic to see me as waves back to me. "Come sit beside us!"

"My, my little charmer. I never thought you'd ever notice me here." (Veronica) stands up from her seat as she joins us while we watch the Duke and the Aurious Knight leave the stadium for a moment. Assuming they needed to get medically checked or healed.

"Oh... Kein who is this?" (Lenard) whispered in my ear shyly staring at Veronica suspiciously. "Are you close with her..."

"Oh right, I don't think you two have officially met. This is Veronica, she's a dear friend of mine and she helped me a lot of times when I needed it." I motioned my hand to Veronica who waves adorably at Lenard giving him her usual friendly smile.

"The little charmer has also helped me when I was in need. She's quite the adorable character isn't she?" (Veronica) teased me as I frantically waved my hand around denying her accusation.

"I'm not adorable stop!" I yelled at her but she just giggled.

Veronica covers her mouth trying to hide her fits of giggles as Lenard smiles feeling more comfortable now that he kind of understands Veronica's nature. "My name is Lenard Yulien milady. Kein's older cousin." (Lenard) introduced himself like the gentleman he is.

Veronica raises her brows expression surprised but seconds later it turns into curiosity, "Her cousin huh~? My you're both so adorable I can see the resemblance. Its a shame both of you are too young for me."

Veronica is one heck of a bold person that's for sure. I smile a little nervously as Lenard looks really scared of Veronica now- I guess he's not used to when a girl teases him huh.

I laughed a little as I remembered something that might be a good conversation starter for him, "Oh yeah Lenard remember that basket I gave you. Veronica made it herself. Isn't that cool?"

Lenard relaxes at the mention of the baskets I gave them, "She was the one who tailored those cute designs? That was amazing! I wish I could make something adorable like Miss Veronica." (Lenard)

"Flattery will get you somewhere you adorable charmers. I could teach both of you sometimes. You two are definitely related but off topic wise. I do hope that the Duke and the Aurious Knight is okay." (Veronica) rests her cheek on her hand as a war horn is blown.

"Duke Wolford wins by sixteen points! Beating the Aurious Knight by eleven points! The two will retire for rest. Enjoy the rest of the events! Next will be sword fighting!"

Sword fighting?! Cool! But maybe I should go check up on the Duke if he's okay. "I should check up on how the Duke actually wanna come, Lenard?"

I ask Lenard who shakes his head. "N-No... I shouldn't. I have no right to do so anyways. In any case please come back safely Kein don't get lost okay?"

"Jeez I'm not that much of a clumsy person. My sense of direction is fine." I shrugged reassuring Lenard that I will certainly not get lost.

Moments later. I'm standing in the back part of the stadium where dozens of Knights are preparing for the event they've competed against.

And I don't know where I should go- "Ahaha. Well I'm actually lost."

I slapped myself mentally, remembering the shit I said to Lenard that I won't get lost? Well I jinxed myself. "Kein you dumbass getting lost at your mental age is not cool."

I scratched the back of my neck, slightly angry with myself as I made way into the halls. Feeling out of place with all the muscular built people in here.

"Hey bro can you pass me the wet stone?" (Random Knight)

"Yeah bro here." (Random Knight)

"Aw thanks bro you're the best. I can't believe I'm fighting you later though don't go easy on me." (Random Knight)

"Like I will ever give you an ass." (Random Knight)

All the knights here looked so busy. Polishing their swords, tending to their horses, and talking to each other as they carried heavy looking boxes.

I mean the logical thing to do here when you're lost is to ask someone right? "But none of them looks approachable."

Oof they all looked so intimidating with their helmet on. So maybe nah. I walked onto a different direction instead and further I got lost in this stupid maze. "Ahhh I should stop thinking like that and just ask someone properly like a normal person."

I continued to walk trying to find a knight that didn't look intimidating or busy and when I was about to walk up to one, someone suddenly yelled. "Hey! Move! The boxes are unstable!"

"Huh?" I looked to where he was looking and saw boxes toppled on top of each other clumsily. This is some horrible organizing. Who even put it here?!

I quickly turned my body to run, "Ow!"

But someone already pushed me aside where the boxes toppled over the ground. The dust gathered in my eyes for a moment, making me want to sneeze. "Ugh... Are you okay, Kein?"

My back felt a little rough on the landing but I was surprised when I felt someone's hand holding my head protectively.

I opened my eyes to see Rose, her eyes worriedly looking over me as she let my head go.

"I-I... Um." I hesitated for a moment realizing she was really close. Her lashes are really long, how come I never noticed that before?

"Kein! Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?" (Rose) asked as her eyes filled so clear with concern.

"Y-Yeah I am! Ugh your shouting is breaking my ear though." I told her as she stood up with me. I'm still not sure what to feel about her suddenly hugging me like that out of nowhere. "Thanks for saving me, Rose. Although you know I've been noticing a pattern that we're bumping a lot more than it should."

Rose looked confused as she looked the same as ever with her red shawl covering her face except her silver eyes. Rose puffs as she pats her white dress attire of the shrine maidens as she rests her hand on her waist giving me the most sassiest stare I've ever gotten. "Is that anyway to thank you savior?" (Rose)

"I'm only kidding- but how about you? Are you okay? You were the one who covered my body to embrace the impact after all." I told Rose and she laughed.

"Something like that would never even scratch me. So what are you here for in this part? Oh let me help too!" (Rose) asks as she goes into the toppled boxes with some of the other knights that've been fixing the ball. Apparently inside of those boxes were swords and war hammers.

Damn if one of them somehow got out and stabbed me this would've been the worst day of my life.

"Hmph. This is a little heavy..." (Rose) muttered as she tried her best lifting one of the small boxes but... I don't know but the look on her face was adorable when she realized she can't even lift it an inch- she looks like she's getting constipated on how she was holding it.

"Pfft. Here I can't stand looking at you like that." I gave her a hand on the box she was holding as I easily lifted it up myself. Huh this is actually really light.

Rose looked surprised as she began questioning me, "N-No fair... How are you able to lift that?! Aren't you younger than me?!"

"I think I've carried something heavier than this when I was working at the mansion." I remember the basket full of clothes that were heavier than this. Rose needs rice in her life.

Oh dear never mind I forgot some of my bruises aren't healed yet so let's act like we're nailing this shit. "AND THERE WE GO!" My back hurts carrying that.

The other knights have the other huge boxes covered. Rose looked at me dejectedly, "I wanted to help too..." (Rose)

"You sure are into helping people you know- Oh! Do you actually know where Duke Wolford's room is then?" I ask.

"Are you going to visit him? What for?" (Rose)

"I just need to know if he's doing okay. I'm currently a guest at their house. I certainly hope nothing bad has happened to him and I probably should check on Duchess Viviana."

Rose sighs her voice a little apologetic when she spoke next, "Due to the Duke being nobility, we shrine maidens were assigned to keep his room confidential. I think Sister Porfolia is personally tending to the Duke. I'm sorry, Kein." she crosses her arms and looks away from me.

As if I'll give up that easily. I'll use the technique my daughter used on me so she begged to get that new VR set. "Pretty please? You know it would really make me happy if you tell me where he is..." Alright dilate your eyes, look cute, and add a pout then you'll bring home the gold.

"Erk... you're lucky you're cute. Fine, follow me." (Rose)

Wow. Well, that was easy? "Hehe. Come on then!"

I followed Rose happily as she brought me into the medical wing but this one looked private for there weren't really many people once I got inside.

"My love... Are you okay? Are you sure you don't need anything else?! How about water?! Do you need a light mage to ease your pain?!"

Ah. I think I know who's voice is that. "Mother! Please do not cling on father!"

"That must be Vincent and Duchess Viviana." I muttered realizing that jeez, the Duke is probably already tired. They should let him rest in peace.

"I'll just be here, waiting for Sister Porfolia. You can go in if you want to say your greetings to the Duke and Lord Vincent." (Rose)

"Oh sure?"

Rose hid in a corner behind the curtains. Well that was weird? But honestly this whole day has been weird so... "Duchess Viviana, Duke Wolford and Lord Vincent. I have come to pay a visit as awkward as this is."

Duchess Viviana was the first one to react, "Oh! Traveling artist. You're here as well!"

"Yes, mother. I've invited her to perhaps watch the events for this is her first time going to the Spell Jousting festival." (Vincent) explained still comforting her mother to ease up.

"Is the Duke feeling alright?" I ask and the Duke smiles.

"I am alright. I do hope my performance was also decent. I am ashamed to say I got thrown off though, but that's only expected with one of the best captains in my command." (Duke Wolford) sang praises of the man who almost defeated him in jousting.

Duchess Viviana didn't take it kindly though she shakes her head looking disappointed, "Baron Hills should have been more careful! I can never understand why men are into dangerous sports such as these."

Duke Wolford smiles at this wife. Affectionately even- oh my this is the first time I'm seeing this side of him, "You know, it made me happy when you cheered for me back then, my love. I wanted to win so badly after that, and I did however look where it got me."

Wow- he's actually being bold this time. I nudge Vincent as I point at his parents, "This is normal. Please take it to no mind." (Lord Vincent)

I might need to get used to this a while. Vincent, your parents are too sweet to each other. It's making me jelly. I want something like that too.

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