บท 30: Chapter 30: I Offer a Duel
Fendrel's resolve, now weakened by the terror of losing his family, finally broke under the weight of Eliot's relentless pressure. His voice trembled, but the truth spilled out. "I don't know who's behind it all," he admitted, his eyes darting anxiously between his son and Eliot. "But the man giving me orders… His name is Garrick Rothschild."
The name struck me like a familiar tune, resonating within the memories of this body. Garrick Rothschild—his reputation preceded him as one of Ravenhood's most influential businessmen, managing the city's trade and commerce with an iron grip. He was no stranger to the Blackthorn family, either. Rothschild was a name whispered behind closed doors, a man who once had an ill-fated romance with my aunt, Margot Blackthorn. It was ironic, really; he'd been so close, yet so far from being entangled in the family's web.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips. A high-ranking businessman getting his hands dirty with bandits? It was almost too easy. I could already feel the pieces shifting into place. I would be paying Garrick Rothschild a visit soon enough.
I turned my attention back to Fendrel, who was still on his knees, watching me with wary eyes. "Are you lying to me?" I asked, my tone deceptively calm, though the threat in my voice was clear. I shifted my gaze to his son, making my intentions painfully obvious.
"No! I swear on my family's life!" Fendrel exclaimed, the fear in his eyes betraying his sincerity. I could see it clearly—he wasn't lying. He was just a small piece in a larger game, another pawn being moved across the board.
I nodded slightly, acknowledging his honesty. "I believe you," I said, my voice cold and distant. "And for what it's worth, I appreciate your cooperation." But then I added, almost as an afterthought, "Unfortunately, I can't just let you or your family go after everything that's happened here today."
Fendrel's face twisted in panic. "What do you mean? I told you everything! I answered your questions!" His desperation clawed at the air, his voice hoarse and pleading.
I met his gaze, unflinching. "And you're right. You did what I asked, and that's why I'm giving you a chance." I motioned to the soldiers. "Release him from his chains."
The guards hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances. One of them stepped forward, a hint of confusion in his voice. "My lord, are you sure about this?"
I didn't bother to look at him. "Just do it," I commanded, my tone leaving no room for argument. They moved quickly, unlocking the restraints that held Fendrel down. He staggered to his feet, his eyes darting from me to his family, to the soldiers standing guard.
"Now, give him a sword," I ordered. My words hung heavy in the air, a bizarre command that left everyone stunned. Mayer stepped forward, his concern etched clearly across his face.
"Eliot... Young master, what are you planning?" Mayer asked, his voice barely masking his worry. He had watched over me since my return, ever loyal, ever vigilant. But even he couldn't hide his unease at this unexpected turn of events.
I ignored Mayer's concern, keeping my focus on Fendrel. I could see the defiance brewing in the bandit's eyes, a flicker of hope rekindled at the idea of a fight. "Let's make this simple," I said, drawing my own blade, the sleek, black katana glinting ominously in the dim light of the forest. "We'll duel. If you win, you and your family walk free. No one will touch you."
The soldiers looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. A boy, barely eighteen, challenging a seasoned bandit leader? It was ludicrous, reckless. But I had no intention of backing down.
"And if I win," I continued, stepping closer, my eyes locked on Fendrel's, "well, you already know what happens."
There was a moment of silence, heavy and tense, as everyone processed my words. Fendrel, though still bruised and battered, seemed to stand a little taller, clutching the sword he had been handed. For him, this wasn't just a fight; it was his only chance to save his family. I could see the resolve in his eyes, the fire that drove him to survive, no matter what.
Fendrel entered his stance, one that I recognized instantly. It was basic, a common style among those who had trained themselves out of necessity rather than skill. His form was solid but unrefined, nothing that stood out, nothing that posed any real challenge. It was clear he had some experience leading his bandits, but he was not a master.
I, on the other hand, stepped into a stance of my own—one that had been with me long before I came to inhabit this body. To the untrained eye, it would look awkward, even strange—a peculiar blend of calm readiness and lethal precision. My feet were planted lightly, my weight balanced perfectly between movement and stillness. The blade rested at my side, angled just right, ready to strike with the slightest shift. It was a stance that screamed control, speed, and intent.
To the soldiers and Mayer, I must've looked like a child playing at swords, a boy wielding a weapon far beyond his years. But this stance wasn't about show; it was about mastery, honed from a lifetime of combat that these onlookers couldn't possibly understand.
Mayer's worry was palpable, his eyes fixed on me, silently pleading for some sign that this wasn't madness. He had followed me unquestioningly since my return, drawn by a sense of duty and a growing respect for the changes I had brought to the Blackthorn estate. Yet this moment challenged everything he had come to believe. What was I thinking? What did I hope to gain from this reckless display?
But Mayer stayed silent, loyal to a fault. He knew better than to question me aloud, especially now. He simply watched, the tension visible in the set of his shoulders, as the duel was about to begin.
As I stared down Fendrel, I could feel the weight of his hatred, his desperation. This fight was not just about survival for him—it was the culmination of every poor choice, every moment of defiance that had led him here. In his mind, he was facing not just a boy but the embodiment of all his failures. And for me, this duel was just another step, a necessary confrontation that would test my resolve and remind me of who I truly was.
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