Duels were a good way for kingdoms to resolve issues without going to war. They were sacred arguments between kingdoms and even the Empire complied with them and whatever the result of them would be. This was one of the reasons why the Darkguild members were keeping on Ray.
He had interfered with the last duel, and even the own Redwing army who saw him do such a thing thought it was a little scummy. It was considered such a dishonorable act that if Ray was to do the same thing again, then there was a chance many in the army would choose to no longer follow him.
This time, he didn't get involved in Kyle's fight like he did before. Katy made him aware of all these things. Thankfully, Ray seemed to not care too much. However the thought did cross his mind of why he should care what everyone thought of him, if he wanted to save a friend then he would do so. It was stupid to stick to such things.