The Villainous Lady Doesn't Speak Chapter 120

Martial Arts Tournament 2

On the second day of the martial arts tournament, the Magic and Magic Swordsmanship divisions were held. As expected, the Magic division featured many flashy spells, but since it was mostly filled with mages from the Magic Ministry, it lacked excitement. In contrast, the Magic Swordsmanship division included several knights from the Royal Knights' Second Brigade as well as knights and mercenaries from other regions. For most spectators, the Magic Swordsmanship division was the main attraction. Many were eager to see a match between the comparatively fewer Magic Swordsmen. While the first day had seen a full house, the second day saw spectators spilling into the aisles as the arena couldn’t accommodate everyone.

Below the stands of the arena were several corridors and rooms, where participants waited for their turn. Among them stood Austin Ealdred. It had been a year since the largest monster attack stampede in history on the day of the Crown Prince's birth celebration, and he had been steadily gaining experience as a Magic Knight in the Royal Knights' Second Brigade. It seemed he had a natural talent for being a Magic Knight, as Austin was considered one of the more competent members of the Second Brigade. Unlike other divisions, the Magic Swordsmanship division did not have a selection test, so this was Austin's first time facing off in a one-on-one match against other knights from his brigade. While he practiced daily, the tournament was the best chance for him to gauge his abilities. Furthermore, he had never seen his captain, Danhill Calvert, or Vice-Captain Eden fight seriously. Though they must have fought seriously during the monster attack stampede, Austin had been too focused on survival to observe their fighting styles. Now, he was eager to see their full capabilities up close.

“Austin.”

“Captain.”

Upon hearing his name, Austin looked up to see Captain Danhill Calvert approaching. Dressed in formal knightly attire due to the royal and imperial presence, Danhill’s uniform was more elaborate than that of Austin and his peers, in blue and white. His sword, hanging at his waist, was a simple yet custom-made piece that suited his magic perfectly. Following Danhill’s advice, Austin had also had a sword made by a craftsman to match his own magic. Though it was far more expensive than the standard issue swords, the difference in performance was clear. Danhill had once joked that once you used such a sword, you could never go back to an ordinary one, and Austin felt that was true.

“Nervous?”

“Yes, a little.”

“A little, huh? That’s good.”

Danhill smiled at Austin’s honest response, and Austin relaxed slightly, feeling cared for. Then Danhill glanced around and said, “By the way, is Vice-Captain Eden not here?”

“Oh, he probably hasn’t arrived yet. He seemed reluctant to participate until the very last moment.”

Austin smiled wryly at Danhill’s words. Eden had not fully recovered from the injuries he sustained during the monster attack stampede a year ago. Consequently, he was not enthusiastic about participating in the tournament. Additionally, Eden was a unique member who joined the Second Brigade because he disliked fighting people. While other knights found joy in showcasing their abilities as Magic Swordsmen, Eden had joined the Second Brigade precisely because he preferred not to harm others. Nonetheless, he was capable of fighting when necessary, which was why he served as the Vice-Captain.

“He had quite a bit of a disagreement with you about whether or not to participate.”

“If he had refused to participate, the Second Brigade would have been down to just you and me. Even though his injuries haven’t fully healed, he’s recovered enough to be a match for anyone except me in training.”

In the year since the monster attack stampede, Eden’s recovery had been remarkable. Once his condition stabilized, he engaged in training to return to daily life, and after six months, he was able to spar lightly with the other knights of the Second Brigade. After about eight months, he regained his combat instincts with magical assistance and was now fit for monster hunting. However, he still felt it wasn’t enough and often complained about not being in top form.

Seeing Eden’s condition, Danhill and Brendon Carey, the captain of the Seventh Brigade and a relative of the Margrave of Kennys, often compared Eden to the Margrave, who had survived a deadly poison from an assassin, debating who was more “beyond human.”

“If Eden hadn’t participated, I might have skipped it too,” Austin mused.

“Then it would have been just me,” Danhill said, with a bitter smile.

That was not an option. Although the tournament was labeled as a martial arts competition, it also aimed to boost the morale of the Royal Knights and other regional knights. Despite maintaining a friendly relationship with the Yunatian Empire on the surface, small skirmishes and border infringements continued in the frontier. Enhancing the morale of the knights, including the Royal Knights, was crucial. Additionally, showing the excellence of the Slibegrad Kingdom’s knights to the visiting royalty from the Yunatian Empire might deter them from further aggression.

This was a behind-the-scenes fact that ordinary knights were never told, but Danhill had discreetly explained it to Eden. Therefore, Eden was expected to participate in the tournament, even if he arrived just in time.

“I told him to give it his all if he’s participating, so it should be fine.”

“I’ve always wanted to see you and the Vice-Captain fighting seriously at least once.”

“It’s not that big of a deal.”

Hearing Austin’s words, Danhill grinned. Seeing Austin tilt his head in confusion, Danhill stepped closer and whispered into his ear.

“There’s no need to show the princes everything we’ve got.”

“I see. But will it really go that smoothly? There are mercenaries and knights from other regions participating this time.”

“Don’t underestimate the Second Brigade. Although, you probably only know about us. Losing is not an option, but there’s no need to completely crush our opponents.”

Austin nodded at Danhill’s explanation. Indeed, it wasn’t necessary to reveal the full extent of the Second Brigade’s abilities to potential enemies. However, they also couldn’t afford to be seen as inferior to the mercenaries. It was a delicate balance, but it was something Danhill and Eden were likely capable of managing.

But could he do it himself? Austin furrowed his brow at the thought, and Danhill gave a small, reassuring smile. He patted Austin’s shoulder in an effort to comfort him.

“Don’t worry, I’m not expecting that much from you. You have room to grow. Just fight with all your might this time.”

“Understood.”

“I’m looking forward to facing you in the matches.”

Danhill’s cheerful words eased the tension in Austin’s expression. Danhill and Eden were expected to advance further in the tournament. Austin wasn’t sure if he’d get the chance to face them or even win the matches before potentially facing them, given his limited combat experience.

In the past year, all of Austin’s actual combat had been dealing with monster attack stampedes. These were significantly smaller and less powerful than the initial, hopeless stampede he had joined. The monsters were of the same kind that had previously appeared, lacking in intelligence. Therefore, the martial arts tournament offered an opportunity to gain experience that couldn’t be obtained from small-scale monster attacks.

Despite his nervousness, Austin’s anticipation grew, and he felt his heart race with excitement.

*****

Austin had been advancing smoothly through the tournament. It seemed that the matches had been arranged so that knights from the Second Brigade wouldn’t face each other in the early stages, resulting in consecutive duels with mercenaries and knights from other regions. If he won his next match, he would finally have the chance to fight against a fellow knight from his own brigade. He steeled himself for the upcoming challenge.

“Austin, your next opponent is a mercenary and quite a formidable one. Don’t let your guard down.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Austin nodded seriously in response to the advice from a senior knight of the Second Brigade. The knights of the Second Brigade were all good-natured. Despite their rare talent as magical knights, many of them deeply admired Captain Danhill and Vice-Captain Eden, often showing genuine respect even to younger knights who had superior skills. The knight who spoke to Austin now, though not as skilled as Austin, had been supportive and helpful.

Austin stood by the door, ready to enter as soon as his name was called. Soon, the announcer declared the names of the contestants.

“From the Second Brigade of the Royal Knights, Austin Earldred! And the mercenary Olga!”

The mention of Olga’s name caused a stir among the audience. Although Olga was an unknown mercenary, the strength displayed in the previous matches had excited the spectators. The fact that Olga was a beautiful woman dressed as a man only fueled their interest.

A mercenary capable of overwhelming a Royal Knight was bound to attract some admiration. Conversely, Austin, with his youthful yet composed appearance, had also unknowingly gained admirers. Spectators of the martial arts tournament were not merely interested in watching strong fighters; those who combined strength with good looks were naturally favored.

Even in ancient times, favored gladiators were those with both skill and appearance. It seemed that human values didn’t change much over time, as the crowd’s cheers were evenly divided between Olga and Austin.

Yet, the competitors were entirely focused on each other, oblivious to the spectators’ excitement. They faced each other silently, observing their opponent.

Following the knightly etiquette, Austin took the proper stance for a one-on-one duel. Olga, noticing this, raised her eyebrows slightly and smiled gently.

“Thank you for your courtesy, Sir Austin.”

“—And I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight with you, Lady Olga.”

“Is it customary for knights of this country to show such respect even to mercenaries?”

Austin tilted his head in confusion at Olga’s question. Olga shook her head vaguely in response to Austin’s puzzled look.

“It’s nothing of great significance. Forget it.”

“No, please don’t worry about it. I think it’s more about the individual than the country. At least among the knights participating in this division, they are all from the Second Brigade. They extend their respect regardless of origin if they deem someone worthy. I aspire to be the same.”

“A good attitude to have.”

Though some knights in the Royal Knights Brigade might not hold titles, they were treated differently from commoners simply by being part of the brigade. As a result, some knights might act arrogantly, but it was uncommon for mercenaries or commoners to show disrespect. Missteps could lead to a conflict with an arrogant knight. However, Olga showed no such concern, maintaining an equal attitude towards Austin. Austin didn’t mind; in fact, he felt his excitement grow as he sensed Olga’s strength. He was eager to begin the fight.

Saying he was "borrowing her chest" was neither flattery nor modesty but a genuine sentiment.

—Perhaps this match could be my last.

Austin thought to himself with a sense of certainty. Although he couldn’t be sure until he actually fought, unlike previous opponents, he couldn’t visualize a victory.

“Are both sides ready? Then, let the match begin!”

With the referee’s signal, Austin drew his sword. At the same time, a whirlwind of wind surrounded him. Austin’s specialty in wind magic was offensive, and initiating the attack was superior to a defensive stance. Thus, he cloaked himself in wind to launch a preemptive strike.

“[In the name of my command, under the principle of the wind, let my sword’s blade become wind and scatter!]”

With the incantation, the wind took the form of sharp blades aimed at Olga. The attack seemed to come from the front, but the real target was behind. However, Olga had anticipated it.

“[The water spirit says, I possess the strength to protect.]”

With a low incantation, a layer of water enveloped Olga, nullifying Austin’s wind magic attack. Austin furrowed his brow at the unfamiliar chant. Short incantations were said to be used by only a select few. Incantations are necessary to convert magical power into magic, compensating for deficiencies in the spell’s structure and magical energy. Therefore, longer incantations are required if one’s ability or spell structure is inefficient. It was said that no one in the Slibegrad Kingdom could use short incantations, and Austin had never heard of anyone in the Yunatian Empire using them either.

Generally, the magic used by magical knights is more complex than that used by typical mages, requiring more magical energy. As a result, the incantations that Austin used were considered basic. In fact, even using the basic incantations, few could exhibit sufficient magical prowess as a magical knight.

Though the term “short incantation” actually refers to something even shorter than what Olga had chanted, Austin, who had never heard of short incantations before, couldn’t judge.

Austin gritted his teeth. He knew he had to disrupt Olga’s composure before she could begin her attack; otherwise, his chances of victory were slim.

“[In the name of my command, under the principle of the wind, let my sword’s blade whirl the vortex of the atmosphere!]”

In combat as a magical knight, while incantations are essential for attacks and defenses, one must be able to perform personal enhancement without incantations. Only a few could achieve this, but Austin had acquired this skill over the past year.

With the incantation, Austin applied wind magic to his legs, propelling himself high into the air. The wind he conjured swirled in a spiral around Olga, obstructing her movements. Seizing the opportunity, Austin maneuvered into range and swung his sword in a diagonal cut. However, the blade was stopped by the water shield.

“Damn it!”

Austin clicked his tongue in frustration and leaped away. As expected, Olga’s sword slashed through the spot where Austin had been moments before. Had he been even a moment slower, he would have suffered a serious wound. Olga merely smiled slightly, as if anticipating Austin’s evasive action.

Realizing he couldn’t win with this approach, Austin understood that Olga had not moved from her initial position since the start of the match. She effortlessly read and neutralized his attacks. Knowing he couldn’t win with a single spell, Austin decided to employ complex magic.

“[In the name of my command, under the principle of the wind, let my sword’s blade send forth hailstones, and the vortex of the storm become a blade of wind!]”

As soon as the chant was completed, the wind hardened into invisible hailstones that attacked Olga. Simultaneously, a gust of wind swirled around Olga’s feet, and sharp points of wind pierced through her defensive layer, ripping her clothes. Although the attack would have reached her skin, Olga effortlessly mitigated it by leaping backward.

Typically, magic of a single element is limited to one effect per chant. However, with rigorous training, one can activate multiple effects with a single chant. The Knight Commander Hegaty could combine two elements to produce multiple effects, a highly advanced technique. Magical knights of the Second Brigade start their training with complex magic involving two effects from a single element.

Austin had begun training in complex magic after mastering personal enhancement without incantations. Recently, he had nearly perfected complex magic with two effects and was now training to achieve three effects. This was his first time using complex magic involving two effects outside of training.

“[In the name of my command, under the principle of the wind, let my sword’s blade narrow the space and rain down wind spears!]”

Austin raised his sword to the sky and began chanting. In the next moment, Austin, whose body had been enhanced, disappeared from sight. The area around Olga fell into silence as she was trapped within a space created by the wind. Unable to move, she was bombarded from above by a myriad of spears. Most would have been overwhelmed and frantically tried to escape, but Olga remained completely unfazed. Instead, her unadorned lips curved into a smile as she chanted.

“[The water spirit says, its essence must shatter any attacking blade.]”

Austin, moving at a speed almost invisible to the human eye, merged with the wind's void and approached Olga. It was anticipated that Olga would use her magic to counter the spears raining down from above. Hence, Austin had used the attack from above as a distraction.

The real target was Olga’s right hand, which held her sword. Considering the possibility that an attack from behind would be predicted, Austin had infused wind magic into his sword. Just as the spears descending from above were about to pierce her body, Austin’s sword was supposed to reach Olga’s body.

“—!!”

Austin was hit by a sudden impact. The moment he recognized that the spears raining down from above had been instantaneously shattered, a soft ball of water appeared directly in front of him. With no time to avoid it, Austin instinctively took a defensive posture with his sword to shield himself from the water sphere. However, the sphere struck with such force that it engulfed his sword and collided with his body. Despite pressing his enhanced legs to brace himself, a small water sphere that had formed without his notice slipped between his feet and the ground.

“Wha—!”

Suddenly unable to maintain his stance, Austin was pushed out of the ring by the water sphere. The match ended in a flash, and it was an anticlimactic conclusion.

“Winner, the mercenary Olga!”

The referee’s announcement was met with a thunderous cheer from the audience.