Chapter 1024

“You… you can’t defeat me.” General Nova cried out, his calm demeanor slipping away.

He was technically right. If I defeated him, it would be bad. The King suggested that I should seek to win this victory, although he had never said it outright. I didn’t trust him though, so I was inclined to want to do the exact opposite of what he asked me to do. It was best for Aberis if I conceded this fight, but did it in a way where I was superior. I had already shown I could fight. In fact, I might have gone a bit overboard here.

“I concede.” I put my sword to the side.

This caused murmurs to grow throughout the crowd. They sounded extremely displeased. They were expecting a more vicious battle. This one was just getting interesting, and suddenly one of the participants gave up.

“What is that?” General Nova’s voice was hoarse.

“You are a general deserving of your title. I am only a lord and adventurer, more suited for monster fighting than people fighting. Ultimately, that was the best attack I had. Since you survived, there is no point. I acknowledge you are the superior fighter.”

The murmuring in the crowds grew louder. It was clear that most of the people present didn’t believe that at all. Some were confused, but most were dissatisfied a good show was being ruined. I didn’t care at all. These people weren’t my people. The small group from Aberis wouldn’t demand one of their nobles fight for their entertainment.

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“You dare!”

“You promised if I surrender and admit I’m inferior, then you will end this.”

General Nova took a step forward. “You will surrender when I let you surrender!”

“It’s over!” A voice came from the stage.

General Nova spun with an ugly face, but when his eyes landed on Queen Xin, he quickly shut his mouth and smoothed his expression.

“My lady, if things end this way, I will not be fulfilled. Your daughter may also continue to harbor some feelings…”

She stood up, open fury on her face. “Would you accuse my daughter of being some kind of harlot?”

General Nova took a step back. As smarmy and smug as he acted to most people, it was clear that he was genuinely afraid of Xin.

“N-No, I wouldn’t dare… but…”

“Then, this competition is over.” She declared. “I’ve already allowed you the hand of my daughter. If you want to disrespect her by suggesting such things, then-“

“No! Your daughter is pure and beautiful, and I am honored to be her husband!” His face turned red as he spoke.

“Then, let’s get this over with!” She slapped her hands like a thunderclap, and everyone responded.

All of the honor that he had was destroyed. He received supportive looks from his harem girls and the other humans who respected him, but most of the Osterians just shook their heads in disgust. Without any fanfare, our competition was over. They began to file back into the church, dispersing like this entire event had never even happened. As I rejoined my group, I fought off Octin and Octius who tried to give me hugs. Eventually, I used the three girls as my buffer.

I noticed at that point that General Nova was glaring at me hatefully. However, his look wasn’t the one that worried me. I felt the eyes of the King on me too. He didn’t say anything, but it was clear he had expected this fight to end differently, and I had somehow stepped on his plans. Whatever was going on, I had a feeling that it wasn’t over.