Under the soft morning light, a vast stretch of grassy plain lay before them, adorned with dewdrops that sparkled like tiny jewels. The air carried the gentle scent of earth and wildflowers, while a light breeze hinted at the warmth of the day to come.
Three figures stood out against the green backdrop. Cedric, the weathered elder, observed the young boy, Caulot, who fidgeted under his gaze and muttered a shy greeting.
"Um, pleasure to meet you, sir."
With a sigh, Cedric turned to Sol, who stood beside Caulot.
"So, Sol, do all your friends prefer wearing helmets?"
Sol replied, "Sorry, Mr. Cedric. Caulot hides his face because of a scar he's had since birth. I hope you'll still consider letting him work here."
"Well, I did promise you, and he doesn't seem all that unfit. I'm sure we can find some role for him," Cedric mused, stroking his chin as he contemplated young Caulot's potential tasks.
"Very well," he continued, addressing Sol and Caulot, "work with Miss Avondale. Help her set up a dining area; we'll be hosting an important guest today."
Sol frowned, disappointed that Caulot wouldn't be working alongside him. His thoughts were interrupted by Cedric's next instruction.
"Sol, attend to your duties diligently. Our guest is a knight of the lord, here to collect our taxes. Impress him with your strength; I have a feeling he might take an interest in you."
Perplexed, Sol questioned, "Interest in me? Why?"
Cedric grinned knowingly. "Isn't it obvious?"
Before Sol could press further, Cedric departed, leaving both Caulot and Sol to their tasks.
Sol sighed, glancing at Caulot's helmet before responding, "You better make your way to Avondale. I suspect she'll be waiting for you near Mr. Cedric's office."
Caulot blinked behind his helmet, his voice muffled as he questioned, "And where would that be? And what does Avondale look like anyway?"
"That building over there," Sol pointed out, gesturing towards a weathered structure. Caulot listened as Sol provided a thorough description of Avondale, though he couldn't help but notice a subtle bitterness in Sol's tone as he spoke of her.
Before Caulot could question his friend's strange behavior, Sol abruptly departed, leaving Caulot standing alone in the open field. Determined to carry out his task, Caulot made his way towards the office. As Caulot approached, he saw a woman who matched Sol's description. Avondale had a sun-kissed complexion, framed by waves of blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. Her piercing blue eyes held a hint of weariness, a testament to her hard work. She was dressed in worn farmer attire, a practical white-green dress that bore the marks of toil in the fields. Despite the dirt smudges, there was a certain grace to her movements as she awaited Caulot's arrival.
"Oh, and who might you be, Mr. Knight?" she said cheerfully, her voice carrying warmth and curiosity.
Caulot straightened himself, noting that the woman was a head taller than he was and undeniably pretty.
"I-I'm Caulot," he stuttered slightly, "Cedric told me to look for Avondale and work with her."
"Ah, you must be Sol's friend, right? The one Mr. Cedric mentioned," she replied with a smile, extending her hand in greeting. "I'm Avondale. Pleasure to meet you."
"P-Pleasure's mine," Caulot stammered, unable to conceal his blush behind his helmet.
Avondale chuckled softly before getting down to business. "Well, if Cedric sent you with me, he must want you to prepare meals for our guests. Do you know how to cook Caulot?"
Caulot nodded, albeit nervously. "Y-Yes, I can. I've cooked meals for Sol, so..." He trailed off, noticing Avondale's eyes gleaming with interest.
"What food does Sol like?" Avondale leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "I've been preparing meals for him, but I'm never sure what he likes. He's always saying 'that's fine' or whatever. At least be honest with a lady," she teased, her playful tone revealing her genuine interest in Sol's preferences.
Caulot chuckled nervously. "Well, he... he likes hearty meals, I suppose. He's not picky." He avoided mentioning Sol's particular preferences, unsure how Sol would feel about sharing such personal information.
Avondale giggled in response. "Haha, fair enough. Well, let's get to work then. Meals won't cook themselves," she said, Avondale led Caulot into the kitchen, a cozy yet bustling space filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and savory stews simmering over an open fire. The walls were made of rough-hewn stone, adorned with copper pots and pans hanging from hooks. Wooden shelves lined the walls, holding earthenware jars filled with herbs and spices, while wooden barrels containing grains and flour stood in one corner.
A large wooden table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by sturdy wooden stools. Cauldrons bubbled over the flames of the hearth, tended to by a pot-bellied cook stirring them with a long wooden spoon. On the table, various ingredients were spread out, including baskets of root vegetables, sacks of flour, and plump sacks of grain.
In one corner of the kitchen, a heavy oak door led to a root cellar, where preserved fruits and vegetables were stored for the winter months. A small window near the hearth let in a shaft of sunlight, casting a warm glow over the bustling kitchen.
As the duo chopped vegetables and stirred pots over the crackling fire, Avondale regaled Caulot with tales of Sol's remarkable feats around the farmhouse. Caulot listened with a mixture of amazement and familiarity, having witnessed Sol's abilities firsthand during their time together.
"Caulot, do you know where Sol came from?" Avondale's sudden question caught Caulot off guard, causing him to momentarily pause his task.
"From what he told me," Caulot replied, his voice slightly muffled by his helmet, "he came from a faraway land and probably arrived by the sea. I'm not sure which kingdom he came from."
Avondale nodded thoughtfully, her expression becoming serious as she considered Caulot's response. Then, with a determined air, she resumed her culinary tasks alongside him, the comforting warmth of the kitchen surrounding them.
"I see... say, does Sol have a woman with him?" Avondale inquired, her tone gentle yet curious.
Caulot was taken aback by the question, hesitating before replying, "No, he doesn't. And it's probably better he doesn't ever have one."
Surprised by Caulot's response, Avondale paused in her chopping, her gaze turning to him with concern. "What do you mean by that? Everyone deserves at least someone, you, me, and Sol."
Caulot shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of Avondale's words. "I'd rather not talk about this..." he murmured, his voice trailing off as he focused on his task, unwilling to delve further into the topic.
As the hours passed, Avondale wisely chose not to press Caulot further on the matter that seemed to trouble him. Together, they diligently prepared the meals, while other farmhands busied themselves with setting up for the summit. As other farmhands bustled about, setting up for the summit, a large tent with light blue canvas caught the eye. Its white sheets billowed gently in the breeze, anchored securely by wooden stakes driven into the ground. The tent stood prominently amidst the surrounding farmland, its vibrant colors contrasting with the verdant fields.
In the distance, beyond the boundaries of the farm, gentle hills rolled into the horizon, adorned with grazing livestock and patches of lush greenery. Lances stood tall and proud, their metallic glints catching the sunlight as they grazed the lands far away.
Before long, the long-awaited knight and his squire arrived, greeted by Mr. Cedric. Caulot and Avondale were among the first to present themselves at the summit. They entered a large central tent, its sturdy canvas walls erected to block out the elements, with tables set neatly inside.
Inside the tent, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Mr. Cedric was engaged in conversation with two men seated across from him. The man fully clad in gleaming armor, with brown hair and piercing green eyes, stood tall and imposing. His armor, crafted from polished steel, reflected the dim light of the tent, showcasing the intricate engravings of his noble lineage. A long sword, double-handed and finely crafted, hung at his side, its blade gleaming with a deadly edge. His helmet, adorned with intricate designs, revealed his stern yet determined visage, a symbol of his unwavering resolve.
On the other hand, the leather-clad man exuded a different kind of presence. With his gray-black hair and dark purple eyes, he possessed an aura of mystery and stealth. His armor, fashioned from supple leather and reinforced with metal plates, offered both flexibility and protection. At his waist, a long blade rested in its sheath, while a smaller dagger was securely fastened to his torso, within easy reach for swift and precise strikes. Despite his lighter armor, there was no mistaking the readiness and vigilance in his stance, a testament to his skill as a seasoned warrior of the shadows. Caulot and Avondale approached cautiously, their dishes in hand, ready to contribute to the gathering.
"How is our lord, Sir Rodrigo?" Mr. Cedric inquired, addressing the heavily clad knight.
"Hmph, he's fine," Sir Rodrigo replied gruffly, his tone tinged with disrespect. "He might be old, but he won't die until Roble is secured."
A chuckle escaped Sir Rodrigo's lips, but the man beside him shot him a glare, clearly disapproving of the comment. Caulot couldn't help but sense the underlying tension in the air, and he wondered if the man beside Sir Rodrigo had an urge to smack the knight for his disrespectful remark about their lord.
A bead of sweat broke on Mr. Cedric's brow before he broke the tense silence with a hint of humor. "Well, would you be interested in taste-testing our lord's bounty before he gets the chance?"
Both Caulot and Avondale stepped forward, carrying dishes under Mr. Cedric's approving gesture. As they laid out the dishes on the table for the two men, Sir Rodrigo abruptly snatched Avondale's arm, startling her and causing Caulot to tense with concern.
"Well, well, Cedric," Sir Rodrigo chuckled, his tone laced with amusement. "I didn't know you had good taste in women, eh?" His hand lingered on Avondale's arm, but she visibly shifted uncomfortably, trying to discreetly move away from the man's touch. Sensing Avondale's discomfort, Caulot swiftly intervened, his protective instincts kicking in. With a determined stride, he moved towards Sir Rodrigo and pushed the knight aside, his action assertive yet controlled. The force of the push caused Sir Rodrigo to lose his balance and stumble backward, forcing him to stand up abruptly from his seat, his expression shifting from surprise to irritation.
"Let her go!" Caulot began to protest, his voice firm with determination, but before he could finish his sentence, a swift blow from the other knight, the one in leather armor, struck Caulot's helmet. The impact was forceful, knocking Caulot's helmet off and sending it clattering to the ground. As Caulot's scarred face was revealed, a hushed gasp of astonishment swept through the tent. Not only were the onlookers taken aback by the sudden violence, but also by the sight of Caulot's visage. Whispers of shock and pity rippled through the crowd, mingling with the tension that hung thick in the air.
Caulot's scarred face, now unveiled for the world to see, drew Avondale's gaze. She couldn't hide her shock, and a flicker of discomfort passed through her eyes. Shyly, she backed away, seeking refuge behind Mr. Cedric.
"Oh? I didn't know South Roble had demi-humans," Rodrigo snorted with contempt, his tone laced with disdain and hatred. With a swift and deliberate motion, he drew out his sword, the metallic ring echoing ominously in the tense silence of the tent. The glint of malice in his eyes reflected his deep-seated animosity towards Caulot..
Cedric's desperate plea pierced the tense atmosphere. "Wait! He's human!" he shouted, his voice filled with urgency and desperation. However, his words fell on deaf ears as the knight, consumed by rage and hatred, swung his blade with intent to end the whimpering boy's life.
Avondale's hands flew to cover her eyes instinctively, shielding herself from the grisly scene unfolding before her. As she hesitated, a quick black smear brushed the corner of her eye. Summoning her courage, she dared to peek through her fingers and was met with a sight that defied belief.
There, amidst the chaos, stood Sol, the black-armored knight, his presence unexpected yet resolute. With swift and precise movements, he intercepted Rodrigo's blade, parrying the lethal strike aimed at Caulot. Avondale's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and disbelief as she witnessed Sol's timely intervention, his arrival offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness.
Blocking the knight's blade just inches from the whimpering boy's head, Sol's swift action spared Caulot from certain harm. With a deft maneuver, he slid his sword along the knight's blade, poised to strike at Rodrigo's helmet. However, the knight swiftly ducked, countering with a powerful kick that sent Sol flying backward.
The black-armored man quickly regained his footing, his resolve unwavering as he pointed his vile blade menacingly at his opponent.
"You sure have the nerve trying to kill Caulot." Sol felt that anger dwelling inside of him again, It was a familiar feeling, he took a quick look at the knight.
I've seen him before! He was the one back in the forest! The one who took credit for my kills!
Now Sol understood why he felt that rage again, not only had this man taken his work, he also had tried to kill Caulot.
"Oh? Not bad?" Rodrigo's laughter echoed through the tense air. "I didn't know there was a skilled warrior in these lands. Cedric, you sure have a strange ability attracting interesting people."
Cedric, sensing the escalating tension, swiftly intervened, jumping in between the two men in an attempt to de-escalate the fight. His expression stern and determined, he aimed to diffuse the animosity before it erupted into further violence.
"Sol, Sir Rodrigo, please stop fighting!" Cedric's voice cut through the tension, filled with urgency and desperation. "Sol, I'll pay you extra, and Sir Rodrigo, I'll add an extra bonus for the tax!"
"Mr. Cedric, while your offer is tempting, I'm declining," Rodrigo declared firmly, his gaze unwavering. "The warrior in front of me is far too interesting to not fight."
Cedric had hoped his offer would calm the two men down, but Rodrigo remained unmoved, his expression resolute as he calmly declined. The air crackled with unresolved tension as both men stood their ground, unwilling to back down from the confrontation.
After all, he had kept up with me without relying on martial arts alone.
Sol surged forward with a swift charge, his blade cutting through the air with a menacing whistle as he aimed a horizontal slash at Rodrigo's torso. Yet, to Sol's astonishment, Rodrigo unleashed a flurry of martial arts techniques in response.
[Ability Boost]
With a surge of energy, Rodrigo's movements became fluid and precise, his strengthened body displaying a remarkable agility as he effortlessly dodged Sol's strike. With a swift pivot, he darted out of the tent, his departure leaving the black-armored knight puzzled.
That sudden speed, what was that?
As Sol swiftly exited the tent, Rodrigo wasted no time in unleashing a powerful blow, his blade humming with latent energy.
[Cutting Edge]
With a deft swing, air gathered around Rodrigo's blade, slicing through the canvas behind Sol with precision. Reacting with lightning reflexes, Sol barely managed to dodge the lethal strike, his heart pounding with adrenaline.
Thinking quickly, Sol countered by slashing at the knight's blade. To his surprise, his strike connected, causing the knight's blade to clash with his own, locking them in a fierce deadlock. The clash of metal reverberated through the air, marking the onset of a heated confrontation between the two men.
"You sure are impressive, not using martial arts and all," Rodrigo exclaimed, his interest evident in his tone. "In any case, what's your name? Ironically, we had started fighting without even introducing ourselves."
Sol, still locked in a blade-to-blade struggle with the knight, responded with a steely resolve, his voice low and intense. "My name is Sol," he stated firmly, his gaze unwavering. Then, with a hint of defiance, he added, "What's yours, you smelly old shit?"
Rodrigo chuckled at Sol's retort, his laughter echoing through the tense air. "You sure have a sharp tongue, Sol. My name is Rodrigo, and I'm going to take you down."
[Ability Boost]
With a surge of energy, the locked blades suddenly blew upwards, causing both men to momentarily lose their balance. Rodrigo seized the opportunity, preparing to slash upwards at the black knight. However, Sol's reflexes were quicker; he swiftly sidestepped the attack, narrowly avoiding Rodrigo's strike.
Now I remember, martial arts, I remember TEL telling me about it. Apparently it makes one stronger. In any case I need to take him down!
As the intensity of the duel between Sol and Rodrigo escalated, the commotion drew the attention of everyone within the vicinity. Farmhands, Caulot, Cedric, and all others present spilled out of the tent, their eyes wide with fascination as they bore witness to the unfolding spectacle.
With sunset approaching, the clanging of blades reverberated through the air, mingling with the soft sounds of nature awakening. The nearby lanca, grazing peacefully in the fields, turned their heads in curiosity at the sudden disturbance.
"Gareth! Take down that demi-human! The one who wears that obnoxious helmet!" Rodrigo's voice boomed across the field, his command directed at the leather-armored man. Without hesitation, Gareth sprang into action, dashing towards Caulot with lethal intent.
"Caulot, behind you!" Sol's urgent cry pierced through the chaos of the duel, snapping the boy out of his trance-like state of amazement.
Reacting swiftly to his friend's warning, Caulot instinctively ducked, narrowly avoiding Gareth's incoming blow. The strike grazed his shoulder, making only momentary contact with the leather holster at his side. With a quick recovery, Caulot stood upright, facing the leather-clad knight with determination in his eyes.
Sol's gaze flickered briefly towards Caulot, who stood resolute despite his lack of weaponry or combat experience. With each parry and block against Rodrigo's relentless assault, Sol's determination only intensified.
I need to finish this duel, there's no way that Caulot could take him out without a blade.
As Gareth lunged forward, intent on exploiting Caulot's apparent vulnerability, he aimed his strike at the boy's unprotected torso. However, to his surprise, Caulot's reaction was swift and unexpected. With a resolute determination, Caulot raised his arms in a defensive stance, his movements guided by instinct alone.
A surprising clang echoed through the air as Caulot successfully parried Gareth's thrust, his makeshift defense holding firm against the leather-clad knight's attack. The unexpected turn of events left Gareth momentarily stunned, his momentum disrupted by Caulot's unexpected resilience.
"When you dodged my first attack, you grabbed my spare blade, didn't you?" Gareth questioned, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and admiration as he observed Caulot's resourcefulness.
With a subtle smirk hidden behind his helmet, Caulot remained silent, his eyes gleaming with determination as he awaited Gareth's next move. Deciding to leverage his advantage in reach, Gareth began thrusting his longer blade at Caulot with precision and speed. Despite Caulot's desperate attempts to dodge, he found himself unable to close the distance between them due to Gareth's superior length. With each thrust, Caulot narrowly avoided being struck, but he could feel the pressure mounting as he struggled to find an opening.
Realizing he needed to change tactics, Caulot made a bold move. Ignoring the minor scratches he received in his dash forward, he closed the distance between himself and Gareth, determined to engage him in close combat where his shorter blade could be more effective. However, Gareth was prepared for such a maneuver. With a practiced fluidity, he swiftly revealed his ace, a move honed through countless battles against opponents of Caulot's stature.
[Greater Ability Boost]
As Gareth's longer blade retracted, poised to strike at Caulot's vulnerable neck, Sol sprang into action with lightning speed. With a firm grip, he seized Rodrigo's sword arm, easily overpowering the knight's martial prowess. With a swift motion, Sol withdrew the blade and hurled it across the farm ground towards Gareth, forced to block it, his imminent attack was disrupted.
With Gareth momentarily thrown off balance by the unexpected turn of events, Caulot seized the opportunity to strike. Using the dull edge of the blade, he expertly knocked the leather-armored man off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground in defeat. With Gareth subdued, Caulot swiftly pointed his blade at the defeated opponent, asserting his victory.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo, distracted by the absurdity of the sudden turn of events, was caught off guard as Sol delivered a powerful punch, knocking him down. With both Rodrigo and Gareth now defeated, Sol and Caulot emerged victorious from the chaotic duel that had unfolded across the farmland.
To Sol's surprise, Rodrigo managed to regain his footing, the punch had dealt damage, staggering towards his blade. Despite his defeat, a chuckle escaped his lips as he addressed Sol with a hint of amusement. "Congratulations," he began, his voice tinged with admiration. "You've piqued my interest. Do you wish for the both of you to join us?"
Sol's brow furrowed in confusion at Rodrigo's unexpected offer. "Join you? What do you mean?" he questioned, his tone laced with skepticism.
With a determined expression, Rodrigo retrieved his blade and extended a hand to help Gareth to his feet. As both men stood facing Sol and Caulot, they exchanged a meaningful glance before Rodrigo finally gave his answer.
"To serve our lord, Old Purple, and join his order of Knights," Rodrigo continued, his voice carrying a persuasive tone. "Join us, Sol. You have potential that is wasted here."
Sol was shocked to hear that name, Old Purple. He had heard it from TEL, a legendary noble who had served the previous king, but he had not known that he owned these lands.
"And where is that?" Sol inquired.
Rodrigo grinned. "At Puertomariono."