Chapter 98 You Are Very Powerful, But She Is Stronger Than You
Holden definitely thought the news was too fake as well.
Forget about Anne—even Holden wouldn't dare claim he could take down a knight in three moves, especially one who had joined the Empire's First Knight Order.
"Whatever, if she wants to put on a show, let her. Let them enjoy themselves for now."
Candy sneered, "Anyway, I'll challenge her in the end. When that happens, all this 'impressive strength' and 'extraordinary skills' will just become another joke about my defeated opponent!"
Holden took Candy's hand, still uneasy as he watched her profile. "Are you sure that after Anne loses to you, her position as Knight Captain will be at risk?"
Candy smiled, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss. After it ended, she answered breathlessly, "Darling, a challenge has to have rewards and punishments to be exciting."
Holden suddenly understood and pulled Candy by the waist onto the bed.
Meanwhile, at the Lion Knights, someone blocked Anne's path.
"Knight Captain Anne, I'm Benjamin from the Lion Knights, here specifically to challenge you."
Anne knew this knight. He'd made his name in a raid six months ago and now commanded a thousand knights, just like when she'd guarded Savannah. He was supposedly a gifted swordsman, but arrogant and easily manipulated.
Sure enough, the man immediately announced loudly, "Knight Captain Anne, I heard that everyone you defeated before were actors arranged by Lord Friedel, but I'm different. I'm only here to expose your true colors!"
Anne said "Oh," and without explaining, simply pointed toward the training grounds. "Let's fight there."
Benjamin glanced at her, arrogantly raised his chin, and headed straight for the training grounds.
Of course he had reason to be arrogant. He had studied at the swordsmanship guild in his family's territory and was even recommended to the royal capital's swordsmanship guild. But the knight training camp was recruiting at the same time, and both options had their advantages. However, because of most people's desire for the status of knight, Benjamin joined the knight training camp without hesitation.
Later, as he wished, he successfully completed the training and was assigned to the Empire's Second Knight Order, becoming a reserve knight in the Lion Knights. It had taken him six years to reach this point.
Yet Lord Friedel inexplicably promoted a woman to be the Knight Captain of the Ivy Knights, and even claimed that anyone who could last more than twenty moves against her would get extra meals. In a border region with tight resources and a military camp where daily training consumed so much energy, this was simply the best reward possible.
Benjamin didn't want any reward. He just wanted to prove his own strength, and more importantly, prove that someone like Anne didn't deserve to be Knight Captain. If anyone should be Knight Captain, it should be him.
He stood in the training grounds, and Anne stood before him, speaking calmly, "I think we should first discuss the terms of the duel."
Benjamin sneered, "What, scared now? Want me not to touch your face, or just want me to surrender directly?"
Anne's expression didn't change. She lowered her eyes and stroked the carved sword hilt. "If I win, what can you do?"
Benjamin thought for a moment and answered seriously, "If you win, I'll quit the Lion Knights and become your servant."
The people around froze, then burst into cheers.
"Yo, Benjamin, you're not planning to lose on purpose to become the noble lady's manservant, are you!"
"Even if you think you won't lose, find a better punishment!"
"Benjamin, fight! Win and let the brothers share in the meal!"
"I don't need a servant." Anne shook her head, her eyes sharp. "If I win, you go to Lord Friedel and tell him who sent you to challenge me."
"That's it?" Benjamin could hardly believe it.
Anne nodded. "That's it. Let's begin."
She gripped her sword, her gaze sweeping over Benjamin's movements, unable to help praising him inwardly.
This person really had some skills. You could tell he'd never neglected his swordsmanship and practiced every day, which was why he could deliver such a decisive strike. But...
It wasn't enough.
Anne rushed toward Benjamin in quick steps, thrusting her sword straight forward. Benjamin froze, hastily changing his move to block. The two swords collided with a ringing sound. Just from this one exchange, Benjamin understood that Anne was definitely not someone who had traded on her status and body for military merit, as the rumors claimed.
Thinking this, he flicked his sword edge upward, thrusting straight at Anne's neck.
The watching crowd gasped, "Is he trying to kill someone!"
"Hey! That's a duke's daughter—if you kill her, you're finished!"
"Lord Friedel won't let you off!"
Only the two people in the arena knew that Benjamin's move wasn't actually meant to take Anne's life, but to retreat.
Yes, retreat, to avoid being cut by Anne's sword first.
He sensed that Anne's sword momentum wasn't truly forward, so he used an upward flick to create distance, preventing that sword from reaching his neck directly.
But it was already too late.
Anne laughed lightly. Her sword suddenly shifted direction, and as she spun behind Benjamin, the sword also switched to her left hand in a reverse grip, resting on his shoulder from behind. The thin blade was still half a palm's width from his neck, but Benjamin knew he had lost.
The stinging pain at his neck silently declared this result. He had lost, lost without any room for recovery.
His face was deathly pale, his voice still trembling slightly, "I... I lost."
The scene fell deathly silent.
The knights present weren't blind. The extremely fine blood mark on Benjamin's neck wasn't fatal, but if the person holding the sword wanted it to be, it could have been a killing blow.
And that upward flick just now—those familiar with swordsmanship also understood. According to Anne's hand position, that initial strike was indeed different from an ordinary attack. With just a twist of the wrist, she could adjust the sword's direction to achieve the effect of seeking the enemy.
But while they discussed it enthusiastically, actually doing it themselves would be impossible.
Anne really had become Knight Captain through her own strength!
Seeing Benjamin admit defeat, Anne wasn't surprised. This kind of person who could persist in practice without slacking off—when they lost, they lost, and wouldn't play tricks or schemes.
She sheathed her sword and heard Benjamin's bitter voice, "You... you're even stronger than I expected. I'm too weak."
Anne looked at him with some surprise. "No, you're very skilled."
Benjamin hung his head and smiled bitterly, feeling Anne's consolation was more like deception. "I lost to you, how am I skilled?"
Morris, who had been watching the whole thing from the side, couldn't help grinding his teeth. "The way you're talking, it's like everyone who participates in the swordsmanship tournament is weak!"
"Swordsmanship tournament?" Benjamin looked at Morris in confusion.
Morris spread his hands. "This person was the swordsmanship tournament champion for five consecutive years."
"So yes, you're very skilled, but she's even stronger than you!"