Free Web NovelChapter 61: Ch 61: Council’s Fighter
’Well, this is an unplanned direction things have taken. But Leon does not seem to mind. Moreover, this is the fastest way to get these annoying people off our backs.’
The councilmen were stubborn and refused to admit when they were wrong. It was a troublesome trait.
But the fact that they were not even willing to give Leon a chance to explain himself was much worse. It was also making Leon angry, and he chose to retaliate in a way that left the council speechless.
"T-This is...you want to let the hero fight? Don’t you think that’s too dangerous?"
The council asked in a tense voice.
While no one present believed that the hero was powerful enough to defeat a monster yet, they also did not want to risk him proving them wrong.
That was why they tried to stall the situation.
But Kael did not allow them that luxury.
"Frankly, I think it is the best idea. We can have both Leon and Iris prove their skills to you by fighting opponents of your choosing. It should satisfy all of you if they demonstrate their abilities, right? I am sure you will choose someone at an appropriate level to face them."
Kael emphasized the word, putting additional pressure on the council.
Knowing these snakes, they would choose a Holy Paladin to fight Iris. There would be no chance of her winning if they did that.
That was why Kael needed to lay the groundwork beforehand so these people would not even consider it.
And even if they did, he would make sure they did not have enough time to bring one in.
"G-Grand Master—"
"Hmm, we should settle this today. I’m sure you can arrange someone within the next hour, and we can hold the matches in the training grounds behind this building."
Kael maintained his smile, but the council visibly flinched.
"B-But if we do that, then the property damage—"
"I will deploy a barrier so there is no property damage. Don’t worry. It will be a clean fight that all of you can enjoy as well."
Kael was not leaving the council any room to escape.
He knew that if he pressured them enough, they would have no choice but to agree to his terms.
"We...please give us some time to discuss this. After all, it is an important decision that cannot be made arbitrarily."
The council elders announced their decision, and that was Kael’s cue to step outside for a while.
He and his party left the room, and the council immediately began arguing among themselves.
"What do we do now? Do we really have to allow the hero to fight? I don’t want to see him get hurt."
"That’s right! It would tarnish our reputation if anything happened to the hero. It could also allow Grand Master Kael to spin the story in his favor."
"B-But do we even have a choice? He’ll just spread rumors that we don’t believe in the hero if we deny his request. I-I think we should agree for now."
Opinions flew back and forth until the chairman finally slammed his staff against the floor, silencing everyone.
"I have heard all of your opinions. However, I believe this is an opportunity to show the world that Kael’s decision was wrong. Remember, he did not only volunteer the hero to fight, but the teacher as well. We should use this opportunity to show everyone what a mistake he made by choosing a slave and refusing to listen to us."
The council leader was an old and shrewd man.
He knew how to take advantage of a situation, and this was definitely a situation worth exploiting.
"Call a Holy Paladin. We will make these fools regret picking a fight with us."
The council leader spoke, but no one moved to obey.
Instead, several members openly showed their discomfort with the decision.
"Sir, I don’t think we can do that without making it obvious that we’re trying to rig the outcome. There are only a handful of people who have reached the level of Holy Paladin, and everyone except Sir Ken is out of town. And Sir Ken is—"
"Tsk. If that’s the case, then it cannot be helped. Send for the next best person. Isn’t there someone in the order who is close to becoming a Sword Master? Go and get him. Once these fools face a real opponent, they will learn what true power looks like."
The council leader made his decision, and his deputy nodded before hurrying off to find the candidate.
He reached the training grounds where Ivory was sparring.
But Ivory was not alone.
A person clad in full-body armor was fighting against him.
Ivory was a man in his thirties, and his talent, combined with years of dedication, had allowed him to advance quickly. He was someone on track to become one of the youngest Sword Masters in the world.
Unfortunately for him, he was not the youngest.
That title belonged to Sir Ken.
However, Sir Ken’s personality was... ƒгeewebnovёl.com
It was better not to think about Sir Ken.
The deputy watched Sir Ivory display his skills against the armored fighter.
He parried every attack while launching several of his own. His technique was so refined that many believed he could be promoted at any time.
’If only he could use aura, he would already be a Sword Master. But I have to admit, that kid isn’t bad either. He’s parrying everything surprisingly well.’
The armored fighter was impressive as well, and the deputy decided that perhaps he could have that person face the hero instead.
Choosing someone younger would make the comparison look more favorable, and the armored fighter appeared to be around the hero’s age.
"Sir Ivory, I have a message for you."
The deputy called out when the knight finally paused for a brief rest.
Sir Ivory turned toward him with a surprised expression.
"You have...a message for me?"
he asked.
The deputy wasted no time explaining the situation.
Naturally, he took a few creative liberties while telling the story.
"—and that is why we need you to face the fraud pretending to be the hero’s teacher. We are all counting on you to help us."
The council deputy finished his explanation.
Sir Ivory nodded with determination. freewēbnoveℓ.com
"I understand. I will not let you down. I will make sure to show the hero the correct path."
