Chapter 112
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Chapter 112: The People’s Will
Three days later, when the promised day arrived, the grand arena of Rose Mountain City was packed with a roaring crowd.
Though monthly events in this arena entertained nobles and commoners alike, none could compare to this "Battle for Honor"—they seemed trivial, even childish.
Today, two true nobles would stand on the yellow-sand battlefield. One was from the Hamilton family itself. Both Midi and Martin bore illustrious reputations, and the outcome would decide the fate of a high-ranking branch leader!
Noble status, overwhelming power, and unimaginable stakes made this a battle to ignite passion.
The grand arena had been designed for such honor duels, not mere entertainment. Yet how many years had passed since the Iron-Blood Duke rose to power? Only now did it reclaim its original glory.
Upon learning of the duel, the arena’s overseer—a nominal baron—had been too excited to sleep. That very night, he ordered renovations to the arena he’d managed for decades. Pillars, archways, stands, and decorations shed their rustic style for the Hamilton family’s opulent gold. Even the sand was replaced with costly white gravel ideal for single combat.
From the VIP seats, the arena now resembled a vast, still lake. But soon, the duelists would churn its surface into chaos.
When Martin Hamilton entered through the southern gate carved with a wolf’s head, thunderous cheers erupted.
The swordsmanship branch, the Hamilton family’s most martial offshoot, held great sway in Rose Mountain City. As its "top expert in swordsmanship," Martin was a household name. His fame came not from tournaments but relentless battles.
The Hamilton territories stretched from southern ports to northern borders, where conflicts erupted daily. Martin fought pirates, bandits, the Senator’s faction’s armies, even the Crimson Flame Legion—always victorious, always leading the charge.
Outwardly, his deeds mirrored Midi’s after reincarnation, earning similar renown. Yet Midi fought with no room for failure, while Martin handpicked favorable battlefields, coordinated generals, and seized moments to showcase his prowess.
Thus, Martin’s reputation soared faster than Midi’s. A staged spectacle always outshines grim reality.
The "top expert" acknowledged his fervent supporters with a casual wave, his expression cool as ever. Alone with his sword, he strode gracefully onto the field.
When Midi entered through the northern gate adorned with a leopard’s head, the crowd hesitated.
Nobles faced no such conflict—their seats dictated their loyalties. Or, more elegantly, shared ideals guided their hearts.
Golden Branch members erupted in cheers for Fina’s guardian knight. Accustomed to the Iron-Blood Duke’s protection, they’d often clashed with the seven branches over interests. Now, with the duke critically ill, they pinned hopes on Fina to maintain the main family’s dominance. The Queen of Magic’s bold move to oust the swordsmanship branch’s leader thrilled them, and by extension, Midi gained their favor.
Over three days, influencers had touted Midi’s feats—not to rival the entrenched "top expert," but to plant his name in the public mind.
The swordsmanship branch jeered freely—Midi Asreks wasn’t a Hamilton, after all. Yet nobles and their retinues were few.
The true majority were lifelong Hamilton subjects. They revered the "top expert" yet reserved their deepest affection for the red-haired girl.
"Little princess"—this title hadn’t come from the family, but from Fina’s days in Rose Mountain City, when she’d imposed her own brand of justice, often crossing into tyranny.
People watched the red-haired girl beat up spoiled nobles and stand up for ordinary folks. They saw her boldly oppose the Iron-Blood Duke, even clashing with him directly. They witnessed her grow into a graceful beauty, becoming stronger until she became everyone’s beloved treasure.
While the top expert in swordsmanship was seen as a "genius noble young master," Fina Hamilton felt like "the perfect leader." People admired the swordsman, but Fina truly had the people’s hearts.
Though she’d stayed away from Rose Mountain City’s political center for years, folks never forgot her. Their recent enthusiastic welcome when she returned proved that. Now, as tensions rose, the Queen of Magic’s popularity became even clearer. The problem? Their beloved princess wasn’t fighting – some outsider named Midi was.
Should they support this stranger? The crowd hesitated.
"Go Midi! Win the Battle for Honor!"
Fina’s clear voice cut through the uncertainty. From the VIP seats, the acting family head stood by the railings, shouting through cupped hands. Her pale cheeks flushed pink – from shouting or shyness, nobody knew.
Though used to their princess’s boldness, the crowd still gasped. She was cheering for her guardian knight?
Midi felt warmth spread through his chest. The last traces of tension melted away. With Fina beside him, how could he lose?
Drawing his dark longsword, he split sunlight into countless golden threads. "For Fina Hamilton!"
The crowd stopped hesitating. This rising star was Fina’s chosen knight – who else deserved their support?
"For our little princess!"
"For Fina!"
Cheers from the Golden Branch supporters drowned out the swordsmanship faction’s boos, uniting the grand arena.
"Miss Fina," old steward Pipin chuckled, "isn’t guardian knight too small a role for him?"
"Midi focuses on the Hawk Brigade. The knight title’s just extra." Fina mumbled lower, "Besides, he’s not even mine alone…"
The red-haired girl remembered the black-haired girl guarding Eagle’s Nest. Midi thought the guardian knight idea was for the family meeting. He didn’t know they’d already split "ownership" of him.
What face would he make when he found out? Fina wondered, watching Midi’s calm back.
As tension crackled, the Battle for Honor’s true combatants finally met.
"Think noise helps you win?" Martin sneered.
He’d analyzed Midi’s famous sword strike for three days. It must be a one-time trick. Even if repeated, Martin could dodge it. Without that move, how could this reformed wastrel match his rock-solid skills?
Midi shrugged. "You’re strong. But you’ve never tasted defeat."
