Chapter 99: Revenge
Eldred didn't want to die together, so he could only block and dodge for a while and found it difficult to fight back.
But this situation cannot last too long, Eldred is very skilled, and Charles's fighting style will consume his energy very quickly.
The percentage of Charles' physical condition next to his name was decreasing rapidly.
80%;
70%;
Charles had begun to pant for air, and he continued to attack without stopping, completely ignoring Eldred's sword.
Each sword strike was opened and closed vigorously, slashing across a large area, using up all the strength of the whole body.
This kind of play usually results in a loss in two rounds...
But this is a life-and-death duel.
Eldred's sword might be able to strike first with every blow, but if he stabbed Charles, he would also be killed by Charles. If he was unwilling to exchange his life for his own, he would be forced to parry and dodge.
This style of fighting was naturally instructed by the lord - in the arena of the Fog City, the swordsman who was good at exchanging injuries for injuries won the real sword fighting championship in this way.
Of course, the main reason was that the Lord didn’t want to be famous, and he also bet on his opponent to win…
When Charles' condition had dropped to 61%, the lord finally found the right angle.
He calmly lifted his black cloak slightly, and then turned his body to the side as if he was worried that the cloak would be stepped on.
The lord was now standing diagonally opposite Eldred, and as he turned sideways, his shining half-armor accurately reflected the dazzling sunlight into Eldred's eyes.
Charles was attacking desperately at this time, and Eldred didn't see clearly, so he was cut on the waist by a sword, and blood spurted out.
However, the injury does not appear to be fatal.
Eldred turned around and fought back, forcing the breathless Charles back. Just as he was about to switch from defense to offense, another strong light shot into his eyes.
This time, Eldred's eyes, which had not yet recovered, were completely dazzled. He covered his eyes and swung his sword wildly twice. As expected, he was hit by another sword, which stabbed him in the waist.
Eldred understood now. It was obvious that someone nearby was trying to harm him and was deliberately blinding him.
He shouted angrily: "Who are you! Shameless! Is this a fair duel?"
Then he quickly retreated, waving his sword, apparently intending to avoid it first.
But just after taking a few steps back, I heard a female voice screaming: "Ah!"
Then a basket of flowers was thrown up.
The petals all over the sky covered Eldred, and then he screamed: "Ahhh!"
Eldred covered his lower back in pain, stumbled forward a step, turned around and swung his sword, but hit nothing, and fell to the ground in pain.
That was Riva, who had been standing in the corner unnoticed. She had been sneaking around looking for a position, and after fighting for so long, she finally waited for Eldred to approach her.
Taking advantage of Eldred's quick retreat, she screamed and threw the flower basket, letting the petals block everyone's view, then secretly stabbed a short iron stick into Eldred's waist, then turned and ran.
Just like an ordinary frightened maid.
That sharp short iron stick was the half of the iron chisel head that was chopped off by Li Ang's sword.
Eldred already had an injury on his waist, and the thin and sharp iron skewer had completely penetrated his already bloody lower back, making it completely invisible.
The lord was relieved that Charles and Riva had carried out his plan properly.
With a pierced waist, he would not have much fighting power anyway. It would be really unscientific if Eldred didn't die under such circumstances.
It’s a pity that his kidney was not pierced. If his kidney had been pierced, the effect would have been better.
Now, it depends on whether Charles can perform a little more perfectly.
At this time, Charles had already rushed forward, panting heavily, and swooped down and chopped with the sword in both hands.
Eldred was lucky. He lay on the ground, waving his sword and trying his best to block the sword. Even in this state, he still managed to block the sword.
But the iron stick at his waist did make him lose most of his strength. In his hasty blocking, the heavy hands knocked the sword out of his hand.
Eldred rolled over and barely escaped. He began to stumble and flee like a headless fly, and actually ran in front of King Ulric's horse.
Eldred had realized the situation he was in. He did not say anything about fairness or unfairness, but hid behind the king's horse.
This scene is strangely familiar...
The lord shook his head. It was true that like father, like son. Rainier had done the same thing!
King Ulric certainly did not want to be a shield, but Eldred pulled his saddle.
"Eldred, did you kill Earl Oden? Tell me the truth, and maybe I can let the court try you..."
The king did not make any move - the duel was not over yet, and he did not want to affect it, so he simply asked.
"No...it's not me..."
Eldred probably still had a bit of a fluke mentality and didn't dare to admit it.
Ulrich's face darkened - this answer was too ignorant. The king wanted to quickly overturn the case of his nephew Andrew. Since you don't admit it, then face the revenge of your blood.
The king squeezed his horse's belly and urged it forward, intending to let the man out.
Charles also pounced again.
Without a weapon and seriously injured, Eldred naturally couldn't fight. He grabbed the saddle and ran two steps, trying to use the horse as a shield, but was knocked to the ground by the king's horse.
But this guy was lucky, because the sword that was knocked down before was just a few steps in front of him.
Eldred slid across the ground with a flying dive, grabbed the sword, and just avoided Charles' full-strength attack.
Then he rolled sideways on the ground and tried to get up.
But Leon happened to be standing in front of the king's horse at this time. Seeing the king riding forward, he stepped aside a few steps, then took a big step to the side, pretending to give up his position.
But when he landed, the metal boot on his feet 'coincidentally' stepped on the ankle of Eldred's calf that was dragging on the ground after he rolled over...
“Crack!”
Everyone heard the crisp sound, but no one said anything. After all, the lord's behavior of giving way to the king was quite reasonable - Eldred seemed to have rolled to Leon's feet by himself...
This was just an unfortunate accident and it was not intentional in any way.
But this heavy kick caused Eldred, who had just received the long sword, to drop his weapon again. The scene of dropping the sword and holding his ankle and crying seemed familiar, and the lord missed it a lot...
However, Forcher threw away his sword in the competition field, which was only a surrender to end the game, but Eldred threw his sword in the duel field...
It's blood revenge, a life-and-death duel doesn't care whether you surrender or not.
"Ah... Yes, I killed Oden! I plead guilty! Please send me to prison..."
Seeing Charles rushing over, Eldred curled up on the ground, holding his ankle in pain and shouting in despair.
Confessing guilt is indeed the only chance now. If the king is willing to intervene, then confessing guilt and going to prison may not mean death!
Unfortunately, it was too late for anyone to intervene, as Charles obviously couldn't retract his sword - when Eldred was halfway through his words, he had already pounced on him!
This was another two-handed strike after a flying pounce, and the sword tip fell directly downwards!
Straight into Eldred's chest.
Eldred opened his mouth and subconsciously grabbed the blade with both hands, but no sound came out of his mouth.
Blood spurted out along the blood groove of the sword and splashed onto Charles' face.
Charles didn't even blink, but held the hilt of the sword with his expressionless hands and twisted it in a circle.
Eldred's head tilted and he remained motionless, but his eyes were still open, just looking at the coffin of Count Oden.
The countess took two steps forward and covered her mouth. Two lines of tears fell silently on her seemingly calm face.
Eldred is dead.
The lord died in front of the Countess, and he was not involved in any political conspiracy.
The murderer died in front of Count Oden's coffin. He was beheaded by the Count's son and confessed his crime before his death.
There is no more fitting revenge than this.
The Lord stepped back and covered his cloak. Seeing the Countess looking at him, he bowed slightly to her.
Charles finally let go of the hilt of his sword and stood up, bowing his head to King Ulric: "Thank you to the gods and your majesty for witnessing my revenge, and thank you all for your justice!"
Then he knelt on one knee in front of Oden's coffin and said, "Father, I am Charles Fletcher. Your enemy has gone to where he should go!"
After saying this, tears were already streaming down his face.
Ulrich raised an eyebrow: "Well done."
After saying that, he rode away.
Before leaving, he glanced at Le Ang. It was obvious that the king had seen Le Ang's dirty trick - he was riding a horse at a higher position and could see more clearly.
"Charles, go carry the coffin and send your father back to Kerwin..."
Leon stepped forward and asked Charles to stand up.
Charles walked to the coffin, wrapped the wound on his right forearm with his sleeve, then replaced the servant in front of him on the right and lifted the coffin.
But then he let out a painful groan - his left shoulder was also injured, and the heavy coffin caused blood to seep from his wound.
The lord felt a pang of pain in his teeth and subconsciously looked at the team panel.
In just one move, it dropped from 50% to 39%...
Fortunately, it recovered to 40% after a dozen seconds, so it seems it can hold on.
The coffin was heavy and Charles' left shoulder was bleeding, but he endured it, gritted his teeth and moved forward step by step with tears in his eyes.
When the Countess saw this, her eyes softened as she looked at Charles.
Ms. Joanna beside her also covered her mouth, with tears in her eyes.
But Lehman next to him frowned.
He probably never thought that he could gain more recognition from the Countess and Joanna in this way.
This is indeed not the custom of the continent of Pendor...
This kind of operation could only come from some ancient country.
Baron Hereward walked up to Leon and watched Charles carrying the coffin out of the city gate.
"Where will Baron Leon, Charles' fiefdom, be?"
Li Ang also watched Count Oden's coffin leave, and then turned around and asked: "What do you think of Fletcher Village?"
Hereward laughed silently and patted Leon on the shoulder: "Ha, very good... You are really the smartest guy I have ever met... But the tax revenue of Fletcher Village may not be enough to support 600 sentinels..."
Of course, that's where Hereward and Oden first fought side by side.
The Lord grinned, revealing a row of white teeth. "Only six hundred sentinels? I thought there were several thousand... Lord Hereward, you probably don't know - the money I have is enough to buy the entire Changhe Town."
It seems that Hereward is planning to retire. His Sentinels need a new sergeant-major, and the Horn of Call Rangers also need a new leader.
And this old man would probably look at Charles differently now - this is why Leon wanted Charles to take revenge with his own hands and even let him carry the coffin with injuries for show.
He wanted the old guys who were close to Oden to see this scene with their own eyes.
Although Ralph is not here, Ralph, who comes from a commoner family and has an upright , is naturally the same kind as Charles, and he also needs Leon's support.
The son of the former Grand Commander, he avenged his father with his own hands. He is brave, resolute and unafraid of powerful enemies. He has a simple and honest filial piety, and a big financial sponsor supporting him behind the scenes.
A definite candidate for the next group leader.
Yes, most of these qualities were deliberately designed by the Lord - but at least Charles did them all.
In the eyes of the Countess or Hereward, what could be faulted about such an illegitimate child?
Moreover, the system, which had not responded for a long time, reminded again on this day, with several reminders within a single day.
'Your coaching skills have improved'.
'Your leadership skills have improved.'
'Your tax collector, Charles Fletcher, has your relationship with him increased to 100.'
'You have been honoured'.
'You have been given the right to rule'.
…
"Thank you, Lord Leon."
After the crowd dispersed, Riva came before the lord and once again performed a clumsy noble salute.
After stabbing Eldred herself, she is now calm.
Eldred stabbed Oden in the back and killed him, and Leon asked Riva to stab Eldred in the back, which was indeed the best way of revenge for Riva.
"Riva, what are you going to do now? Are you not going to Kwen Village to recognize your relatives?"
The Lord asked calmly.
He was looking at the attributes he had just upgraded, and he was not very enthusiastic.
Besides, the original intention was not to help Riva, but to let her participate simply because this bandit leader was very suitable for this plan.
"Why would I go and claim my relatives? I have the ability to support myself... I want revenge for him only because I killed him, and I want to atone for my sins."
Riva looked at her right hand: "But this atonement is not enough... So, I will go to protect Charles. But I beg you not to tell anyone about my affairs , including Charles."
I didn't expect that the bandit leader would have such a heart - it seems that she didn't really hate Oden that much, she was just extreme. Although she was deceived and did something wrong, it was also human nature.
"It is of course a good thing that you are willing to help the knights under my command. As for your background, that is your own business and has nothing to do with me."
The lord nodded and prepared to leave.
"Wait, sir, I'm sorry I took your things... I will return them to you double in the future!"
Riva called Leon, apparently because of the previous theft of money and sword.
"No need, Riva, Count Oden has already paid it back for you. He once said to me - the money you took from me was taken by my daughter again, this is a tit-for-tat..."
Leon imitated Oden's tone and watched Riva's tears fall again.
"You should go and see your father buried, Riva, and then protect Fletcher Village with Charles. It will be Charles' fiefdom."
"Thank you, my Lord. I will repay your kindness. I swear."
This is not a game, and the lord did not recruit Riva into the team.
It might be a better choice to let her continue to be a bandit and become a helper in the dark.
The matter was resolved, but this incident brought about many changes in the situation in the kingdom.
That same afternoon, Amy's brother, Lord Andrew, was released - the murderer had been killed, and the king naturally would not continue to detain his nephew.
But King Ulric dismissed Andrew from his post on the grounds that he had 'damaged the dignity of the Royal Guard'.
This treatment is appropriate and there is nothing wrong with the reason.
The Royal City Guard is the king's personal army, and the troops are all sons of nobles. However, Andrew allowed Baron Eldred to detain dozens of people, which really undermined the king's dignity.
If it were Li Ang, as soon as the team of armed escorts were detained at Qicha Fortress, he would definitely lead the Royal City Guards directly into Qicha Fortress to demand the person, and would kill anyone who dared to stop him.
A troop composed entirely of children of nobles did not need to be timid. If they made trouble, their parents would naturally intervene, and it was possible that they could even control Qicha Fortress in one fell swoop, and perhaps even become the master of Qicha Fortress.
But now, Andrew can only return to Crow Village to be a small lord and manage his knight territory.
The Qicha Fortress was taken over by King Ulrich and became the base of the king's army.
——The Lion Knights were sent to Qicha Fortress to take over the army on the day Eldred was killed.
The next day, King Ulric announced that Eldred and Rainier were guilty of treason, and the Seven Forks Fortress was placed under the direct jurisdiction of the king.
The evidence of the crime was the letter forged by the Lord, which could not be used as evidence of the accusation...
The king should probably be grateful to Leon - Leon killed Rainier and provided the "evidence" of the father and son's treason, so King Ulrik was able to get this great bargain.
Sir Rayman did not go to Brave Shield Castle, he did not even go to Kwen Village to preside over his father-in-law's funeral - as the deputy commander of the Lion Knights, he temporarily took over the defense of Qicha Fortress.
The defense of BraveShield Castle was assigned by King Ulric to a man no one expected - Baron Leofric.
This was the baron who used the griffin emblem that Godric had mentioned before. He was originally the lord of the village of Kerwin, where Oden was buried and the Countess's hometown.
But Brave Shield Castle was not given to him. The nominal owner of Brave Shield Castle is still Oden's daughter Joanna.
The king only appointed Baron Leofric to temporarily manage the military affairs of Brave Shield Castle.
Just like Grand Duke Alma temporarily manages the affairs of Changhe Town.
This was actually a commission from the Countess. She would move back to her hometown, Kwen Village, and Kwen Lord Leofric would go to BraveShield Castle to guard the border. This was probably a win-win for both sides.
Although Ralph is Oden's friend, he is obviously not the Countess's friend... and his border territory has been sold to Leon and is no longer under the jurisdiction of Brave Shield Castle.
At the same time, before leaving Sarleon City, the Countess did transfer Fletcher Village to Leon - to be more precise, to Charles.
The transfer price is 1 dinar.
Today, the actual managers and nominal rulers of these places are as follows:
Long River Town——Archduke Alma; (Nominally the imaginary "child" of Duke Elfwan)
Brave Shield - Baron Leofric (nominal owner of Joanna, daughter of Earl Oden)
Seven Forks Fortress - Sir Lehman; (Eldred and his son committed treason, and the Seven Forks Fortress was taken over by the king)
Fletcher Village - Charles; (belongs to Leon)
Border Station——Ralph; (Belongs to Leon)
…
