Ashes of a Fallen Legacy-Chapter 60: The Beginning of the Duel [1]

'That means Father and Mother have heard the news. Wait... doesn't that mean Mother might try to stop me from dueling Arlo?!'

Eris glanced at Zane, reading his expression.

"I know what you're thinking, but don't worry. I already confronted Mother about it. It was tough, but I managed to get her to agree."

Zane beamed and said, "R-really?! Thanks, Eris!"

Then he added, "By the way, you seemed hesitant about me dueling Arlo a week ago. Why the change of heart?"

Eris stayed quiet for a moment before answering. "I've seen you, you know. You train often at the academy's training ground. I didn't really understand why you were doing physical training, but... I can't deny it has its merits. I also saw you train with Kael. You've been learning swordsmanship, huh?"

Zane smiled awkwardly. "Well, yeah. I just figured it was the best way to improve my physical capabilities. And I wasn't wrong—it really did help me improve much faster."

Eris stared at him blankly before asking, "But why'd you stop? I haven't seen you in the training ground lately."

"Huh? No, I didn't stop. I just started practicing somewhere else."

Eris considered asking why but decided against it. She already had an idea.

"By the way, Eris... you've been observing me a lot lately, huh?"

Eris suddenly looked away and replied, "I'm your older sister, you know. It's my job to watch over you."

"That's very kind of you!"

The carriage went quiet after that, and so did the rest of their journey to the Main Castle.

Eventually, they arrived. They were welcomed by a familiar gate, guarded by two knights.

After entering, they headed toward Oceanheart Fortress.

Once again, the carriage was stopped by two knights guarding the entrance. They opened the gate and allowed them in.

As they moved deeper into the prestigious fortress, they passed by more knights and mages along the pathway. A few Thaleward's were also present.

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The carriage came to a stop beside the building where Zane's bedroom was located. A butler opened the door, and both of them stepped out.

As usual, Eris attracted the attention of the knights, mages, and Thaleward's nearby.

Meanwhile, Zane remained concealed within the carriage's shadow. He didn't want to be recognized anyway, so he hurried inside the palace.

As he stepped in, a familiar face greeted him.

Lyra.

She had just come downstairs when she saw Zane at the entrance.

"Zane?!"

She rushed over to him.

"Zane, I heard you're going to duel Arlo today!"

Zane's expression was neutral as he replied, "Well, it seems things turned out that way."

Lyra's expression darkened.

"What do you mean, Zane?! I know you've gotten stronger, but Arlo isn't someone you should face!"

"I know, Lyra. But I can't turn back now. Being a coward is worse than being a loser."

Hearing those words and seeing Zane's determined expression, Lyra sighed. She had always tried to stop him from doing reckless things, but his resolve always silenced her.

– Sigh

She let out a heavy breath. "Please be careful, Zane. If things get dangerous, just surrender, alright?"

Zane smiled gently. "I will. Thank you, Lyra."

Suddenly, the door behind Zane creaked open.

"The match has been scheduled, Zane. It'll begin in the afternoon, so prepare yourself."

Eris stepped in as she spoke.

Zane turned to her. "Don't worry. I'm well prepared."

– Creak!

The door opened again, and in stepped a woman with flowing black hair, wearing an elegant gown that radiated status—because she indeed had it.

"M-Mother?!"

"Matriarch?!"

Zane's mother, Sienna Thaleward.

"Zane, why didn't you tell me?"

Zane's face turned pale. "I—I thought Eris already told you, Mother!"

Sienna's expression darkened, causing everyone nearby—even Eris—to flinch.

She let out a long sigh. "Zane, promise me... if it gets too dangerous, you'll surrender."

Then she added, "I know how important this is for you, but I just don't want to see you hurt."

Her words were sincere, and her expression somber. Zane softened and nodded.

"I understand, Mother."

'I guess everyone thinks I'll lose, huh?'

Sienna's face relaxed. She looked to Eris and said, "Also, I won't be there to watch the duel. So, Eris, I trust you know what to do."

Eris gave a small smile. "Yeah, I know."

Zane's expression turned bitter.

'She can't watch my duel?'

'Well... I guess it can't be helped. She is the Matriarch, after all. They have many things to do, other than paper work.'

After a bit more conversation, Sienna finally left the room.

– Sigh

Zane let out another deep sigh as he sat down on the sofa in his bedroom.

"Your room's a lot bigger than mine. Gosh, I'm jealous," Eris said as she entered, sitting beside him.

"Huh, Eris?"

He blinked, then asked, "What are you doing here?"

Eris paused. "I know this duel must feel overwhelming, especially since it's your first. But Arlo duels almost every week. Sometimes even daily."

She added, "I've seen how hard you've been training these past few days, and I trust that you've got a plan. But... I can't help but have some doubts. Please understand."

Zane smiled softly. "I understand, Eris."

Her tone grew more serious. "Arlo... he beat a B-ranker just a few days ago."

Zane's expression darkened in shock. "What?!"

"How did he get that strong so quickly?!"

Eris glanced at him and replied, "Beats me. I didn't expect it either. I agreed to this duel because I thought it might be your chance to redeem yourself—and our family's name."

She added, "But, I didn't expect Arlo to get this strong. You don't have to win. Just do your best."

Zane's expression hardened. He turned away from her, staring blankly ahead.

"Don't worry. I'll win."

...

Soon after, the time for their duel had finally arrived.

The match was set to take place within the dueling grounds located inside the Oceanheart Fortress.

The dueling grounds resembled a miniature coliseum—circular in shape, with rows of curved stone seats rising around the arena like waves. The seating encircled the entire battleground, giving everyone a clear view of the action in the center.

Despite the duel being unofficial, the stands were already crowded with spectators—knights, mages, and curious onlookers from the Thaleward clan, all drawn in by the tension surrounding the fight.

Because it wasn't a formal match, there was no official committee to oversee the duel. No ceremony, no banners, and no fanfare. All that was needed was someone to start the match, someone to stop it if it got too dangerous, and someone to declare the victor.