The Knight Commander of the Second Male Lead [Novel] Chapter 28

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 28

Chapter Title: Two Versus Ten

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The Raba Count family's knight order was the Eagle Knight Order.

If Count Raba became a duke, it might even upgrade to the Twin-Headed Eagle Knight Order.

The Knight Order Captain soothed his knights.

"Quiet. This isn't the time for rash actions. The Rubaenu Duke has changed, and the Ebony Knight Order played a major role in the internal strife, didn't they? The results could be different this time."

At his stern voice, everyone snapped to attention.

But how could they calm their minds when there were all those rumors about the ducal family?

They had hardly ever won a frontal, honorable battle—most victories came from strategies exploiting terrain and features, or so the tales went.

Besides, the duke himself, a master of such terrain-based tactics, wouldn't even show up for the actual fighting.

A bastard son seizing the duke's seat was far worse than a traditional noble like Count Raba ascending to duke.

The imperial family had even subtly shown expectations along those lines!

And the Ebony Knight Order wasn't even a proper knight order—it was basically a band of mercenaries, or so the rumors said.

Just then, a soldier on watch came running.

"Report! Two horses bearing black hawk banners are approaching at full gallop."

"Two horses?"

The Ebony Knight Order's symbol was the black hawk.

It was emblazoned on the blue banner permitted to the ducal family—their coat of arms.

But two of them?

"The vanguard? Are the rest following behind?"

"They might be coming ahead to exchange greetings."

The vice-captain spoke up, and the captain nodded. "I see."

Unlike the previous exchange matches, this time they'd face new faces directly.

Then another soldier came dashing in.

"Captain, it's... it's One-Horned Horses!"

All the knights turned to the soldier with wide eyes.

"One-Horned Horses?"

"You mean they really have horns?"

"Yes, actual horns. And..."

The soldier hesitated before continuing.

"The rider claims to be the captain of the Ebony Knight Order."

Jin glanced at Nina now and then. Nina sat calmly atop her One-Horned Horse, back straight.

Jin recalled yesterday's conversation.

"Two? Just the two of us?"

"We don't need to fill ten spots. Looks like we don't even have ten knights left anyway."

After the rebellion ended, many knights who were tired of fighting humans had retired.

Now the Ebony Knight Order numbered fewer than ten.

"But we can't leave the ducal residence undefended. So let's just the two of us go, settle it, and come back."

"Really..."

Jin clamped his mouth shut.

Was it really okay?

He knew Nina was strong.

He knew, but the opposing knight order wasn't to be underestimated. They'd send their top ten elites too.

"Got it."

Jin nodded. If Nina said so, he'd trust her.

Nina looked apologetic as she said,

"Jin, sorry, but you might not even get a turn."

Jin replied, "Yeah, yeah."

But now that they were here announcing it was just two of them, his stomach churned.

A signal came to enter their temporary camp.

Inside, luxurious tents stood in neat rows.

Jin, who had no memory of using a tent without holes, marveled at the glossy, thick fabric ones.

First time seeing a knight order with this much money.

The soldiers' curious gazes turned to the One-Horned Horses.

"Fr-from here on, please dismount."

Nina leaped down from her One-Horned Horse, and Jin followed. A soldier grabbed the reins and stared at it in awe.

"This way, please."

The greeting knight addressed Jin. The words were polite, but his tone, gaze, and expression were not.

'This guy's assuming I'm the captain, huh?'

'Let it be.'

Exchanging such glances, Jin and Nina followed the knight.

At the innermost, most luxurious tent, the knight order was lined up, with the Eagle Knight Order captain standing at the front.

"Greetings. I am Terivolta, captain of the Eagle Knight Order."

Anyone could tell his speech lacked etiquette, but the two, ignorant of noble courtesy, remained unfazed.

"Hello, I am Nina Randel, captain of the Ebony Knight Order."

She merely mimicked what she thought was proper.

A wave of outrage rippled through the Eagle Knights. But Terivolta was surprised for a different reason.

"You? The captain?"

"Yes, I am the captain."

Nina puffed out her chest.

Her long silver hair was tied in two braids, framing golden eyes and a neat face.

Though clad in a high-necked black uniform, she looked like nothing more than a young girl.

"Is this for real?"

"Duke Rubaenu's seal is on my One-Horned Horse's saddle."

After a brief commotion, they accepted she was indeed the captain.

"But why only two of you? If you're planning to postpone the exchange match..."

"Ah, two should be plenty."

Silence hung in the air at Nina's words.

"What did you say?"

"'Two should be plenty,' that's what I said."

Nina grinned. Jin straightened his shoulders and stood firmly behind her.

If these guys got mad and charged, he absolutely couldn't let her out of his sight.

Sir Terivolta's well-groomed mustache quivered. But he pressed on.

"This exchange match is meant for ten against ten! Two isn't enough. We'll have to count this as our victory."

"If two is enough and you win, I'll give you that One-Horned Horse."

"!!"

Sir Terivolta flinched.

He had just been admiring it greatly.

No, who among riders wouldn't be enchanted by such a One-Horned Horse?

Who wouldn't covet it?

The other knights shot him fervent looks too.

'Let's do it, Captain!'

'Just two of them. We can win.'

'That little girl's relying on her big brute behind her.'

'It's a One-Horned Horse.'

This was a bet they had to take. Backing down now would mean awkward explanations to Count Raba later.

"Very well. But we write a contract first."

"Fine by me."

Nina and Terivolta exchanged parchment contracts.

Unlike standard exchange matches, it was two versus ten—but both accepted the matchup.

They would unconditionally accept the results.

If Nina lost, permanent ownership of the One-Horned Horse went to the count's family. The rest matched usual exchange terms.

They sealed it with their signet rings, and the match began.

The square arena's spectator seats were packed with peasants. Their clothes looked poorer, faces darker, than Rubaenu territory's serfs.

The air of despair pressing down on the arena choked Jin. He tried to shake it off, but Nina remained calm.

Dull iron swords were handed out. Soon, the Eagle Knight Order members filed in one by one.

Jin admired their gleaming armor.

"That doesn't weigh them down?"

"Must be heavy. Only temple knights wear armor that light."

"How do they fight Belak like that? They'd just get trampled."

"They don't wear it against Belak. That's for human combat."

Nina finished stretching.

Jin, anxious, asked,

"Can we even dent them with these iron swords?"

"Oh, Jin."

Nina stretched her back and smiled.

"Let's go."

Moments later, their two stood side by side with the ten opponents, raising swords in salute.

"Then, starting with number one, step forward for the duel."