Chapter 1451 Knight
Previously, during both the archery and jousting challenges, the flashy young squire hadn't shown any notable feats. However, when the close combat challenge took place, he greatly surprised everyone by displaying extraordinary prowess that was able to dominate all other participants.
Along with the enthusiastic loud cheer of the Camelot's citizens, the unexpected actions that one particularly small squire had done managed to lift the spirit and confidence of the other squires of Briton.
The aftermath could be seen as clearly positive for the Briton, as the squire's exceptional feat was promptly followed with an increased win rate on the Briton side. So much so that by the end of the challenge, a total of seventy-two Briton's squires made it into the top 100.
In the meantime, cladded in dark green armor and wielding a sword in his hand, that squire was showered with thunderous applause as he became the challenge champion with a perfect score of eight wins out of eight matches.
Needless to say, such a result brought annoyance to the Jarl. "I guess you still have one good talent among them." the King just smiled at his words, which further annoyed him. "That said, let us see who exactly is the lad who has been able to defeat my young Vikings."
Gwen turned to chuckle when she heard that, causing the Jarl to turn to her. With a smile, she said, "You will certainly be surprised..."
Arthur willed for the squire to come forward. As the herald summoned him to walk up the platform, the figure who dressed in a way as to hide their identity presented themself for the VIPs and audience to see clearly.
Looking down from above, the King beckoned the squire to remove their helmet and introduce themself.
The moment the dark green helmet was taken off and the face hidden beneath was revealed for all to see, everyone could see glistening snow-white hair fall around the shoulders of the squire. Much to everyone's complete shock, their champion was a young woman. One that some people knew as the youngest of Fey sisters, Glita.
With a broad smile on her face, she said, "Finally! That helmet is so hot, I swear!!"
Under the shocked look of everyone, she turned her head towards the Britannia Queen and said cheerfully, "Sister, how is it? Did I do well?"
It turned out that, with Luna's help, Gwen went ahead and arranged matters in such a way so that Glita could take part in the tournament. Being so occupied with so many things, even Klea didn't realize that the girl had joined the tournament. Not until her spell finally analyzed her earlier.
Smiling and nodding at the youngest Fey sister, Gwen turned to look at the Jarl whose face turned pale. It was clear that he was shocked that his young Vikings had lost to a girl. With a smile, she said, "You see, the girls of Britannia are not only beautiful; we are also very strong. Stronger than your young Vikings apparently."
But then, to her surprise, the Jarl suddenly burst into laughter. "Hahhaha! Amazing! We Vikings love to see fierce warriors, especially when they are women! She's still a bit small, but strength is what matters!, isn't it?! Hahahah!!"
Gwen could only smile at the Jarl's unexpected reaction. On the other hand, she couldn't help but notice some mixed feelings showing in Arthur's expression. The same could be seen in the thousands of spectators who previously showed adoration to the young squire.
Realizing the strange situation, Arthur immediately stood up and congratulated Glita on her achievement. With that, the third day of the tournament came to an end, with a final outcome that left many people with various feelings.
Tomorrow, only the top 100 participants would be allowed to join the fourth day of the tournament, which was where they would have to compete against all the senior knights who also wished to compete for the title of Silver Knight.
Klea, who had been silently watching the event all this time, noticed the strangeness between Arthur and Gwen. In fact, she didn't even need to use her Spirit Reading to see that something was going on with them. However, she paid no heed to their situation.
Moments later, the sun began to set over the western horizon, signaling the end of the day.
Klea returned to her room in their quarters, where she sank back into her study of rune formations to analyze the Sword of Destiny. Late at night, she came out of her immersion because of a knock at the door. She received an unexpected visitor; Gwenneth Lioness, the Britannia Queen.
"What could possibly bring the queen to my door at such an hour?" asked Klea after seeing she had come without her escort.
Klea was slightly curious about her visit. For as long as she could remember, the two of them couldn't be considered friends. However, there was a certain bond between them that earned them mutual respect; and it wasn't just because they both loved the same person.
With a short sigh, Gwen revealed her reason for coming. She inquired about her being the queen of a powerful kingdom, and asked if the infamous rumor circulating about her was true. Rumor was the Queen of Egypt could wish for anything, and it would manifest.
It didn't take long for Klea to connect her peculiar questions with the unusual situation she noticed today. Leaning against the door frame, she said, "You're worried about why female knights aren't welcome in this kingdom, aren't you?"
"No.. yes... I mean... We women generally... There are limitations... what we can and cannot do."
Apparently, Arthur was a man who valued customs, so in this matter their opinion could not help but differ. 𝙗𝙚𝙙𝒏𝙤𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝒎
Klea took a deep breath before explaining that it was also the same in various parts of the world; it wasn't so different in Egypt either. She might currently be a queen that many people fear, but when she didn't have power that she currently has, she was forced to follow her father's will to the point of marrying her own brother.
"You yourself are also a queen, and I am sure you have sacrificed a lot to be in your current position." Staring at her, she said, "So do not waste your time and just do what you want."
Upon hearing that, there was a change in Gwen's expression. It was obvious that she had made up her mind, she than said her gratitude and leave the room.
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The next morning, the fourth day of the tournament, some of the young squiers who passed the third day gathered with two hundred others aiming for the Silver Knight title. This time people's eyes were no longer on the young girl who became the champion of yesterday's challenge, but a golden-haired woman in shining armor.
Gwenneth Lioness, the Queen of Brittania herself had chosen to participate for a chance at the title.