Two days later, the outer grounds around the Duke’s estate were transformed into a large open area for the duel.
Colorful posters had been put up everywhere in the city, and the name of Baron Blank had spread from mouth to mouth. By morning, crowds had already gathered, whispering in excitement.
"Baron Blank? I don’t think he will win," one man muttered, folding his arms as if he had already decided the outcome.
Another man chuckled. "Do you want to bet on it then?"
"Are you insane?" his friend snapped back quickly. "Haven’t you read the rules? No betting allowed."
The rule had been announced by the Duke himself. Ethan had hoped to use this chance to lure some wagers and earn a large sum, but Duke Philip’s order had poured cold water over that plan.
He strictly forbade betting causing the illegal gambling house to put down the shutter.
Still, the crowd was restless and eager. Men and women pushed in closer, craning their necks toward the arena, waiting for the fight to begin.
In the middle of the gathering, something unusual caught the attention of the people. A group of children pointed toward a wooden stall where a sweet, warm smell drifted through the air.
"Oh my God!" a boy shouted. "What’s this crunchy thing?"
The smell led them to Rony and Lia, who stood behind their stall with wide smiles. Large baskets of golden popcorn were piled high. Rony worked quickly to scoop and hand them over while Lia, with her soft voice and bright smile, drew people in.
"Step up, step up! Try this special treat!" Lia called out, her foxy ears twitching as she leaned forward to offer small paper cones filled with popcorn. Her playful tone and bright eyes instantly caught attention.
Curious onlookers bought a handful, then gasped in surprise. "What is this divine thing?" one woman exclaimed, her eyes widening as she crunched on the light, buttery corn.
"It’s popcorn," Lia answered sweetly, swaying her ears with a smile.
"Popcorn... I have never heard of it," a man muttered while reaching for another bite.
Lia giggled and leaned closer. "We came from far away. This is our first time here. If you like it and want more, you can visit our shop. It’s called Jester’s Corn." She remembered Ethan’s advice clearly and delivered it with charm.
Eating this,a man finally recalled.
"Jester’s Popcorn...Woah...I finally remembered it now...One of my friends tried it in the Belmonte region.It’s absolutely terrifying."
"Yeah,I remembered hearing something about it."another one chimed in.
Rony kept his head down, focused on the work. His hands moved fast as the line grew longer, scooping popcorn into cones and passing them on.
The crowd, already restless for the duel, now had something new to talk about as they enjoyed the crunchy snack. Children laughed, couples shared, and the air filled with the sound of crunching and chatter.
Soon, the sound of trumpets silenced the crowd.
Everyone turned as Duke Philip, dressed in his formal robe, walked into the center ground. At his side was Duchess Emma, holding her fan with elegance, and Lady Julia, her striking appearance catching many gazes. Their entrance was grand and carried weight, and the entire crowd lowered their heads in respect.
The Barons entered soon after, but their presence looked pale in comparison.
No cheer followed them, only polite acknowledgment. All eyes were fixed on the Duke and his family, the true center of the gathering. The atmosphere grew tense, and the crowd held its breath, waiting for the duel to begin.
Duke Philip stood at the front of the stage, his commanding presence silencing the restless crowd.
He raised his hand, and his voice carried across the field. "People of Ruthiana, today we address the grievance and complaints raised against Baron Ethan Blanks. It has been said that he rose from a mere commoner and lacks the strength and wisdom to hold the title of nobility. Such matters cannot be ignored. This trial will prove his strength before you all. If he is worthy, he will stand as a true Baron. If not, then the truth will be revealed."
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.
Some nodded in agreement, others whispered doubts. Ethan, clad in his armor, stepped forward with steady steps. His hand rested on the hilt of his massive great sword. His expression was calm, his blue eyes carrying both resolve and sharp focus.
He observed everyone’s expressions, studying them carefully.
Reaching the center, he extended his hand toward the gathered Barons.
"Who will challenge me first?" His voice was strong, unshaken.
A brief silence fell over the arena. All eyes turned toward Baron Fenwick, yet he remained seated, and his face was unreadable. Ethan’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, but when Fenwick made no move, a low laugh broke the silence.
Baron Bragot stepped forward with a sneer, his long beard swaying with each step. "If Fenwick doesn’t want to, then it is fine. I will take that mine and teach this green horse some manners on your behalf."
His laugh echoed, harsh and mocking. "Hahahaha!"
He pointed his sword at Ethan, his voice sharp with disdain. "Young man, are you ready? I hope you don’t disappoint me."
Ethan unfolded his great sword and with a loud thud slammed it onto the ground,causing the dust to rise around him. His gaze locked onto Bragot’s with cold determination.
"I want to say the same thing to Sir Bragot. . Come at me with your full strength." He raised his hand and beckoned him forward.
The taunt made Bragot’s face twist with fury. His voice roared across the field. "Know your place, you brat!" He drew his sword in one swift motion and charged, his boots pounding the ground. With a shout, he raised his weapon high. "Take this!"
The strike came down with all his might, aiming to strike down Ethan ruthlessly without any shred of mercy.
Ethan raised his great sword into a defensive stance. The blades collided with a thunderous clang.
BANNNGGGG!
The shockwave stirred the wind, sending dust and cloth fluttering. Gasps erupted from the crowd.
"Huh!"
Bragot’s confident smile vanished in an instant. He had expected Ethan to bend, to fall to his knees under the weight of the blow.
Instead, Ethan stood firm, unmoved, his feet planted like stone. He gave his sword a small shake and pushed Bragot back with a surge of force. Bragot stumbled, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Impossible—" he shouted, his voice breaking in shock.
Before he could finish, Ethan raised his great sword high, deflecting Bragot’s sword back causing him to falter.
Then with one powerful motion, he brought it down.Bragot lifted his weapon to defend, but the impact was crushing.
BANGGG!
The sound thundered across the field. Bragot’s knees buckled, the ground cracking under him as he dropped, forced to kneel by sheer strength. His posture faltered, his body trembling under the weight of Ethan’s might.
The silence that followed was heavy until Ethan’s voice cut through, calm and sharp as a blade.
"Middle stage of Intermediate rank. Not bad. But that is not enough to defeat me."