478: Chapter 259: The Sinister Sword (4K) 478: Chapter 259: The Sinister Sword (4K) Onstage, all eyes were upon them.
Arthur and Bertrand assumed their positions, both drawing their Swords of Honor to touch lightly.
As the blades collided, there came a clink, and fireworks exploded from both sides of the stage, the booming lightning illuminating the night theater as if it were day.
Under the grandeur of the flashing lights, the emotions of all present were laid bare—joy, excitement, and even a hint of terror.
The rapid surge in adrenaline painted everyone’s faces with an intoxicating flush.
Almost simultaneously, Arthur and Bertrand stepped back and sheathed their swords.
The pre-duel courtesies were thus concluded.
For a moment, everyone in the audience held their breath.
A great battle was imminent, and everyone secretly speculated about the outcome of this duel.
In the second-floor box as well, countless eyes were fixed on the scene.
Fiona Ivan, holding a wine glass, leaned on the marble balustrade of the balcony.
She lifted her pinkie to press lightly into the makeup box in front of her, picking up a shimmering gold powder, and meticulously applied it to her lips. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NovelHub(.)net
Fiona gently pursed her lips, making a ‘pop’ sound to spread the gold-flecked lipstick more evenly.
With one arm propped on the railing, she grabbed a handful of bills from the briefcase beside her and let them slip through her fingers.
Hastings, whether it’s for business or affection, you must win.
Otherwise, my betting pool will suffer heavy losses…”
In the adjacent box, Great Dumas and a group of Arthur’s friends were already jumping up and down ceaselessly.
“Arthur, kick his ass!
Even though I screwed up today, I believe you can handle it without any foul play!”
“To the world you may be one person, but to someone you might be the world!
Arthur, let him feel the weight of the world!”
“Men seek fame as women await love, now fame is right before your eyes, just go for it!”
“Damn it, you guys have said everything, what am I supposed to say?”
Disraeli, if you’re not sure what to say, why not pray for him, just like I am doing.
Our Father, who art in heaven, please protect Mr.
Hastings and ensure his healthy and victorious return.”
Heine, do you believe in that sort of thing?”
“Hmm…at least I need to appear to believe.”
While chaos ensued in the boxes, the stage gradually began to change.
After a brief sword-touching courtesy, Bertrand quickly resumed his trademark foil posture.
The Paris Sword Saint bent his knees slightly so they were aligned with his feet, kept his upper body straight, and his sword arm partially bent with the point nearly level with his brow.
This unique stance of Bertrand enabled him to move fluidly and swiftly, focusing primarily on thrusting, which ensured a stable center of gravity in such a stance.
He was like a coiled snake, his slender foil seemingly harmless, yet with a simple flaw exposed by the opponent, he could instantly pierce the opponent’s throat or eyes.
In the royal box, King William IV quietly inquired to Sir George Elliot beside him, “I remember you mentioned before that this young man from Scotland Yard is quite adept.
Sir Elliot smiled and responded, “Your Majesty, as Colonel Fitzroy described, Mr.
Hastings is a master of the rapid sword.”
Hearing this, the British Swordsmanship Master, the Angelo brothers, also made their judgement.
Elder Angelo spoke, “If Mr.
Hastings is a master of the rapid sword, I assume he would initially assume the iron gate position to meet his opponent.
Although the iron gate lacks offensive prowess, it is excellent in grounding defense.
Although this is my first time witnessing Bertrand compete, according to members of the London Fencing Club, this French master’s attacks are incredibly sharp.
Not understanding the opponent’s sword path initially, the iron gate position is certainly the best choice for probing.”
Upon hearing this, Sir Elliot replied with a smile, “If Mr.
Hastings were an ordinary user of the rapid sword, I too would think he might use the iron gate position, but it just so happens that he practices the Fiore Style.
As you know, followers of Fiore are aggressive in their tactics, willing to resort to dramatic and dangerous techniques to grasp final victory.”
Younger Angelo, hearing this, couldn’t help but shake his head.
“If it’s the Fiore Style swordsmen, plus he’s a fervent young man, then I guess he might start with the bull position, going straight for the enemy’s face or throat.
Italians do prefer such aggressive tactics.
Unfortunately, if Fiore’s rapid sword isn’t well mastered, it’s easy to have an opening exploited and be cut down by the opponent in the first round.
Arthur Hastings does not fight too aggressively.
Bertrand has managed 49 consecutive wins in London, which certainly shows his capability.”
Next to them, Lionel, upon hearing this, simply smiled and stepped forward to explain, “As far as I know, although rapid sword is his forte, today in this duel, he does not intend to use his ultimate skill right from the start.”
“Showing confidence in front of a swordsmanship master?”
Elder Angelo frowned, “This young man seems to take his life too lightly.
When facing a true master, only by giving your all from the start do you stand a chance to survive.
Swords are blind; they do not offer a second chance.”