Soon, the carriage arrived at the dueling arena located in the central district of County Town.
The entire exterior of the dueling arena was circular, with high walls built of grey-white strip stones. Thus, at first glance, the arena gave Rein the impression of the sort of circular colosseum of Ancient Rome, only on a smaller scale by a couple of rings.
However, this was normal, after all, this was merely the dueling arena of County Town.
Today, since two aristocrats were holding a blood duel here and with the major trade guilds' extensive promotion, the crowd swelled, far exceeding that of the usual beast fights and the like.
After all, the grudges and conflicts between nobles were a major topic of conversation for many commoners over tea and dinner.
Now that such a significant spectacle was taking place, quite a few commoners had scrimped and saved to come and watch.
Indeed, such events didn't occur in Meister County for years on end.
The carriage Rein was in hadn't yet arrived at the entrance when some officials came running to welcome him. A small squad of guards quickly escorted and directed the carriage into a dedicated area inside the dueling arena.
After a brief farewell, Rein stepped out of the carriage and walked towards the duelers' passage, while the beautiful woman and Jenny, after gazing for a while at Rein's departing figure, too walked through the noble-exclusive passage to the nobles' stands located in the front row.
At this moment, on the noble's stands, Baron Alonso, Dennis, and many others were already there; even the Monsoon and Sea Goddess Church's Reverend Rudolph had come.
With the arrival of Count Habbs in black formal wear, Meister County's Governor, the atmosphere inside the dueling arena suddenly became even more enthusiastic.
And when Rein, bearing the power of 'Unbreakable Strength,' and Norman holding a sword and shield, emerged respectively from the two passageways, left and right, thousands of people in the stands burst into shouts.
At this point, the long-unseen Viscount Hamadi, dressed in exquisite noble attire, stepped into the center of the field.
Seeing this scene, the whole venue fell silent.
Only to hear Viscount Hamadi inquire,
"Baron Norman, Baron Rein, you both are rare talents of the Empire. Here, I ask one last time, do you truly harbor irreconcilable differences between you that necessitate a bloody duel?"
This was a necessary step in the official blood duel process.
The purpose was to avoid unnecessary infighting; by now, it had become more of a formality.
After all, if reconciliation was indeed possible, it would naturally have been settled before the start of the blood duel, not dragged out until this moment.
"Affirmed!" Baron Norman said expressionlessly.
"Affirmed!" Rein said likewise.
"That is very regrettable! I declare, let the duel begin!" Viscount Hamadi shook his head, expressing regret as he spoke.
Since the duelers had agreed beforehand to fight on foot, there were neither horses nor other mounts present.
As the two stood facing each other in the center of the field.
Baron Norman looked at the young man before him and showed a hint of a smile, saying,
"Young man, although this is our first formal meeting, I think it's necessary to tell you something as my opponent."
"Of course, perhaps to you, this might be unfortunate news."
"Please, speak." Rein smiled as well, replying.
"Two days ago, I successfully advanced to the rank of Great Knight. So, you are bound to lose!" Baron Norman gazed into Rein's eyes and declared emphatically.
His purpose in telling this news to Rein before the duel was, naturally, to shake the opponent's resolve, thus making victory easier for himself.
However, he noticed that his words failed to cause even the slightest change in Rein's facial expression, not even a flicker of an eyebrow.
This made Baron Norman feel rather irked inside!
Quite uncooperative, eh!
The audience in the stands of the dueling arena, however, was very cooperative. Upon hearing the phrase 'Great Knight,' there was an immediate uproar!
Many had heard that Rein was an exceptionally rare commoner-born Baron, so numerous commoners had bet on Rein's victory. But now, what had they heard!
Rein's opponent, Baron Norman, had actually reached the rank of Great Knight.
Even a fool would know that 'Great' before 'Knight' naturally meant stronger!
Rein was doomed to lose!
Thus, many people began exclaiming on the spot, and some who had wagered heavily even began beating their chests in despair.
Upon witnessing this, Baron Alonso couldn't help but laugh.
As for Dennis, he was even less able to contain himself. If it were not for the fact that he was surrounded by nobles and their heirs from Meister County and had to upkeep appearances, he would have surely burst out laughing!
But even now, the corners of his mouth were raised past the point of suppression!
"This is too unfair to Rein!" Agatha indignantly said to Jenny at her side.
"Beautiful Miss Agatha, this is a blood duel after all. There's no talk of fairness here," Dennis said with a look of pleasure upon hearing her and turned to talk with a smile.
After speaking, he deliberately glanced at the wife of Baron Crowley and Jenny to see their shocked expressions.
But to Dennis's disappointment,
he saw no signs of particular sadness or astonishment on the two women's faces, which left him slightly puzzled.
But soon, he figured out something and shook his head with a hint of disdain, "Women, always acting. Just feigning composure. Heh, soon you will have to come begging to me."