I prepared a concoction of medicine for regenerating cartilage in the left knee, along with oral and topical medications for athlete’s foot, and headed to the room where Count Baltzar awaited.
“Ben. Stay focused.”
“Y-yeah.”
“If need be, just beat Count Baltzar to a pulp and take Lady Claudia.”
“W-what? Wouldn’t that get me executed?”
“Possibly.”
“What!?”
“That’s the kind of resolve you need to show.”
“R-right…”
I entered the room. As always, Count Baltzar’s overwhelming presence filled the space.
“Your left knee is in pretty bad shape.”
“…”
“This medicine is for your knee. Take it every morning after breakfast. It’s crucial to keep taking it for fifteen days without missing a dose. Start tomorrow.”
“…”
“Next, these are oral and topical medications for your athlete’s foot. Take the oral medicine alongside your knee medicine every morning. Wash your feet thoroughly every morning and evening, dry them well, and apply the topical cream. Lastly, discard any socks or shoes that have come into contact with the infected foot and replace them with new ones.”
“…”
“Finally, avoid any strenuous physical activity while taking the knee medication.”
“…”
Hey, are you even listening!?
Count Baltzar sat with his arms crossed, glaring at Ben.
Seriously, listen to me! This is about your body!
“Are you done talking?”
“Were you even listening to me?”
“Joseph has heard everything.”
“Yes, sir! I’ve memorized every word!”
I sighed deeply and handed the written instructions to Count Baltzar’s attendant, Joseph.
“You seem to have it tough.”
“…”
His wry smile said it all.
“Now then, Ben.”
“Y-yes!”
“What are you planning to do about my beloved daughter Claudia? Depending on your answer, you know what’s coming.”
“Count, one of our knights—”
“Toma, please, stay out of this.”
“… Understood.”
What is Ben planning to do?
“Count!”
“What is it?”
“Challenge me to a duel!”
“Oh? You dare challenge me, boy? It seems you have no regard for your own life. Very well, I’ll humor you.”
Wait, Count. Did you not hear me earlier? Your knee has already surpassed its limit!
And Ben, just because I said “beat him if you must,” you didn’t have to take it literally!
“Joseph, is this okay?”
“Once His Excellency gets like this, there’s no stopping him.”
“You’ve got it tough.”
“Yes, very tough.”
We followed behind Ben and the Count as they marched toward the training ground, both brimming with intensity.
Why does this feel like I’ve become Ben’s servant?
“If I win, Lady Claudia will be mine!”
“OOOHH!!”
Facing Count Baltzar in the training ground, Ben loudly declared his intent.
Cheering erupted from the surrounding knights, rooting for Ben.
“You insolent brat! Don’t think you can defeat me!”
Count Baltzar looked every bit the villain. His rugged face suited his role perfectly, and the atmosphere was entirely against him.
“His left leg won’t hold up much longer, will it?”
“Indeed. Old injuries and years of strain have taken their toll.”
“If only he’d sought healing from a priest sooner, it wouldn’t have gotten this bad.”
“I’ve advised him many times, but he insists priests are unreliable…”
Joseph, you’ve got your hands full too, huh?
“Come at me, boy!”
“Bring it!”
The two charged straight into a fistfight, defense entirely forgotten. Their punches landed squarely on each other’s faces.
Why is this happening? Couldn’t they have resolved this through words? I’ll never understand these muscleheads.
Their fists collided over and over, each step backward immediately met with another charge forward.
“UOOOHHHH!”
“DON’T UNDERESTIMATE ME!”
I signaled Captain Susanna with a glance. She leaned closer to hear me.
“Bring a skilled priest here.”
“Understood.”
Despite his knee issues, Count Baltzar, a warrior blessed with Rank A strength and over level 300, fought on equal footing with level 253 Ben. Had his knee been fully functional, Ben wouldn’t have stood a chance.
“Still standing, huh!?”
“I’m not done yet!”
Ben’s towering frame, about 185 centimeters, was dwarfed by the massive Count Baltzar. A punch from him looked like it could knock someone out cold instantly. Ben’s resilience was impressive.
“Ben! Put your back into it!”
I couldn’t help but shout as their brutal fistfight unfolded before me.
“Don’t lose to that half-dead old man!”
“Marquess Roxfall, that’s a bit harsh…”
“Ah… Sorry.”
Guess I let my inner thoughts slip out.
An hour had passed. Both their faces were unrecognizable.
“Ben! Show some grit! Fight with everything you’ve got!”
Sweat dripped as I watched this intense battle. Both were hanging on by sheer willpower, refusing to fall.
“This next punch will be the last…”
“Indeed.”
Joseph nodded at my comment.
Both were battered and barely standing. It was their pride keeping them upright.
Swollen eyes probably blinded them, but they could sense each other’s presence.
For Ben, this might be the first time he’s ever been loved by someone, especially someone as beautiful and refined as Lady Claudia. No wonder he’s so smitten.
And now, the final blow. Both moved sluggishly, fists rising with all the resolve they could muster.
Their punches landed simultaneously, making a weak thud.
Their bodies swayed, and Ben nearly collapsed but managed to hold himself up.
“Stand… Stand, Ben…”
“Your Excellency!”
At Joseph’s shout, Count Baltzar fell flat on his back, unconscious.
“UOOOOOHHHH!!”
Ben roared in triumph, standing tall.
With his right arm raised high in victory, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration.
Well done, Ben!
What followed was a mess. Both men were seriously injured.
If not for Bruno, the Rank S Saint of Divine Grace, healing them, it might’ve been the end for both.
