Let’s Make Saving a Habit - Chapter 48

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 48
But Grandfather, as if this were a routine occurrence, quickly recovered and continued speaking.
“One randomly selected from the Red Knights, one from the Blue Knights. And one knight you nominate yourself—so Aiden will have three duels in total.”
“…And then?”
“If he wins two out of three, I’ll have him join the knight order.”
This time, the Duchess seemed to think it wasn’t a bad proposal, her eyes rolling thoughtfully.
Grandfather seized the moment and pressed his advantage.
“Since these are proven warriors, if Aiden defeats them directly, they won’t be able to openly object.”
“Hmm….”
“If anyone has complaints, they can prove he’s unworthy by demonstrating it through skill.”
“Hmmmm….”
“I’ve been hoping Aiden would join the knight order, and you wanted to repay him—isn’t this arrangement perfectly reasonable?”
“That’s the most sensible thing you’ve said so far.”
The Duchess agreed and extended a hand to Grandfather in reconciliation(?).
It was a dramatic compromise.

✦ ✦ ✦
After the dramatic compromise between Grandfather and the Duchess, she issued an emergency assembly order to the Papiope Knight Order.
While the knights gathered, we had a brief conversation about what remained unsaid, then headed toward the Training Grounds.
The Blue Knights and Red Knights who had answered the Duchess’s urgent summons were already lined up in formation.
As we arrived at the Training Grounds, the knights saluted in unison at a command.
“We greet Dilum, the eternal glory of Papiope.”
The sight of dozens of soldiers placing their hands over their hearts and bowing their heads was magnificent.
The name ‘Dilum’ mentioned here was given only to the current Duke of Papiope.
The Duchess’s original name was Viviana Papiope.
To this, the name ‘Dilum’—signifying the master of Papiope—was added.
Therefore, her official name was ‘Viviana Papiope Dilum’.
Having already heard the circumstances, their gazes subtly turned toward the Old Gentleman.
The Duchess erased the gentle smile she had shown me and stood before everyone with the dignified bearing of a Duke.
“First, I apologize for the emergency assembly despite your scheduled duties, and for conducting an informal test rather than an official knight examination.”
As expected, looking at the knights’ faces, they seemed to have no major objections to the Duchess’s decision.
They understood that defeating already-established knights in duels was far more difficult than a tournament against trainees.
“I chose public duels as the most acceptable method of admission that you could all recognize.”
As the Duchess nodded, a figure in a blue cloak stepped forward.
He appeared to be the Blue Knight Commander.
“The Red Knight Commander is away on other duties today, so I’ll explain on behalf of both orders.”
He briefly scanned the assembled knights before speaking.
“Fifth row, first position of the Blue Knights. Second row, fourth position of the Red Knights. Step forward.”
Two randomly selected knights walked forward with measured steps. Their expressions were noticeably tense.
“As you’ve likely heard, you’ll be dueling this man standing beside me.”
When Aiden felt all eyes turn toward him, he stepped forward with his characteristic expressionless face.
“Each of you will face one duel, for a total of three matches. Should you win, I’ll grant you a week of paid leave.”
“…!”
“These duels replace the knight order examination, so there’s no need to hold back. Face them with your full strength, for the honor of Papiope.”
The two knights who had been called forth were already grinning ear to ear, as though they’d already received their paid leave.
And understandably so—the Papiope Knight Order was a gathering place for exceptionally talented warriors.
There was no reason to fear fighting mercenaries of unknown standing, let alone other knights.
“Any questions?”
At that, a Red Knight who had been called forth spoke up eagerly.
“You mentioned three matches in total, but who will be the third opponent?”
“That will be decided by the Duchess after the first two matches. So make sure you finish within your ranks, so she doesn’t need to select anyone additional. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!”

✦ ✦ ✦
A heavy silence filled the Training Grounds.
Even the knights who had been exuding confidence instinctively sensed that facing Aiden up close would be far from easy.
The first duel was between a Blue Knight—an Ability User—and Aiden.
While the Blue Knight assumed a textbook stance with a balanced mix of defense and offense, Aiden drew his sword with indifferent ease.
“The first duel begins!”
The moment the duel started, the Blue Knight rushed forward at Aiden.
He intended to end the match quickly without dragging it out.
However.
Clang—!
The Blue Knight’s blade was parried with disarming ease.
Not a trace of tension crossed Aiden’s face as he deflected the attack.
“Tch…!”
Growing heated by this display, the Blue Knight quickly withdrew and swung his blade with deliberate weight, as if to ask whether Aiden could block this as well.
Aiden twisted his body smoothly, evading the attack.
It was the minimal movement necessary to avoid it.
The Blue Knight was momentarily astounded by Aiden’s flawless, economical technique.
While the Blue Knight’s blade cut through empty air, Aiden moved with swift precision.
He had seized the brief opening created by the failed attack.
Gulp.
The Blue Knight felt the blade suddenly pressed against his throat and swallowed hard.
He hadn’t even had the chance to mount a proper counterattack.
Aiden’s sword held steady against his neck without the slightest tremor.
“I’ve…lost.”
As the Blue Knight conceded defeat, Aiden slowly withdrew his blade with his characteristic emotionless expression.
The first duel had ended in the blink of an eye.
Those watching from a distance gasped in astonishment at Aiden’s overwhelming prowess.
A knight of Papiope, yet the match ended without even a proper exchange of blows.
The defeated Blue Knight wiped away cold sweat while continuously marveling at Aiden’s skill.
His gaze toward him had already taken on a hint of admiration.
“Honestly, I thought I could beat you easily. I even had the thought of showing you that not just anyone can join the knight order.”
“….”
“It was remarkable skill. This is my complete defeat.”
“…You’re too kind.”
The Blue Knight laughed heartily as he looked at the taciturn Aiden.
“Haha! Since things have come to this, I’m counting on you against the Red Knights as well. Since we’re rivals with the Red Knight Order, I’m afraid of the criticism I’ll face if only I lose.”
The Blue Knight repeatedly expressed his gratitude and trudged away.
Watching his departure, Aiden briefly entertained the thought that intentionally losing might be amusing.
After all, he only needed to win two out of three matches.
Of course, it was merely a fleeting, playful notion.
Since the first match had ended swiftly with minimal stamina expenditure, the second match was prepared immediately without rest.
The Red Knight standing across from Aiden possessed a remarkably lean and agile frame.
Unlike the Blue Knight who wielded an ordinary longsword, his hand held a rapier that caught the sunlight and gleamed.
A lightweight thrusting-specialized blade.
“Listen. From watching the previous match, your movements seemed fast. But this time, dodging won’t be easy. My ability is ‘Speed’.”
Aiden tilted his head slowly, as if unable to comprehend the knight’s reasoning whatsoever.
“Why do you reveal your ability to me without concealing it?”
“Call it chivalry, perhaps. Either way, I’m fighting under advantageous conditions compared to you.”
“…Would you fight on the battlefield while announcing your abilities to your opponent as well?”
“Kahahaha! Let’s see if you can say the same thing after this match begins.”
A tense moment.
The instant the second match commenced, the Red Knight’s figure vanished, closing the distance to Aiden in a heartbeat.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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