90: One eyed monster (part two)

One eyed monster (part two)

The open arena — drenched in rain from the raging thunderstorm in Lanark's sky — added an extra layer of anxiety to Adela's already nerve-wracked state.1

The torrential downpour obstructed the view even for those without visual impairments, and combined with the darkened sky, the conditions couldn't have been more unfavorable for Bastian, his noisy footsteps and overall demeanor led Adela to the conclusion that Bastian was trying his best to compensate for those disadvantages.

Surely, he's a human...

She made a deliberate effort to focus on her own inner essence. Her awakened eyes failed to perceive any emanating light, yet she fixed her gaze upon the tips of her fingers attempting to recall the shape of the white hue she saw in her dreams. She desperately hoped that, unlike Nicolas and his limitations as a regular human, Bastian possessed the ability to absorb light like his brother.

Thinking about Egon was a big mistake right now. 

Standing beside Olga, Egon appeared on the brink of losing his composure, his agitation evident as he flinched with each powerful swing of Arkin's sword as the latter tested the weather conditions for the impending duel.

Adela's gaze involuntarily shifted downward, fixating on the spot where Olga's hand rested on Egon's forearm. It was impossible not to notice the contrast between his ease now and how disturbed he was during the accidental brush of Adela's arm at Larissa's engagement ceremony. 

What your eyes don't see won't bother you...

"We will commence in a moment," Arkin announced, running a hand through his hair before approaching Adela with an aura of command.

Amidst continuous flashes of lightning that illuminated the arena, Arkin defiantly removed his shirt—a deliberate insult to commoners, as noblemen were never meant to undress in a duel.

"My Lady, hold on to this for me, will you?" he requested, extending his soaked shirt towards Adela.

Accepting the garment dutifully, Adela carefully folded it in her hand. As her gaze met Arkin's, she noticed his fixation on the purple ribbon that secured her hair.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Her hair hung in damp clumps as she untied the ribbon, placing it slowly in Arkin's waiting palm. "Stay safe," she whispered sincerely, her words carrying an unspoken plea for the well-being of Bastian von Conradie. 

Arkin frowned, "You're all wet... I should have chosen an annex before this nonsense," 

Adela gently shook her head, "I would have come here regardless."

The complexity of her emotions did not surpass Arkin's understanding, he simply refused to uncover the true depths of her feelings and more importantly, the direction in which they were aimed.

"Sir Arkin, let us proceed. I have already ordered shower and dry clothes for you," Leopold announced, his words carrying an unexpectedly affectionate tone.

Adela and Arkin were taken aback by the statement, they were already trying to ignore his unusual position standing next to Adela instead of his other nephew.

"Let us get this over with quickly," Adela pleaded as Arkin knelt down in the muddy ground and kissed her hand, his sword firmly planted in the soil beside her. He then tied her ribbon onto the handle of his sword.

As Arkin made his way towards the arena, Leopold cleared his throat, capturing Adela's attention. There was a gentle expression on his face that made her instinctively cringe away.

"Are you worried about your knight?" 

"It is your nephew whom I am worried about, My Lord," 

"You don't have to,"

"...Sir Arkin is the strongest man in Lanark and possibly Emoria," Adela held her tongue, refraining from adding 'after the Archduke' to her statement.

As Leopold's gaze shifted towards Arkin, Adela noticed a transformation in his expression. The softness vanished, replaced by a sense of pride.

An unsettling sensation crawled up Adela's skin, it happened at the same time as Arkin moved towards the part of her mind that she had designated as blocked territory for Egon and Olga stood there.

All she could do was focus on Bastian.

Holding his sword with an unconventional grip, his clothes drenched by the rain, Bastian appeared like a formidable one-eyed monster, ready to engage in battle.

"Commence!" commanded Arkin.

Bastian's strikes were heavy and unpredictable, using his sword more like an axe than a conventional blade, whereas Arkin's movements were precise and swift, displaying his honed skills. The clash of their blades sent sparks flying, resonating with electric energy in a sky full of lightning.

As the fight reached its climax, Arkin's experience and confidence gave him the upper hand against Bastian's relentless assault. With a powerful swing, Arkin disarmed Bastian causing his sword to clatter to the ground. Closing the distance between them swiftly, Arkin positioned his blade dangerously close to Bastian's vulnerable neck, grazing it ever so slightly.

Adela took a hurried step forward but her movement halted upon seeing Olga holding a piece of fabric and running to the arena. She pressed it against Bastian's neck the moment she reached him.

A marvelous smile graced Bastian's face when he locked eyes with Adela.

Arkin, recognizing the formidable warrior standing before him, lowered his sword in acknowledgment of Bastian's skill and ferocity, he then turned his attention to Adela who approached to retrieve her ribbon and offer congratulations to her knight following Emorian traditions.

"You have made me proud, Sir Arkin. I shall require my ribbon back now," Adela spoke formally, returning his shirt to him.

"Thank you, My Lady," Arkin untied the ribbon, brought it to his lips for a brief kiss and then placed it in her open hand. He redirected his attention to Bastian, who seemed captivated by the scene.

"...You have been appointed as an apprentice,"

"...Not a knight?" He managed to sound offended while he smiled.

Arkin's gaze shifted upward, his eyes searching the sky as if seeking patience from a higher power.

"Becoming a knight transcends mere brute force and aggression. True knighthood is attained when the Archduke, with the touch of Extermizer upon your shoulder, bestows the honor upon you."

Bastian's smirk widened. "I'll look forward to that. Until then, you will find me incredibly useful, Commander."

"...Yes, you can start being useful by explaining who trained you. Many knights' careers ended when they lost sight in one eye... Your case will bring hope to many."

"Would you like me to do it now?" Bastian asked eagerly.

"No,"

"What do we do now then?" Bastian asked as excited as ever.

Arkin ruffled his hair. "Now... we scout the deep side of Lanark's Forest."

"You can't,"

All heads snapped in Egon's direction, except for Adela who deliberately averted her gaze.

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