Knights of The Dauntless Princess

Chapter 17: Duel

"What... did you say!?" Amara exclaimed, taken aback by Ranz's words.

She seemed stunned by the condition he proposed in exchange for their alliance. Cyrus clenched his fists tightly, his anger evident as he shouted at the bandits' leader.

"What the hell are you spouting!? And what made you think he would agree to marry you? That's stupid!" Cyrus retorted.

Ranz laughed, "That's up to you! I am a man of my word, and if you agree with my request, I assure you that you will have my support and the support of all my comrades!"

Upon hearing Ranz's words, Amara furrowed her brow and pondered deeply. She realised that it would be a great help if they could become allies with Ranz's group. She thought that he had lots of men who seemed experienced in combat. People like them were what they needed to strengthen their forces and seek justice!

But marriage was sacred to her. Tears welled up in Amara's eyes because she had also dreamt of finding true love. She wanted to marry a man who would make her heart beat and experience what true love really meant. That's why she hadn't accepted any of her suitors, even noblemen from other kingdoms because she still believed that marriage was for couples who had deep mutual feelings.

"So, what now, my lady? Would you accept my offer?" Ranz grinned, seemingly provoking Amara to go along with him.

As the princess of Emmett, it was my duty to protect the kingdom, and I had to do everything for its well-being, even if it meant sacrificing my happiness.

Amara looked at the bandit youth and tried to find something admirable to him. She wanted to make herself believe that his offer was acceptable.

He wasn't bad. He had a decent appearance and a well-built physique. He was somewhat handsome but not as beautiful as Dravis—s**t!

"Stop it, princess! Don't let him manipulate your mind!!!" Cyrus shouted, which surprised Ranz.

"Princess? She's the princess?" Ranz repeated, his smile widening. "I see. No wonder my grandfather said important guests were coming! Can you imagine I'll become a king if we defeat and reclaim the kingdom? Hahaha!"

Amara's fists trembled. She wanted the argument to end and ensure they could gain new allies; she took a deep breath and spoke again.

"If that's what you want for you to agree, then I will—" Amara started, but then Dravis stepped forward.

They turned their bewildered gazes toward Dravis, who had been silent for a while. The young man still appeared calm, but there was a fiery intensity in his eyes that sent a chill down their spines.

"I have a condition, too," Dravis said, his eyes piercing as he looked at Ranz. "Our aspirations should benefit everyone. Your condition is only for yourself, so I want to make one for us as well!"

Ranz smirked with great confidence. "And what is your condition?"

"It's simple. We will only agree to let you marry the princess and end my life if... you defeat me in a fight!" Dravis challenged, leaving them in shock.

"D-Dravis—" Amara exclaimed.

"But if I defeat you, you will swear loyalty and serve us along with your followers!" Dravis continued.

Ranz curled his lips into a smirk. That challenge from Dravis seemed like an insult to him. He thought as the leader of the bandits; they were the ones who should serve him.

Amara, on the other hand, stared at Dravis. She was worried for him because he was risking his life, too. She knew how skilled Dravis was in combat, but she also wondered what would happen if Ranz turned out to be equally capable and defeated him. Tears welled up in her eyes at the thought of the bandit taking the life of the former general.

"Dravis! Why would you risk your life like that?" Amara asked.

"It would be a great shame for me to lose to that lunatic," Dravis said, avoiding eye contact with Amara.

"Dravis!?"

"Tell me, do you prefer to marry him?" the young man asked, leaving the girl stunned.

Dravis's question had a clear answer for her, but she couldn't give a direct response. "If that's the only way—"

"Do you really think that's the only way? And what the heck do you think I'm doing? Doesn't it seem like a way to you?" Dravis asked, his voice seemingly calm but filled with annoyance in every word he uttered.

"B-But Dravis—"

"Fine. Okay, I'll grant your request; let's have a duel," Ranz said and took another bite of the apple in his hand. "Prepare yourself because I will make sure the princess becomes mine!"

With Ranz's response, Amara grew even more worried.

Ranz immediately prepared for their duel. His men gathered around a circle in the vast part of the fortress, including Cyrus and Amara. The two men were in the center, and everyone except the former princess seemed eager.

Dravis. I hope nothing will happen to him!

They gave back Dravis his sword, and Ranz had his own weapon—a long spear with a sharp tip.

"Are you ready to die?" Ranz grinned as he positioned himself for an attack.

"Ask yourself that question, you bastard," Dravis retorted, tightening his grip on his sword.

A signal marked the start of their battle. As soon as they heard it, they both launched their attacks. Everyone watching marvelled at their display of strength because it seemed that in every aspect, they were evenly matched. Neither of them landed a blow or got injured. Every attack was blocked or evaded. The two valiant fighters showed no sign of weakness, only confidence that they would emerge victorious.

The fight continued for a few more moments, their weapons clashing relentlessly. It was difficult to predict who would win, but since they were in Ranz's territory, the cheers for his victory grew louder.

"Dravis! Don't let that monkey defeat you!!!" Cyrus shouted.

The sharp eyes of the female bandits locked onto him. Cyrus realized that the insane leader of the bandits seemed popular with the women, and out of annoyance, he teased them even more.

"Cyrus, let them be," Amara intervened, forcing a smile. She turned her gaze back to Dravis, who was still locked in combat with Ranz. "Let's just pray that nothing bad happens to him."

In the intense battle between Ranz and Dravis, they gradually became covered in cuts and wounds. They were both panting, but they refused to give up.

"Submit already so you won't die!" Ranz shouted amidst his heavy breathing.

"Why don't you submit since you're the one who came up with this?" Dravis said, gripping his sword tightly once again.

"You stupid! Of course I won't! I must possess the princess! She will be a beautiful mother to our children after we marry," Ranz grinned and attacked Dravis once more. "She's mine!"

Upon hearing the words "marry" and "mother of his children," referring to Amara becoming the wife of the deranged bandit, Dravis's anger flared up even more. He became even more aggressive in his movements, making sure to defeat his opponent.

"Keep dreaming in hell!" Dravis retorted as he countered Cyrus's attack.

He quickly disengaged their weapons. Ranz was surprised to see that Dravis still possessed such strength when he shoved him. Ranz attempted to stand up, but Dravis swiftly launched another attack. He delivered consecutive kicks to Ranz—one to his hand, causing him to release his weapon and another to his face, sending him crashing to the ground.

Exhausted from his long battle with the former general, Ranz couldn't immediately get up, especially when he saw the sharp edge of Dravis's sword near his neck. His eyes widened, and he struggled to tilt his head away, preventing the blade from touching his skin.

"Are you ready to die, Devil Wolf?" Dravis asked as he stood before him with a chilling gaze fixed upon him.

Cyrus and Amara ran towards Dravis. Once they made sure the young man was okay, Amara turned to look at Ranz.

"Are you alright?" she asked with concern in her voice.

Hearing that question and seeing how worried Amara was for him, Ranz felt something. A feeling as if he didn't want to see sadness on her beautiful face.

"Forgive us for the trouble we caused in your fortress. If you don't desire our offer, we will simply accept it. Please forgive us—" Amara said but paused when Ranz stood up while grinning.

"As I said, I am a man of my word," Ranz said. Everyone's gaze was fixed on him, and they were even more astonished when suddenly... Ranz took Amara's hand and embraced her. "I admit my defeat and now I am swearing my loyalty to you, to defend you at all times and fight alongside you as long as you want me to!"