Duel of Champions

Orhan led his troops in garrison at Meiquan Gate. His Majesty the Emperor's decision to entrust him with the defenses of all four southern gates left him both flattered and weighed down by immense pressure.

Most of the soldiers under his command were Greeks.

After being baptized at Hagia Sophia and demonstrating the valor of a Dragon Blood Kin, he had gained the recognition of his officers and soldiers with the Emperor's support behind him.

Genoese reinforcements had been concentrated along the northern section of the walls, supported by Greek militia. Since Venice and Genoa were bitter enemies, the Venetian militia from the concession district was mostly stationed along the central wall personally defended by His Majesty the Emperor.

Upon receiving the order, a flicker of apprehension instinctively crossed Orhan's face.

"His Majesty wants me to fight?"

He carefully examined the wax seal on the written order, drew a deep breath, and made up his mind.

"Prepare my mount. To the beast pens!"

He hurried all the way to the beast pens. Seeing the Clawed Dragon pacing back and forth in agitation, already stirred up by the tense atmosphere of the battlefield, he quickly reached inside and stroked its scales to soothe it.

"Buddy, you feel it too, don't you? But it's all right. I'll fight at your side!"

He ordered the beast pen opened, vaulted onto the dragon's back, then took the giant lance, Kite Shield, javelins, and longsword handed over by his attendants and hung them one by one from the hooks on the Dragon Saddle.

Roar—

Freed from its cage, the Clawed Dragon raked two deep furrows into the ground with its blade-like foreclaws before, at Orhan's urging, heading toward the city gate.

Among the guards nearby, someone said worriedly, "My lord, why not ask His Majesty