Clash

Lothar was about to refuse when a hand gently tugged at his arm.

"Captain, this is my battle."

A candlestick lit up in Vivianna's hand. Her other slender, pale hand reached into the flame, and with a clang, she drew a double-edged knight's sword over a meter long. "Let me settle this myself."

She knew Ruprecht's look well. It was like those challengers who had once been forced to accept the script of a "loser," like her fellow members of the Rose Knight Order.

They believed that all her skill was nothing more than a sham cobbled together from fortunate talent, privileged birth, and the Emperor's favor, like an expensive vase that looked good but served no purpose.

As though anyone could become a swordsmanship master with those advantages.

Lothar hesitated. Vivianna's current strength was far inferior to what it had been at her peak. Moreover, Ruprecht had gained twenty more years of experience. Even at her prime, she might not have been his match.

Lavinia said softly, "Lothar, I'll make up for the power Anna is missing."

Though Vivianna's strength had been greatly weakened, her insight and swordsmanship remained. The Elite 1 Candle Burn Shadow Extinguish and Elite 2 Candle Extinguish Light Flicker had not been unlocked, but that did not mean she could not use them. She simply lacked the power to perform them.

Just like Fringilla, who had used half-step Tyrant Transformation several times before she had even been promoted.

With that in mind, Lothar no longer tried to stop her.

This was only a sparring match, not a fight to the death. No matter whether she won or lost, Vivianna would gain something from it. The proud Candle Knight was surely no coward who could not bear the price of defeat.

Vivianna walked up to Ruprecht.