The Maid's Martial Prowess

Under Aurelian, an ordinary knight earned ten Moon Silver Coins a year—enough to eat meat every day and drink a little wine now and then. A knight captain who managed knights earned one Sun Gold Coin, enough to drink wine and eat meat every day.

One Sun Gold Coin was equivalent to one hundred Moon Silver Coins.

But a baron's salary was a hundred times that of a knight captain: ten Star Coins, equivalent to ten thousand Moon Silver Coins. It was enough to drink wine and eat meat at every meal, with money left over to buy a potion that aided cultivation.

Of course, the wealthy nobles of the kingdom looked down on such a salary. In their eyes, Star Coins were the only unit of measure. A noble title's salary was merely pocket change; the real money came from their territories.

Fertile land allowed them to grow magical herbs, while favorable locations brought in considerable tax revenue.

Wealthy nobles had at least several hundred thousand Star Coins flowing into their pockets every year.

A title represented status, and money represented wealth. These were the things Master had dreamed of obtaining, and now they were within reach.

"Sir, is what you said true?"

Master's expression finally showed a long-awaited flicker of emotion. His breathing quickened, and he could no longer conceal his excitement.

"Of course. As long as you defeat Jeanne, I will grant you the title of baron."

Aurelian wore a sincere expression.

The other knights looked at Master with envy written all over their faces. This was the title of baron!

Becoming a baron meant becoming one of the nobility. From then on, one would belong to an entirely different world from commoners.

"Very well, Miss Jeanne. From this moment onward, I, Master, will use everything I have learned in my life to defeat you. After all, the sir is right—knightly glory cannot put food on the table."

Master drew the sword at his waist.

Aurelian smiled faintly. He still had some expectations for Master, provided Jeanne did not use that magic-powered weapon of hers.

The level of one's magic power did not truly determine everything. Experience gained amid life-and-death battles was equally invaluable.

It was not uncommon for the weak to defeat the strong.

Aurelian's primary purpose was to glimpse the whole through a part—to discern something from Jeanne's techniques, such as her origins.

So, my dear knight captain, do your best. Make sure you do not disappoint my expectations.

The wind whistled through the training ground.

A broad patch of open ground had been cleared. The maid Jeanne and Master stood facing one another, swords in hand.

"Miss Jeanne, you may surrender. Swords have no eyes. If I accidentally hurt you, Sir Aurelian will be heartbroken."

Other than Aurelian and Jeanne, everyone present likely believed Master had victory in the bag and the baron's title within his grasp.

"No need. Knight Captain, please give it your all."

Master resumed his usual expressionless face and slowly drew the knight's longsword hanging at his waist.

The blade slid across its scabbard with a crisp ring.

The longsword in his hand was called Moonlight. It was forged from rare metal as well, but it was still far from the level of a magic-powered weapon.

Jeanne suddenly turned to Aurelian.

"Sir, please give me another longsword."

Master had thought the girl before him was already afraid. Yet she was actually considering which weapon to use in the duel, as though she did not take him seriously at all.

He sneered inwardly. As expected, she was merely a maid who knew only how to please her master.

Hearing Jeanne's request, Aurelian felt somewhat disappointed. It seemed he would not be seeing that magic-powered weapon for the time being.

"Fine. Darwin, give Jeanne your sword."

Aurelian turned to the knight standing at the very front of the formation.

"Yes, sir."

He removed his sword and threw it to Jeanne. Because it carried a trace of magic power, it flew exceptionally fast; an ordinary person would never be able to catch it. Clearly, the knight wanted Jeanne to fail to catch the sword.

A teasing smile hung on Master's lips, while the other knights watched with mocking looks.

In an instant, the longsword reached Jeanne. If she neither dodged nor caught the scabbard with one hand, she would be struck by it.

Yet Jeanne neither dodged nor moved. In that instant, she did not even glance toward the incoming sword.

Clack!

Master's smile froze. The watching knights widened their eyes as well, scarcely able to believe what they were seeing.

Jeanne had already caught the longsword. Her gaze remained calm, fixed on Master the entire time.

At that moment, Jeanne's sacred aura quietly changed. She became exceptionally valiant, like a Valkyrie from an epic.

"Please instruct me, Knight Captain."

Her voice was clear and pleasant, like a lark's song, yet it was filled with resolve and a thirst for victory.

"Since it has come to this, let us each rely on our own abilities."

Master had also sensed Jeanne's unusual nature, but so what? He did not believe Jeanne could defeat him. Not every girl was a monster like Fiona.

Master struck first. The heavy armor on his body did not hinder his movements in the slightest. With one great stride, he appeared before Jeanne in an instant. His tall figure blocked the light above, shrouding her entirely in shadow.

The longsword in his hand moved swiftly, slashing down with unstoppable force, as though its sharp blade could cleave even the air apart.

Just as the sword was about to touch her petite body, she tilted herself downward.

She neatly evaded the slash and slipped free from the shadow.

Carried forward by inertia, Master took several more steps before stopping.

He turned around and studied the girl who had evaded his attack, battle intent in his eyes.

"Interesting. It seems you truly are different from those affected ornaments. Is this why the sir dared to let you duel me?"

The knights who had watched the match without even blinking were all stunned.

Heavens above, that girl had actually evaded the knight captain's attack. It was unbelievable.

P.S. Updating before dinner. Please recommend and invest.