Chapter 957: Duel
A voice behind the gauze curtain asked, "Who is this?"
Under Eucali's utterly shocked gaze, Hesta raised her hand. A low ripple of laughter ran through the guests in the stands, and Kovishik sneered as well. "How can I fight a woman? This is simply absurd..."
"Who put her name in?" the emperor asked. "There wasn't even a women's division today."
"I did, Your Majesty," Fatima said softly. "I asked you to permit her to take part in today's festivities. She has never been picky about her opponents, because she comes from District 14 and possesses skills entirely unlike ours..."
"Ah, District 14's skills." The voice behind the curtain was clearly smiling. "Kovishik, fight her. I want to see it."
"Your Majesty!" Kovishik lifted his face in open resistance. "Please think of my position. If I trade blows with a woman today, even victory will damage my reputation. Is defeating a woman in an arena truly something glorious?"
"...Losing to her would be even more humiliating," Fatima said with a smile.
"Madam is quite the joker. I recall that the baron's estate has several female guards. Since Your Majesty wishes to see District 14's skills, why not summon a few female guards instead?" Kovishik said. "This is my heartfelt advice. If you truly regard her as a friend, then choose another opponent for her—once we enter the arena, even if my opponent is a woman, I will not show mercy."
Fatima looked toward the gauze curtain. "Your Majesty, do you know? It was those very words just now that let me see something of General Schiller's bearing in Kovishik..."
Kovishik frowned.
"...Because General Schiller always respects his opponents," Fatima said quietly. "He cares more about victory and defeat than anyone else, and so he never allows himself