Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 709 - 316: Continuing the Unfinished Duel

On the city walls, all of the knights and civilians were drenched in cold sweat, their faces rigid.

Since learning to speak, the peasants and nobles of Brittania would teach children story after story, without a doubt, all tales of the Brittania knights battling in the fields, among which, the stories of the Holy Grail Knights were the most popular and well-known.

As they grew older, noble children would dress up like knights, engaging in duels with soft cavalry lances, shouting the name of the Lake Fairy, just as countless great deeds throughout the ages have done, the deep faith in the Lake Fairy would be etched into their hearts. Everyone dreams of embarking on the Path of the Holy Grail, gaining the Lady's approval, and ultimately becoming a glorious Holy Grail Knight, thus fulfilling their life's dreams.

In the hearts of the Brittania people, the Holy Grail Knights are living saints, their stories and legends spread far and wide, even children in the most remote villages could recite knightly tales fluently.

In the eyes of the people, Holy Grail Knights are the embodiment of chivalry. When people feel helpless and lost, they call out the names of Holy Grail Knights they know, praying for protection, just like praying to gods.

And now, the myth has collapsed. Even the strongest Holy Grail Knight Commander, Jules, has perished under Egil's hand, and every Brittania person feels as if something in their hearts has been shattered.

That is the sound of long-held faith and beliefs breaking. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Sir Jules..." Kaled, Anara, and the knights brought to Kulona by Jules burst into tears on the spot, shedding hot tears.

The surviving knights of Dalheid, Aldred, and the Leonais Duchy all remained silent. Dalheid opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.

"I…" as he opened his mouth, the Duke himself only felt tears welling up in his eyes.

He wanted to cry, but the identity of the Duke made it so he could not lose his composure. Therefore, tears could only flow down along the fine crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. Dalheid was not only weeping for the death of Jules, but also for Leonais.

Egil raised his hand to hush the barbarian's frenzied celebration. He held Jules's head in his hand, using his rough palm to wipe the dust from it. The Divine Chosen Champion of Khorne had won the champion duel, but countless emotions stirred within him; Jules was a worthy adversary, and he felt sorrow for his opponent's passing.

However, the King of Scalings soon recovered from such a state. He hung Jules's head on the spike of his armor and then raised War Axe toward Dalheid on the city wall, demanding the return of his woman and son.

"Brittania people! I respect your deceased champion! The King of Scalings's word is unwavering. Now, return my woman and my son to me! Otherwise, we will kill every man, woman, and child, and we will smash your stone castles and turn every village to ruins!" Egil shouted toward the Inner Castle: "As a show of respect and remembrance for your champion, I'll give you a day to make ready! Tomorrow at noon when the sun is at its peak, Scalings will launch the final attack!"

Dalheid remained silent, hesitating for a full thirty seconds, watching the ever-approaching barbarian army in front of the Inner Castle. He very much wanted to order the immediate execution of Elizabeth and her unborn child, but he knew he couldn't. The reason for sparing Elizabeth's life was because he still had his final bargaining chip.

He now resembled a gambler who had lost everything, owning nothing, yet he must ensure the respect and commitment to the vows of the Holy Grail Knights. Since Jules made the promise, then he must be carried out.

This is a respect for the vow. Since agreeing to a championship duel, one must respect the outcome of the duel.

A woman named Hengest was caged in iron and sent out of the Inner Castle.

Upon seeing the woman's belly already in a state of full-term pregnancy, Egil smiled contentedly, feeling deep joy. In such an atmosphere, it seemed that the victory from the championship duel no longer mattered.

What no one knew was that Egil had also reached his limit under the attacks of Jules. In some ways, the Divine Chosen Champion of Khorne did not want to forcibly assault the final Inner Castle, but hoped to remember and respect Jules, the worthy opponent.

The Divine Chosen Champion of Khorne abides by the honors of Khorne, willing to keep the covenant, but only for opponents worthy of respect. He never wantonly misbehaved like many Chaos champions. He deeply understood that the honors of Khorne could not be tarnished; keeping faith was often just a means, and Egil was willing to amplify this means, allowing mortal beings to understand the power and glory of Khorne.

That is why he would extend basic respect to Jules and initiate a champion duel. If he died in the champion duel, it would only prove that he was unworthy of being the Divine Chosen Champion of Khorne.

And Khorne was undoubtedly very pleased with Egil. Now, Egil was about to welcome his first son.

At night, in Egil's large tent, all of Scalings awaited eagerly as the cries of a newborn infant echoed through the night sky.