The Terminally Ill Prince is the Mad Dog of the Underworld (Novel) - Chapter 48

Chapter 48. Betting 10 Gold on Young Master Allenbert

Read it only at Utoon.net!
Discord         

The training ground was filled with the smell of sweat. Perhaps due to the cloudy weather, the stench seemed worse than usual.

‘But for me, this is practically a fragrance.’

After all, the back alleys on days like this had such a terrible stench that it would give you a headache, not just hurt your nose.

“Welcome, Young Master.”

A senior guard officer leading the 4th Battalion guided me.

“Good to see you. I’m worried I might be interrupting something important.”

“How could that be? Rather, we feel a small sense of pride that you chose our battalion.”

“Is that so?”

“Everyone is especially motivated today.”

“That’s good to hear.”

But I’m sorry. Your motivation isn’t my concern.

“Let me guide you. As you know, the Royal Guard consists of 5 battalions, with 100 members in each battalion. One must achieve at least Rank 4 to be formally admitted…”

To explain their entry requirement of Rank 4 in simple terms:

‘A level that diligent and talented martial artists can reach after about 10 years of training.’

In other words, ordinary soldiers, mercenaries, and blade wielders could never reach this level in their lifetime.

Generally, this was the level of knights, specifically those between their late 20s and early 30s.

What kind of people are knights? Without exaggeration, they’re monsters who can slice through humans with just one sword. Only swordsmen who have mastered proper mental techniques and martial arts, can release sword energy, and have abundant combat experience can reach Rank 4.

‘It’s certainly not an easy feat.’

In the underworld, having strength at Rank 4 level meant you were practically a king in your territory. It was a level that fourth-rate organizations wouldn’t dare to challenge.

‘Even in my previous life, it took quite some time to reach that level.’

Of course, I had taken countless heads of Rank 4 opponents even when I only had mediocre Rank 3 mana. Fighting skill and martial arts prowess are different matters.

‘In real combat, even a proper knight can die against an experienced blade wielder from the underworld.’

Anyway, enough self-praise.

Looking at each guard member glancing this way, I could feel how tremendous the forces gathered under Grünewald’s name were, considering that each of these human weapons could single-handedly take down dozens of underworld thugs.

‘And among them, our Keseg proudly holds his position.’

While half-listening to the officer’s explanation, I searched for the face I wanted to see.

‘There he is.’

Keseg was swinging his real sword through the air with exaggerated movements.

‘Good grief, what a show-off.’

His movements were clearly full of pretense.

“Hmm.”

“Is something wrong?”

“That man over there.”

I pointed at Keseg and spoke in a barely audible voice.

“His movements are full of unnecessary flourishes and he looks like a fool. Is he perhaps a trainee?”

“…Pardon?”

The officer’s eyes widened at this unexpected criticism as he looked at Olivier.

However, Olivier lost the bet with me, so he’s in no position to object.

“Did you hear about what happened yesterday?”

“Yes. Those ruffians dared to disrespect the young lord of Grünewald…”

“The ones I dealt with then were barely First Circle at best. They used fundamentally flawed swordsmanship, probably learned from some third-rate martial arts manual.”

“Ah, yes. That’s right.”

“And that man’s movements are exactly the same. How can this be?”

“…”

The officer was speechless.

And then-

“…I’m sorry, but your words are going too far.”

Keseg, who had been swinging his sword with affected grace, walked toward me with a fierce expression.

“Oh, did you hear that? If you did, I apologize.”

I raised my hand in apology.

“The day before yesterday, I saw you practicing intently and thought I might be able to teach you something. But seeing you up close, I’m quite disappointed. I spoke without thinking, so don’t take it too seriously.”

“…Haha.”

Keseg was a man with a somewhat toad-like face. The sword-wielding toad’s face turned bright red.

“This is disappointing. Is this person actually a combat soldier in this battalion? Perhaps he’s in charge of cooking or something?”

“…He is a soldier, but…”

Half bewilderment, and a hint of displeasure. Seeing these emotions on the officer’s face, I added:

“I see. No, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for having expectations.”

“…Young lord.”

Keseg’s voice was quite angry. I turned around lazily.

“What is it?”

“If you’re so dissatisfied with my skills, would you care for a sparring match?”

“Are you serious?”

Misinterpreting my question, Keseg smirked.

“Well, that might be difficult. I couldn’t dare risk injuring the young lord…”

Seeing that the officer, who should have stopped this situation earlier, was too busy looking at me with distaste to intervene, I smiled.

‘Perfect.’

This is exactly when you drive in the wedge. So thoroughly that once they come to their senses, there’s no way out.

“How about a match with wooden swords? Instant loss if you draw blood.”

Then Keseg, though angry, asked as if this was an unexpected windfall.

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely.”

“I’m sorry, but there’s too much difference in skill between us, young lord. The experience gap is enormous too.”

“Oh, really?”

“Of course. If you’re comparing me to those thugs who strut around in back alleys, that’s a serious miscalculation-“

“For someone saying that, your movements look quite amateurish.”

“…If skill was determined by the grace of movement, dancing performers would be called the continent’s finest.”

“So you admit your movements are amateurish. And there are actually some dancers who have reached great heights in martial arts, so your statement is rather narrow-minded.”

The more I spoke, Keseg shook his head as if trying to discourage me.

“Though I may be from a humble family compared to you, I am still a nobleman and an honorable guard. It would be better if you refrained from such extreme words.”

“Oh.”

Looking like a toad yet capable of such words? I was slightly impressed.

“I’m glad you’re such an honorable man.”

“Why do you say you’re glad?”

I pointed at Keseg’s ugly face.

“Wouldn’t it be quite interesting if a novice like me were to defeat someone like you?”

“…You’ll have to take responsibility for those words.”

“I’ll handle it myself, so there’s no need to worry about such things.”

I announced to Keseg.

“This will be a duel in the form of a sparring match. Three in the afternoon, spectators allowed. We’ll use wooden swords and no mana. Any objections?”

“No mana, you say?”

“Don’t tell me you were planning to use sword ki against me?”

“Well, not exactly…”

“Then I’ll take that as acceptance.”

“Who will be the certifier?”

Keseg had already regained his smile. His face showed he thought this was an unexpected stroke of luck.

‘Simple fellow.’

If that’s what he wants to think, I’m grateful.

“The certifier will be my trustworthy butler here, Olivier.”

Keseg seemed to be aware of Olivier’s capabilities.

“I have no complaints if it’s Sir Olivier. He’s not one to lose his fairness.”

Keseg smiled slyly.

“Whatever the outcome, please don’t hold it against me.”

“Pfft!”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“…Why are you laughing?”

“Ah, sorry. It’s just that when you smile like that, you look quite funny.”

Keseg’s face twisted unpleasantly.

“That expression suits you better. My philosophy is that an ugly man looks better being scary than trying to be funny.”

“Ha, haha.”

Keseg let out a hollow laugh.

“You’d better not provoke me too much. Though it shouldn’t happen, swords have no eyes, so accidents could occur, couldn’t they?”

“That’s stating the obvious. Wouldn’t it be creepy if swords had eyes?”

“……”

I deliberately didn’t scold him for making such threats without knowing his place.

It was to prevent any nonsense about me hesitating because of my position.

“By the way.”

I spoke to the officer who had been watching the duel arrangements unfold.

“I apologize to you. I came for an observation class but ended up causing unnecessary trouble.”

“…It’s fine.”

The officer responded, startled by my sudden show of courtesy.

“However, I’m concerned about safety accidents. Of course, we’ll give warnings, but if perhaps-“

“Don’t worry. I won’t hold anyone responsible, including you.”

Only after hearing my answer did the officer’s expression relax a bit.

“Well then, though this has been a sudden turn of events, I’ll be taking my leave.”

I gave Keseg an irritating smile before turning my back.

“You’re really building this up, aren’t you?”

I laughed at Olivier’s words.

“Does it seem too reckless?”

“Well… The bigger the stakes, the bigger the reward, I suppose.”

“That’s right.”

Why do you think I deliberately set the match time for the afternoon? It’s so rumors can spread and everyone can gather for a good show. In a world short on entertainment.

‘That way, it’ll reach both father’s and sister’s ears.’

Even I thought it was a perfect plan. How many benefits could I gain from this single move?

‘Well, there might not be the expected reaction from either side.’

That’s fine too. Above all, what excited me most was the chance to steal the martial arts of Grünewald’s proud Royal Guard.

‘I’m looking forward to it.’

When it comes to martial arts, I’m a very greedy man.

***

The news of Allenbert and Keseg’s duel under the pretense of a match spread throughout the Grunewald Castle in an instant.

“What? Who is Young Lord Allenbert having a match with?”

“With Keseg from the 4th Battalion.”

“That’s absurd.”

The day before, Jeffrey, the guard captain in charge of Allenbert’s protection, recalled Allenbert’s handsome face with its slightly mischievous expression.

‘He’s not some chained hunting dog that couldn’t go for a walk. He’s certainly keeping himself busy everywhere.’

But this couldn’t be just some thoughtless trouble-making. Though he couldn’t be certain, there was clearly some intention behind it.

‘But Keseg is on a different level from those worthless thugs. Is he confident?’

He thought of the ruffians who were interrogated until exhaustion in the underground prison of the guard.

“Captain, are you placing a bet too?”

Jeffrey smiled wryly at his subordinates’ eager eyes.

“I’m betting 10 gold on Young Lord Allenbert.”

“Wow, are you serious?”

“That’s great for us. Nobody was betting on this side anyway.”

“Good. That’s welcome news.”

Jeffrey stood up, rubbing his hands together.

“Try to make the pot bigger. That way my winnings increase too.”

“Hehe, but then wouldn’t that mean less money for us?”

“Right. Who are you trying to fool with 10 gold?”

Jeffrey looked at the four guards who had accompanied him.

“What about you all?”

“I’ll bet 1 gold on Young Lord Allenbert.”

“40 silver for me.”

“How stingy.”

“Can’t help it. I spent a lot recently getting new equipment.”

“I’ll just bet 2 gold on Keseg.”

“Please count me out. My mother told me not to gamble.”

“What boring fellows. Fine.”

Jeffrey licked his lips as he considered Allenbert’s martial prowess.

‘…He’s not someone who would do something reckless without a plan. He must have something up his sleeve.’

To be honest-

Jeffrey didn’t expect Allenbert to be able to defeat Keseg in a fair contest of skill.

‘There’s an insurmountable gap between those who have properly learned swordsmanship and those who haven’t.’

Distance, breathing, psychological warfare, various techniques for disarming or deflecting…

These were areas where you would inevitably lose if you didn’t know them. No matter how much of a genius Allenbert might be, he couldn’t possibly defeat a guard after wasting seven years in a greenhouse.

‘Even if he loses, he’ll learn something from it. Perhaps then I could teach him a bit about swordsmanship.’

He hadn’t yet realized that he had already begun thinking from the perspective of someone who was practically Allenbert’s retainer.