Chapter 109: Banquet

At that moment, a young noble in splendid formal wear walked over, followed by several attendants.

His gaze fell on Robin, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

"So this is the heir of the Weierke family, Allen Weierke Walter?" the young noble said with a hint of sarcasm. "I heard you're a bastard; I didn't expect Viscount Weierke to bring you to an event like this."

Robin's eyes cooled slightly, but his face remained calm: "May I ask who you are?"

The young noble sneered, his tone laced with arrogance: "I am the second son of Vice City Lord Count Morre of Minerva City, Tuoleisi Xiyas. Knight Allen, someone of your standing should not embarrass yourself here."

Viscount Weierke's expression darkened instantly, but before he could speak, Robin stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Tuoleisi: "Lord Tuoleisi, it isn't your place to judge my status. If you have any grievance against me, say it outright."

Tuoleisi's face turned grim; he hadn't expected Robin to dare such a retort. He sneered, his tone threatening: "Allen, are you provoking me? Know that this is Minerva City, not your Weierke domain."

Robin gave a slight smile, his voice edged with coldness: "Lord Tuoleisi, if you think I'm unfit to stand here, we can settle this the knight's way."

A flash of fury crossed Tuoleisi's eyes; he drew his long sword from his waist and pointed at Robin: "Fine, if you're courting death, I'll grant it! Duel!"

The atmosphere in the banquet hall instantly grew tense, and the surrounding nobles swarmed around, their eyes filled with excitement and curiosity.

Duels are not uncommon among the nobility, especially at events like the Harvest Festival, where the younger generation often resolves conflicts through dueling.

Viscount Weierke's expression grew solemn; he whispered to Robin: "Allen, be careful. Tuoleisi is Count Morre's second son, essentially your cousin; he's a renowned prodigy in Minerva City, a Formal Knight despite his youth, and his strength should not be underestimated."

At the mention of Tuoleisi challenging Allen, many young nobles immediately gathered around.

"Who is this Allen? I've never heard of him." a young noble asked curiously of the person beside him.

"I heard he's the Viscount Weierke's bastard, just brought back recently and is being given special training," a well‑informed youngster said.

"No wonder," the person beside him exclaimed, enlightened.

Western nobles are the most united among the kingdom's aristocracy; to ensure their lands aren't inherited by outsiders, the western territories are kept internal as much as possible. If Viscount Weierke were to have no heirs, a relative among the western nobles would adopt a child into his name.

Count Morre is also a distant cousin of Viscount Weierke, so they share a tenuous blood tie.

As the second son of a count, Tuoleisi could never inherit the title in this lifetime; upon learning he might be adopted under Viscount Weierke's name, he treated the Viscount's domain as his forbidden prize. He never expected a bastard to appear suddenly, shattering his dream of becoming a viscount.

Robin nodded, his voice confident: "Father, rest assured. I'll make him understand that the Weierke family is not to be trifled with."

The dueling arena was quickly cleared, and Robin and Tuoleisi stood in the center, their gazes cold and steady.

A hint of contempt flashed in Tuoleisi's eyes; he waved his long sword, his tone mocking: "Allen, I hope you won't disappoint me."

Robin said nothing, merely drawing his Great Horse Leather Warrior Steel Tang Sword slowly, its blade glinting coldly in the light.

His gaze was calm, but the Life Force within him began to surge, the power of Storm Breath roaring through his veins.

"Begin!" a noble announced loudly, and the duel officially commenced.

Tuoleisi struck first, his swordplay sharp and swift, the blade striking like a viper toward Robin's vital points. Yet Robin's form flickered like a phantom, easily evading Tuoleisi's attack.

"Is that all your skill?" Robin murmured, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Tuoleisi's expression soured instantly; he swung his long sword violently, a surge of powerful Life Force erupting from the blade, charging at Robin.

Robin merely waved his Tang Sword lightly, a brilliant half‑moon‑shaped radiance bursting from the blade, instantly shattering Tuoleisi's assault.

"Half‑Moon Slash!" Robin barked low, his Tang Sword swinging out suddenly.

A massive half‑moon‑shaped beam surged toward Tuoleisi, its speed leaving him unable to dodge.

Boom!

The Half‑Moon Slash's light struck the long sword in Tuoleisi's hand, hurling him several meters away where he crashed heavily to the ground. His sword flew from his grasp, and blood welled from his mouth, indicating a serious wound.

The banquet hall fell silent, everyone staring in stunned amazement at the scene.

They hadn't expected Robin's power to be so great; a single strike defeated Tuoleisi.

Robin sheathed his Tang Sword, his gaze cold as he looked at the fallen Tuoleisi: "Tuoleisi, do you understand now? The difference between us!"

Tuoleisi's complexion turned pale instantly; he clenched his teeth and whispered, "You… you wait for me!"

Robin sneered, his voice edged with coldness: "I'll be ready at any time."

Viscount Weierke stepped forward, patting Robin's shoulder, his tone proud: "Allen, well done."

Robin nodded, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes; after all, a Legendary Knight taking on a newly minted Formal Knight was indeed a bit of bullying.

"Father, this is what I should do."

In the banquet hall, the duel's aftereffects gradually subsided, and the nobles returned to their own conversations.

Robin's victory drew some attention, but it didn't cause a major stir at the banquet.

After all, conflicts and duels among the younger generation at Harvest Festival banquets are not uncommon; everyone is accustomed to them.

Behind a small window on the second floor of the banquet hall, two middle‑aged men quietly observed everything below. Their eyes fell on Robin, a hint of admiration flashing within.

"That Allen Weierke Walter is indeed impressive," one middle‑aged man in a dark‑gray tuxedo said softly, his tone admiring. "His fundamentals are solid, his combat techniques refined; to have mastered the Half‑Moon Slash at such a young age, his talent and insight are remarkable."

The other middle‑aged man in a black tuxedo nodded, his gaze thoughtful: "Indeed, his strength far exceeds his peers. Moreover, his Life Force reserves are unusually high, clearly having cultivated an advanced Breathing Method. A youngster like this is worth focused cultivation."

The man in the dark‑gray tuxedo smiled, his tone teasing: "What, are you taken? Want to take him as a disciple?"

(End of Chapter)