Axel
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Chapter 67: Ebner and I Will Take the Duel for You
🕑 Added 2025-01-09 22:48:58 +0000 UTCKeleir glanced at Annie, gestured with his hand, and said, “Let’s talk somewhere else.”
He pointed to another young officer and said, “Ebner Soumet! My closest friend, a fifth-rank Commander of the Twenty-Fifth Corps, a Seventeenth-Tier Grand Knight, and the only man who has ever forced me to take off my gloves and fight.”
The sun shone warmly. The young officer with black hair and black eyes exuded a natural, imposing pressure and laughed, “I’ve heard about you! My cousin’s loyal subordinate.”
Charlot chuckled awkwardly and chose not to engage with that comment. After all, he couldn’t admit in front of Annie that he was actually an admirer of Menielman, the Empire’s First Rose. That would be far too tactless!
Keleir, Ebner, Annie, and Charlot walked away side by side.
The students of Gorgias University who had gathered couldn’t help but whisper among themselves. Many of them were not Transcendents, so they couldn’t fully grasp the key details of Charlot’s calm evasion of Keleir’s Seventeenth-Tier Grand Knight assault, or his use of Bloodflame Transfiguration. Misunderstanding Charlot’s abilities, they spread word of his deeds throughout the campus, elevating his reputation to a level unlike before.
Outside Gorgias University, Keleir pulled open the door of a military carriage and climbed in first.
Charlot had no choice but to follow. The interior of this carriage was quite different from ordinary household carriages—it resembled a small conference room, clearly equipped to function as a mobile command post during wartime.
Keleir resumed the previous topic and asked, “Annie told me you’re only Fourth-Tier?”
Charlot nodded. “Yes.”
Keleir asked again, “And you’ve awakened the Bloodflame Aura ability?”
Given that all four universities inherited the legacy of Blood Glory and Keleir must have read the human sage Protagoras’ confidential manuscripts, Charlot saw no need to hide it. “Yes.”
Keleir smiled. “Since you’ve managed to comprehend Blood Banquet Meditation at the Fourth Tier and even condense a Blood Rune, there’s no need to test the last two moves. Ebner and I will take the duel for you.”
“However, if you wish to marry Annie, being a Fourth-Tier Transcendent is far from enough.”
“Mr. Mecklenburg, please keep working hard!”
Annie’s cheeks flushed scarlet as she said angrily, “Keleir, what nonsense are you spouting? Charlot and I are just friends!”
Even as she said this, she felt a little guilty.
After all, if they were truly just friends, the young lady of the Bretagne family wouldn’t need to ask her cousin Keleir for help. Keleir Bretagne was a rising star in the military. If not for his youth and lack of significant achievements, he would have long commanded his own army.
Keleir shrugged, not wanting to embarrass Annie. “All right, we need to return to the army now. We won’t disturb you two any longer.”
As Annie and Charlot exited the carriage, Keleir said regretfully, “I originally wanted to introduce Annie to you, but it seems someone beat me to it.”
Ebner Soumet smiled faintly and said, “Stop worrying about my relationships. You’ve met Dolores—are you interested?”
Keleir shook his head. “Your sister’s temper is too peculiar, and I don’t think she has any interest in me either.”
Ebner laughed heartily. “Suddenly, I feel at peace.”
Keleir sighed softly. “It’s a pity I still don’t have the Proof of War and never got the chance to challenge that man.”
Ebner looked equally regretful. “I heard he’s already been executed.”
“I hate myself for not being strong enough to challenge that scoundrel on Menielman’s behalf.”
The two of them didn’t mention the man’s name—Zimourman Axel Robin.
As the military carriage slowly drove away, Charlot asked, “I just bought a second-hand carriage today. Shall we go for a ride?”
Annie’s interest was piqued. “Sure!”
Mrs. Yanmills had long seen Charlot emerge, but when she also saw him with a strikingly beautiful young lady and two military officers boarding a carriage, her experience told her to quietly wait in place without disturbing her employer.
When Charlot returned with Annie, Mrs. Yanmills smiled and said, “Sir, Miss, please get in.” She then reached out and pulled the brass lever beside her, and the carriage door slid open.
This small feature was common in high-end carriages. A mechanism near the coachman allowed for the door to open gracefully, providing an elegant means for the owner to get in and out.
Charlot invited Annie into the carriage before stepping in himself.
Annie glanced around briefly but lost interest. As a young lady of the Bretagne family, she only traveled in custom-made carriages. A mass-produced vehicle like this was nothing but a “means of transportation” in her eyes, devoid of any luxury.
She said softly, “You’ve condensed a Bloodflame Rune as well?”
Charlot spread his hands. “Yes.”
“I didn’t mean to hide it. I simply thought such a minor achievement wasn’t worth bragging about.”
Annie didn’t care that Charlot hadn’t mentioned the rune to her; instead, she seemed slightly excited and happy.
Although she had already seen him use Bloodflame Transfiguration and heard his answers to her cousin, she still wanted to ask one more time.
After receiving confirmation, Annie said quietly, “With a Blood Rune condensed, your true combat strength might already rival a mid-tier Transcendent!”
“If…”
Annie fell silent for a long while and didn’t continue the topic.
Charlot said to Mrs. Yanmills, “Take us to the Rose District. Just wander around.”
Mrs. Yanmills responded softly and drove the carriage along the streets toward the Rose District.
The Upper Seven Districts of Strasbourg each had distinct functions.
Val-de-Vas housed the imperial palace, the four universities, various government offices, and grand noble estates.
Alexander District was an upscale commercial area, akin to a medieval CBD, favored by the wealthiest elite.
Alcatras District was a middle-class residential area with the most detective agencies and private companies.
Picardy District was a commercial and artisanal hub, home to the largest markets where anything could be bought and sold.
Galon District, Rose District, and Mavinsado District were old quarters dating back to the Sherlock Dynasty, featuring many scenic landmarks such as the nearly city-spanning Rose River, the famous Bridge of Love, Destiny Square from the Sherlock era, the Star Gate, and the Lantern Tower.
Of course, these areas were somewhat aged, so the Fars Empire’s new nobility generally avoided living in the old quarters.
Passing by a famous café along the Rose River that had been open for over three hundred years, Charlot asked Mrs. Yanmills to buy two cups of coffee.
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