Under the Oak Tree

Riftan already had too much on his shoulders. Did he need to bear the weight of the holy sword as well? Maxi's selfish wish was for him to remain her husband, not a hero burden with the fate of the Roviden Continent.

"I-I'm sure Riftan is thinking the same about...returning the sword," she said. fre(e)webnov(l).com

"Sir Riftan is a thoroughly pragmatic person. He would not take such a risk for some unproven legend," Ruth replied.

Maxi furrowed her brow at his vague answer. "So you have heard nothing from him?"

"Has he ever been one to explain his decisions?" Ruth said cynically. "Like your ladyship, I haven't seen Sir Riftan in a while. From what I gather, he has been busy meeting with prominent nobles of the kingdoms."

"E-Even so...he could have discussed it with us...before or even after deciding. I don't see how that is so difficult."

"Don't expect such consideration from him," Ruth replied, huffing at the lock of hair flopped over his forehead. "Sir Riftan is used to making decisions independently. He is not one to share his every move. That's been his way of life until now, so it's unreasonable to expect change overnight. Do not hold it against him, my lady. Try to be understanding."

Ruth's words struck her, making her feel like a petty child. Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. Riftan had always made efforts to accept her, yet here she was, demanding him to change further for her sake.

"I understand," Maxi said, her shoulders slumping in defeat.bender

"With things as they are, you should wish for his success. I have no doubt your support would motivate him," Ruth advised, patting her shoulder.

Maxi forced a smile. Riftan had accepted her as a mage. Now, it was her turn to accept his calling as a knight.

***

As high-ranking knights bypassed the preliminaries, Riftan's first duel took place long after the tournament had begun. After nervously looking around the waiting room, Maxi sucked in a breath when she spotted him sitting against the wall, polishing his sword.

He was not in full armor yet, but his presence was more commanding than those who were. His steel-like muscles flexed beneath his thin tunic in sync with the movements of his long arms. The pauldron on his shoulder caught the light, glinting brightly.

For someone about to compete in a major tournament, Riftan's face was shockingly impassive, bordering on boredom. His eyes showed not a hint of excitement or nerves.

As Maxi was observing Riftan's stony expression, two young servants approached him with a set of plate armor.

"We have finished polishing your armor, Sir Riftan."

Riftan sheathed his sword and slowly rose. The servants promptly set to work, strapping a breastplate over his chest while he fitted his vambrace and gauntlet. The scene felt like a solemn ritual.magic

Noticing Maxi lingering by the entrance, Garrow said cautiously, "Won't you go talk to him, my lady?" This content is taken from |n|o|v|e|l|n|e|x|t|

After a brief hesitation, Maxi slowly crossed the waiting room. freewebn(o)vel.com

Riftan frowned when he finally spotted her. "Why are you here?"

Maxi promptly removed the knights dented helmet, revealing his bloodied head. The gruesome sight filled her with rage. How could a man do this to another? Suppressing her anger, she grabbed a clean linen and gently began to wipe the blood from Ursuline's forehead and temple.

The helmet had saved his skull from fracturing, but a deep cut marred his temple, and there were dark bruises on his cheekbone. After carefully inspecting his wounds, Maxi healed them with magic. Meanwhile, Ruth used a peculiar device to stitch Ursulines arm. She watched anxiously until a somber voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Will he be able to wield a sword again?".c(o)m

Startled, Maxi looked up to see Riftan.

Ruth searched the commander's impassive face as if trying to gauge his thoughts. He said calmly, "I cannot promise anything."

There was a pause. This content is taken from |n|o|v|e|l|n|e|x|t|

"I see," Riftan replied.

Then, he spun on his heel and left the infirmary. A wave of anxiety overwhelmed Maxi, and she hurried after him.

Out in the waiting room, Richard Breston was getting his shoulder treated.

He sneered upon seeing Riftan. Leaning against the wall, he taunted, "I've never seen that face on you before. Is your dog's condition worse than you thought?"

Visit freewebn(o)vel.𝑐𝘰𝑚 for the best novel reading experience