Winter FieldChapter 4.7

Even though the week passed like lightning, the last four days felt like an eternity.

After moving his body all day, drowsiness would overwhelm him right after dinner. Going to bed early meant waking up early, Rensley tirelessly rode horses until the Duke’s official duties were completed. Once the Duke finished his work and came to the courtyard, they would engage in swordplay or unarmed combat until the sun set. hEZVj2

Though it was a short period, Rensley took pride in having prepared efficiently without wasting any time. On the day of the admission exam, he woke up early as usual and thoroughly cleaned himself. Consuming too much food would make the body sluggish when exerting strength. He settled for a modest meal of bread, sausages, and hot tea.

“They say there’s an admission exam for the Knights today.”

Chrysanthemum Garden.

“But the admission exam ended not too long ago. Why all of a sudden?”

The Duke’s bedroom, quiet and neat unlike the chaos gradually unfolding outside the castle, passed a calm morning. An unexpected admission exam was unprecedented. X5NEZJ

In the northern region, there were fewer outdoor entertainments compared to other countries. Public admission exams for the Knights or occasional martial arts competitions during visits from foreign dignitaries were the most significant attractions for the people. In the early days of the formation of the Knights, the admission process was supposedly more discreet, but now, the selection process was essentially a public event, open even to the common people.

The training ground of the Knights was theoretically accessible only to the Duke, nobles authorized by the Duke, and the members of the Knights. However, people found various ways to watch the admission exams, such as hanging on the wall, sitting, clinging to windows of nearby buildings, or climbing onto roofs, creating makeshift stands.

“They say someone from a foreign country is taking the admission exam. That’s why they’re holding a special exam.”

“A foreigner? Who?”

“His name is Rensley Maelrosen.”

When the examinee’s name was mentioned among the rumors, some raised their voices.

“Is Ren joining the Knights?”

“Is it the Ren who used to work in the kitchen? I thought he found a job there.” DAfhPX

“Didn’t he work in the stables? I saw him feeding hay to the horses once.”

“I thought he became a laundry worker… Emma praised him for carrying a lot of laundry at once.”

Those exchanging eyewitness accounts couldn’t reach a definite conclusion and shrugged their shoulders. Nonetheless, everyone familiar with Rensley realized they hadn’t seen him for quite some time. They had speculated that he might have failed to settle and left Aldrant. However, during the short period they knew him, he proved to be a decent fellow. At times, they lamented the absence of a farewell from him who left without saying goodbye.

But suddenly appearing to take the admission exam for the Royal Knights? NewJhM

Such interesting events were hard to come by over the years. People hurriedly finished their work and got ready to go watch the admission exam.

As the sun rose high, the bell tower rang a large bell vigorously. It was a signal announcing the commencement of the sacred Knights’ admission exam, which safeguarded the lord and the territory.

Normally, it was still midday, and it was time for daily activities. However, almost everyone had already finished their work and stood up. On a day like today, there weren’t many ruthless employers insisting on holding onto their employees.

The unexpected event had people buzzing with excitement. Peeking outside from the training room, Rensley widened his eyes.

“So many people came to watch?”

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“Well, in winter, there’s not much entertainment, so why not? Here, put this on.”

As the armguard was handed over by the Knights’ weapons manager, Rensley glanced outside once again. He thought the public test would only take place in front of the Duke and the Knights, but it turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. Wearing the training armor, Rensley flexed his fingers, extending them fully, and did some vigorous warm-up exercises, bending his waist left and right. C6v3iZ

At that moment, the stablekeeper entered the preparation room. Despite the gray hair, Rensley warmly greeted the elderly man with a robust build.

“Hans! It’s been a while.”

“I thought this guy disappeared without a word. Suddenly taking a Knight’s test out of hiding – what’s going on?”

“Things turned out this way. But think about it. I came here as a guardian for the Duchess. You know that to become a guardian for royalty, one must excel in swordsmanship and martial arts, right?” J9Fm8i

He tried to convince Hans with a facial expression showing understanding while bringing up the main point.

“Alright, let’s delve into the specifics later. Today, you’re in charge of handling the horse for the jousting match. We’ve received a new horse, and I’ve been instructed to assign its care to you.”

“A horse? I’m familiar with the older ones, so just choose a sturdy and docile one; it should be fine.”

“It arrived yesterday. I heard it’s from Cornia. They said you’d get along well with it. It’s quite pretty and robust.” 5lNDnJ

Rensley’s mouth slightly opened. Even though he thought it couldn’t be true, his voice trembled.

‘No way.’

“Can I see it now?”

“Sure. The horses for today’s matches are already in the arena.” xuZHnw

Feeling restless, Rensley’s feet kept moving ahead of him. Following Hans, he arrived at the makeshift stable on the opposite side of the waiting room.

As they lifted the sunshade that had helped them escape the direct sunlight, the horses came into view. Among them, Rensley quickly identified a deep chestnut-colored horse with a distinctive white pattern on its forehead – his longtime friend.

“Marilyn!”

With eyes wide open, Rensley rushed over. Marilyn also seemed to recognize its long-lost friend. Wagging its tail vigorously and neighing happily, the horse kept pushing its lips forward. Lm7Fr

Embracing the strong neck, Rensley repeatedly stroked it. Witnessing the reunion between a long-separated owner and his horse, the stablekeeper, still somewhat bewildered, interrupted.

“Do you know this one?”

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“It’s the one I took care of in Cornia. I had to leave it at an inn because it fell ill. I thought it was already sold, and we wouldn’t meet again…”

“I heard that a merchant brought back the horse he took away. Good news. This should fetch a good price. It’s either a stroke of luck or fate. It seems like you’re going to pass today.” IegmNP

Rensley patted Marilyn’s neck, reminiscing about the past. Lady Samlet seemed completely unaware of the circumstances after Marilyn was sold, so it was likely that she had no connection with the merchant.

It was indeed a surprising coincidence. Wasn’t this what destiny looked like? While locking eyes with the black pupils of the horse, Rensley muttered.

“Sorry for bringing you from so far away. Thanks for coming to meet me again.”

As if responding to his greeting, Marilyn let out short and deep breaths. In the midst of sharing the joy of reunion, a trumpet sounded from outside, signaling the imminent start of the tournament. FD wus

“Hurry and go out. Since it’s needed in the third round, I’ll take good care of him until then.”

“Thanks, Hans! Even if I pass, I’ll come to help out in the stable often.”

“Do what you promised, you rascal.”

Despite the persistently cold weather, the sky was clear without a cloud. The trumpets kept sounding, and cheers from the audience were already reaching the center of the tournament ground. Q2HjAf

Looking around nervously, Rensley soon spotted the Duke sitting in the uppermost seat of the central stands. The man who had sparred with him just yesterday now looked down at Rensley as if he were a stranger, displaying a stern expression befitting a ruler.

Next, he surveyed the spectators hanging on the walls of the tournament ground. There were more eyes watching than he had anticipated, and just when tension was beginning to build, someone suddenly shouted.

“Ren, do well!”

Rensley lifted his head in the direction of the cheer. It was the voice of a laundry worker sitting on the roof of a nearby building. They had shared a few beers together during the short period of playing around. Seeing a familiar face relieved him. Alongside them were the kitchen staff he had befriended as soon as he arrived in Aldrant. Tia, who had exchanged greetings with him on the first day, waved her hand. zdh2qE

“Ren, stay strong!”

Rensley waved back with a big smile. The applause and cheers from the crowd echoed in response.

The unexpected support surprised Knight Commander Anton and the other knights. Anton cleared his throat, raised his hand, and the trumpet sounded long, slightly calming the commotion in the left stands.

“The order of the entrance exam has been determined! The first segment will focus on swordsmanship, followed by unarmed combat, and concluding with jousting. Typically, the exam identifies a single winner from the pool of candidates. However, due to the unique circumstances of this particular examination, where only one participant is involved, the successful candidates from this round will engage in competitive matchups. To maintain the significance of this special exam, it is imperative that the lone participant reaches the skill level of these accomplished candidates. For each event, there will be three duels, and a candidate must emerge victorious in two or more events to qualify as a pass. Candidate Rensley Maelrosen, are you in agreement with these rules?” 4l Lzr

It meant that Rensley would face three knights by himself. Anton’s stern face was focused on him. Rensley shouted in response.

“I agree.”

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He had no complaints about the conditions. Since the exam itself was a privilege for him alone, even if the admission standards were higher than usual, it was a fair arrangement.

The first opponent stepped forward. True to the image of an Aldrant knight, he was a man with a large build and a strong appearance. Like most knights, he held a longsword, as mentioned by the Duke. eYmyN7

Rensley, once again, carried a broadsword and a shortsword. Since he had utilized dual-wielding during sparring with the Duke, sticking to the same strategy seemed prudent for practical application.

“Prepare.”

The two squires standing at the edge of the training ground raised their flags. The forest-green flag adorned with lightning motifs fluttered in the wind.

The two men facing each other simultaneously charged. Blades clashed, and the opponent relentlessly advanced to stab Rensley without giving him any openings. Rensley attempted to dodge the attack and slash at his opponent’s wrist with the broadsword, but the man skillfully avoided the strike. PwftyF

A counterattack came from above. The broadsword quickly rose to block the longsword, and the shortsword aimed for the opponent’s waist. The man tilted his body to the side to evade Rensley’s attack, and Rensley, seizing the opportunity, inserted his foot between the man’s legs. Caught off guard by the swift leg technique, the man stumbled and tumbled. Rensley pointed his sword at him, concluding the first duel rather quickly, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

“Not bad, Ren!”

“We thought Southerners were all softies!”

While the fallen opponent blushed and got back on his feet, Rensley laughed, raising his arm in acknowledgment. He thanked the crowd by shaking hands with them. NrV04

Moreover, the skills of the man assigned by Anton as his opponent were nothing compared to Gezell Jivendad.