5.3

After a brief discussion with the judges, the king delivered the predetermined verdict.

“Sir Michael Cloet fought bravely for me and this country in the battles of Dautruppel and Boldren. In the great Holy War, he made the noble sacrifice of entrusting his two sons to the arms of God. If we cannot uncover the truth behind Sir Michael’s unjust death, his soul will not find peace even in heaven. The claims of the accuser, Vanessa Cloet, and the defendant, Miriam Cloet, are conflicting, and there is no evidence to prove either. Therefore, we shall let God determine the sinner.”

After a long wait and dispute, a trial by combat was permitted. Now, only the naming of each side’s champion remained. Naturally, Earl Plar stepped forward to defend Miriam. He conveniently left out the fact that Miriam was his mistress and vowed to help reveal the true culprit in honor of the loyal Sir Michael.

“…Therefore, I designate my loyal knight, Viscount Sven Hitzburg, as Miriam’s champion.”

Sven stepped forward, his eyes gleaming like a cunning snake. Although the situation unfolded as expected, there was still unease in his heart. 

Could Julian defeat him? 

Julian’s eyes, filled with hostility, were fixed on him.

Earl Hendrick stood beside Julian and began to speak.

“Some may say I have unnecessarily involved myself in a dispute unrelated to the Arenshen family. But when I heard of the pitiful and outrageous circumstances of Viscountess Vanessa Cloet, I felt I could not let such an injustice happen again. If I do not resist injustice and succumb to it, I would not be able to face my parents in the afterlife. And if not me, who would recognize this woman’s grievance? I will fight to prove that justice is alive in this land, and I entrust the sacred duty of trial by combat to my brave and loyal knight, Sir Julian Plavant.”

Earl Hendrick finished his speech in a calm yet powerful tone and gave Julian a slight nod.

Julian, as if waiting, removed his glove and threw it at Sven. Sven slowly picked up the glove that had fallen at his feet. He wore a sly smile as he looked at Julian, who was glaring at him fiercely.

* * *

The day of the decisive battle dawned.

Julian hurriedly prepared for the battle in the tent set up on one side of the combat arena. With the help of his attendant, he was clad from head to toe in chain mail and plate armor. The metal armor, weighing about 30% of his body weight, pressed heavily on his entire body. Chains clinked against the plate armor with a cold sound every time he moved to check for any discomfort.

“It suits you well.”

Earl Hendrick gave a brief remark as he looked at Julian, heavily armed in gleaming plate armor.

“I gratefully accept all the weapons and armor you’ve provided.”

“It’s the last gift I can give you.”

Earl Hendrick said as he personally sheathed a dagger in Julian’s belt. Julian was still not used to Hendrick’s affectionate gestures.

Even for Hendrick, confronting Earl Plar head-on would have been a great challenge. Thinking about all the efforts Hendrick had made to help him, Julian felt a belated sense of gratitude.

While Hendrick adjusted his armor, checking for any loose straps, Julian awkwardly averted his gaze.

“In case things go wrong… I’ll have your body buried next to your mother’s grave.”

His words caught in his throat.

He hadn’t thought about what would happen to his body if he lost the trial by combat. He had avoided thinking about it because the mere thought was painful.

Julian couldn’t bring himself to ask for Vanessa to be buried with him. It was impossible.

If he lost the trial by combat and Vanessa was found guilty, a horrific death by being burned alive awaited her. To set an example, her charred body would be left hanging on the gallows until it was nothing but faded bones. And if they were lucky enough to retrieve any remaining bones, her remains would be buried in the Cloet estate. No matter how much they cherished and loved each other, the fact that they could not reunite even after death was unbearably sad.

What meaning could there be in imagining the afterlife? He couldn’t let Vanessa die. He had to fight with the mindset that he would win no matter what. He had to erase all worries completely.

“Did you say goodbye to Vanessa?”

Julian nodded heavily in response instead of answering.

As the dim dawn light began to brighten through the frosted window, Vanessa kissed him, crying.

‘We must meet again. I’ll wait, so you must return safely.’

‘I promise.’

To keep his promise to Vanessa, he had to win the trial by combat.

“Don’t think this troublesome guy will disappear so easily. I’ll be your servant for another fifty years.”

At those words, Hendrick let out a light laugh. It was the first time Julian saw his brother smile since their father passed away.

“Yes, there are still many things you need to do for our family…. I’ll be waiting.”

Hendrick patted Julian on the back and pushed him out of the tent. Julian took a deep breath as he pulled the helmet snugly over his head.

The combat arena was crowded with thousands of spectators who had flocked from all over the country. Faces of people were packed densely between the high wooden fences surrounding the circular arena. However, despite the large crowd, the arena was solemn rather than noisy.

Julian spotted familiar faces among the crowd. Donnie, Pierre, Max. His long-time comrades had gathered here to witness Julian’s final stand. Julian acknowledged each of them with a nod.

A luxurious viewing box for the king and high nobles was set up at the front of the arena, offering a full view of the combat area. Hendrick and Earl Plar sat at opposite ends of the viewing box. Vanessa and Miriam stood on the execution platform opposite each other, dressed in black. Julian gazed at Vanessa’s lovely face for a long time.

Vanessa endured the attention pouring in from all directions and cast her gaze toward Julian. And she recalled the dream she had early that morning.

The sunset was setting. The sunset, which had stopped just short of touching the ground, was not blinding even when looked at directly. The sunset cast a red carpet below and wore a brilliant golden crown above. And the sky, vast and clear, was without a single cloud. Enchanted by the surreal beauty of the crimson sunset that colored the world in warm hues, she began to walk.

She walked for long. Before she knew it, Vanessa was not alone. Her late mother and husband were walking alongside her. Only then did Vanessa vaguely realize that she was wandering in a dream.

No matter how long she walked, the sunset did not get closer. Nor did it disappear. It remained eternally fixed in that spot.

A bright light burst before her eyes, and angels appeared, blowing trumpets, taking her mother to the heavens. The place where the white halo faded was so far away that it was unreachable. A little later, her husband also flew into the bright halo with the angels.

Left alone, Vanessa stood there in a daze. Now even the sunset began to set. She ran towards the sun falling to the ground, but it never got closer. Eventually, the sun completely set.

Wandering aimlessly in the darkness, Vanessa lost her way. Only the countless wildflowers brushing against her calves indicated that she was in a field. It was cold, dark, lonely, and desolate. She didn’t know where to go. It felt like she would be swallowed by the darkness.

In the distance, a person walked towards her, illuminating the darkness. He was a tall, strong man. He held a lantern in one hand and a bouquet of cornflowers in the other. It was Julian.

This dream she had during her overnight prayer felt like some sort of revelation from the heavens. That Julian would ultimately save her.

All Vanessa could do was pray for Julian and wait for him to survive the trial by combat.