The nobles fell silent, many stunned to hear what they had all thought but not dared say aloud. On the other hand, the marquess, trembling with rage, clenched his fists.
That damned barbarian…
Given such a dismissive remark, Karl would have to participate fully. Accepting the offer would make him a laughingstock even if he won.
"Is that satisfactory?"
"Be quiet! Karl will participate in the duels as a candidate!"
"Very well. As you wish."
Ragnar looked away, clearly disinterested in Karl's fate.
While the marquess swallowed his fury, Ragnar turned over Sylas's final words in his mind from the day before.
Unacceptable.
He would accept Sylas as his superior. But was he truly lesser than Bjorn? What did that man possess that he didn't?
If so, I'll have to find out myself.
Sometimes, a duel conveyed more than words ever could. Ragnar intended to ask Bjorn himself through their fight. If he could paint a vision worthy of respect, then so be it. But if not…
