Chapter 54 - The Scandalous Letter Fiasco (4)
To hold a duel at the Imperial Military Academy, you must have the permission of Headmaster Armin.
Because the duel was proposed just before free time ended, both Ernest and Gunter, the two involved, were summoned to the headmaster's office immediately.
"Duels are supposed to be authorized in advance, but I understand that, as young cadets, you let your tempers get the better of you and acted rashly. So, I'll let it pass this time."
Everything was already unfolding according to plan. Armin, as the highest authority overseeing this matter, handled the minor procedural issue smoothly and pressed forward as intended.
Although Ernest, the mastermind of this whole affair, had already secured Armin's approval beforehand, he was still extremely tense the moment he entered the office. Naturally, Gunter, who had been dragged along by Ernest against his will, was just as anxious.
Both boys knew this was all a kind of staged drama, and yet they sat frozen with cold sweat running down their backs, not daring to move. Only Armin remained relaxed, wearing a gentle and understanding smile.
"What is the reason for this duel?"
Armin asked in a mild tone. Ernest responded immediately.
"There was a problem caused by a letter I sent on someone else's behalf. Because of this, Count Wolfram exerted undue pressure on my family, the House Krieger. I expressed my complaint to Gunter Wolfram, but he claimed to know nothing of the matter and played ignorant. But as the son of His Excellency the Count and as a party involved, there's no way Gunter Wolfram could truly be unaware. This is a dishonorable affair, and I refuse to stand by in silence while my family is threatened, or to condone such disgrace with my silence."
Ernest's voice, shining with resolute determination, was utterly free of doubt.
Even though he knew this was all an act, Ernest was fully prepared to take responsibility for his words and put his plan into action.
No one could find fault with the Ernest standing here now.
Armin nodded somberly, then turned his gaze to Gunter.
Gunter flinched under the deep, dark gaze of Major General Armin Mannheim, but he forced himself to speak in a composed voice.
"I understand that Ernest Krieger was drawn into this matter against his will, and I know that neither he nor the Krieger family are at fault. I have never exerted any pressure on Krieger and sincerely hope not to do so in the future. I also believe my father would never have committed something so dishonorable. I explained my side to Ernest Krieger, but he refused to trust me and insisted I was lying. I, too, must defend my own honor and that of the Wolfram family."
At first, Gunter's voice trembled with nerves as he spoke, but he quickly shed his anxiety and boldly proclaimed the legitimacy of the duel in a strong, unwavering tone.
Neither Ernest nor Gunter mentioned the tradition at the Academy of sending Adultery Letters by proxy while explaining the reason for the duel. Even uttering such a thing would disgrace not only the cadets involved but also the honor of the Academy itself. And right now, that matter could not be allowed to become the center of controversy.
This had to remain, at least on the official record, a dispute arising solely between the Krieger and Wolfram families—between Ernest and Gunter. Even if everyone knew the truth, it had to be documented that way.
"Very well. The duel is authorized."
Armin decided the cause was worthy of a duel and gave his consent.
"The duel will be conducted with pistols. Wolfram, choose the time and place."
Armin, as the officiator for all duels held within the Academy, was present for each one. Selecting the weapon was the prerogative of the officiator, while choosing the time and location was the right of the party receiving the challenge.
"In two days, early in the morning, in the dormitory courtyard."
"And the method and terms of the duel?"
As before, deciding the method and terms of the duel was also the right of the party being challenged. At Armin's question, Gunter replied in a firm voice.
"Ten paces apart, we fire at the same time. Until death."
At a distance of ten paces, even with the notoriously inaccurate powder guns, it would be hard to miss.
And to fight until death—
It was a declaration of intent: to risk everything, facing death, with the determination to kill his opponent without fail. Even in the honor-obsessed Noble Society, this was a rare, truly harsh and brutal form of duel.
Such a method deserves condemnation.
The insult Gunter had suffered was trivial, and above all, killing Ernest—the sole heir of House Krieger, which consisted of just two members—would mean erasing the family line entirely.
If this went forward, House Wolfram could face immense criticism from the Noble Society and see its authority greatly diminished.
Besides, Gunter was a well-trained, robust young man of seventeen, while Ernest wasn't even an adult yet—just a fourteen-year-old boy!
In such a case, the witness, Armin, could denounce the proposed method as inappropriate and demand alterations, or even quash the duel altogether.
"Very well. Be in the courtyard two mornings from now."
Yet Armin accepted this outrageous form of duel.
His deep, shadowed eyes quietly observed the two boys.
"However, as the witness and Headmaster of the Imperial Military Academy, I will place one condition on this duel."
Armin spoke in a grave voice.
"Death will be permitted only in the duel between the two of you, two days from now. No matter how the duel ends, I will not allow any other deaths related to this affair. Do you accept?"
The condition Armin set was not unusual. After all, if duels that ended in death led to heightened grudges between families, it was not uncommon for people to keep issuing challenges and the deaths to continue endlessly.
"Yes, I accept."
Ernest and Gunter answered at the same time.
"Good. You may go now."
"Yes."
Ernest and Gunter saluted Armin and left the headmaster's office.
"I'll see you in two days, Krieger."
"Yes, in two days."
The two exchanged farewells in calm voices. Without another word, without so much as glancing at each other, they headed to their own rooms.
***
"That went well."
"..."
Even when Ernest spoke these words upon entering the room, Robert said nothing. He was deeply troubled—because in two days, he would have to take part in the duel as Ernest's second.
A formal duel requires not only witnesses, but also a second for each duelist.
The second must step in and fight on behalf of their duelist if neither side can accept the result after the original combatant becomes unable to fight.
Of course, it's rare for a second to actually participate in the duel. Usually, once the duelist is incapacitated, the duel is considered over.
"What did I do to deserve this?"
Anyway, Robert, who suddenly found himself facing a life-and-death duel as a second, couldn't help but feel troubled.
"You didn't do anything wrong."
"Right? This isn't my fault—it's yours, isn't it?"
"All I did was accept what you offered me."
"Damn! Yeah, you're right. This was that kind of deal."
Robert clutched his head and flailed in frustration, then let out a heavy sigh.
"This is all my dad's fault. All these problems started because he sent me to the Military Academy."
"Oh dear… In that case, you should probably say that to your father directly, not me. Honestly, I have no idea how to respond when someone complains about their friend's father."
"So what am I supposed to do now?"
In a weak voice, Robert asked Ernest, who just shrugged his shoulders and replied nonchalantly.
"Just come out to the courtyard with me in the morning two days from now for the duel. That's all there is to it."
"..."
Robert thought deeply with a very serious expression at Ernest's words, then slowly nodded.
"I should just go to sleep."
Right after, Robert flopped down on his bed.
He didn't really get it, but decided to just sleep it off.
Quite a bit of time had passed while Ernest was out meeting Armin, so it was already time for bed. Time to sleep.
News of the duel had already spread throughout the dormitory immediately after Ernest issued his challenge. So it was only natural that the very next morning, a large number of cadets swarmed Ernest to question him about what was going on.
"I have nothing to say."
Ernest firmly refused to answer any of their questions. Of course, Robert—who shared a room with Ernest—also received a barrage of inquiries.
"I'm no different from you guys."
"What are you talking about?"
"I don't know anything either! I just got dragged into this mess because of that damn guy!"
"Dragged in? Dragged into what?"
"Wait, don't tell me—you're not actually taking part in the duel as a Second, are you?"
"...."
"Oh…."
The First-Year Cadets were stunned when they realized that Robert was going to participate as Ernest's Second in the duel, and the group buzzed with excitement.
"Robert, you're a commoner, so you probably don't know this yet, but this is a huge honor."
"Yeah, not just anyone gets chosen to be a Second. You're only asked if you're someone who can be trusted with a person's honor—sometimes even their life."
"And besides, Seconds hardly ever have to fight. As far as I know, there hasn't been a single case in the last fifty years where a Second actually had to take part in a duel."
"How would you know what happened fifty years ago? You're only fourteen."
"It's not like I'm some illiterate savage. Everything's recorded in the archives."
Instead of worrying about Robert, the boys were actually envious. Being chosen as a Second in a duel was rare, and it meant real honor and glory.
Clap clap clap.
"…What's this supposed to be?"
Wilfried gave Ernest three slow claps the moment he saw him that morning, a slightly mischievous smile on his face.
After taking a verbal beating from Wilfried last night, Ernest responded curtly, but Wilfried just flashed a bright smile.
"No, you know what? Three claps was too much. I'll take one back. Still, getting two claps is hardly anything to be upset about."
"...."
"You really do have sharp insight and bold decisiveness. But what impresses me most is your utterly reckless judgment."
"Wilfried, I'll see you at the next mock battle."
Wilfried's face went a little pale at Ernest's retort, but he didn't apologize.
"Honestly, Ernest."
Shifting from the exaggerated tone he'd used a moment before, Wilfried lowered his voice to a serious, almost secretive whisper.
"I'm amazed you could make such a reckless decision with complete sincerity."
Wilfried had put the whole situation together the moment he heard about the duel.
He already had a good idea of what was going to happen next.
"I know this probably won't help you, but maybe it'll be a small comfort."
With that, he narrowed his gem-like, bright blue eyes under his shining blond hair and gave a gentle smile.
"Your plan is going to work. At least, that's how it looks to me."
"...Yeah."
Wilfried might not be some great strategist or power broker, but as the Duke's son, he'd gained a lot of experience with these kinds of problems and had received thorough training. So when he said he truly believed Ernest's plan would succeed, he meant it.
"Don't forget the price."
With those final words, Wilfried brushed past Ernest.
Ernest hadn't followed Wilfried's advice to the letter, but it was that very advice that helped him grasp the situation and devise his plan.
Now, Ernest owed him a debt. He'd have to pay it—by sharing information about himself and the other First-Year Cadets.
As Ernest headed to the dining hall for breakfast, the place was buzzing with excitement—students from every year were chattering about the duel.
Naturally, Ernest and Gunter, the ones actually involved, had all eyes on them.
Unlike the First Years, who were still in the dark, the Senior Students had more or less figured out the situation.
"Wolfram's fiancée—wasn't that Leimann?"
"So, who sent the letter?"
"No idea. I doubt Krieger knows, either—he only received the letter in that form."
No one had deliberately spread rumors, but judging from the circumstances, it was clear enough that things had exploded because someone had sent an adultery letter to Gunter's fiancée, Theresia.
With things escalating like this, even those who'd asked Ernest to deliver their letters began to get uneasy. If the situation got any worse, there would surely be an investigation to uncover the culprit—at which point, their own affairs would be exposed as well.
"We don't know who it is, but shouldn't they come forward themselves, if only to preserve the last shred of honor?"
"Because of them, Wolfram, Leimann, and even Krieger, who's done nothing wrong, are all about to bleed—how can they just hide in silence?"
Everyone was passionately insisting that the culprit had to come clean. Before long, the story made its way to the ears of the First Years as well.
Amid all this chaos, no one mentioned the exact reason why Ernest had challenged Gunter to a duel.
However, it was obvious from the circumstances that it had something to do with Wolfram intimidating Krieger.
As a result, Gunter had no choice but to officially explain the situation in order to clear Wolfram's name.
"Wolfram never tried to intimidate Krieger. That was just a misunderstanding. But Krieger didn't believe me, and he challenged me to a duel."
"Wolfram, but you're the one who decided the terms of the duel, aren't you? That's cowardly and dishonorable. Ernest Krieger is the only heir to his family. Are you planning to wipe out the Krieger line? Don't think for a second that being a Count's son will let you get away with this."
People could accept that Gunter was defending himself.
But as soon as they heard that the duel would be ten paces apart, with both sides shooting until one was dead, they erupted in criticism against Gunter.
"That's enough. Everything has already been settled. If you want to complain, do it after the duel is over."
Gunter felt deeply wronged, having to fight a duel he wanted no part of after falling into Ernest's trap.
But he knew that whining about it now—and ruining the plan—would bring consequences far worse than just feeling wronged, so he held it in and acted firmly.
He had to look like he was truly ready to shoot Ernest dead.
"Krieger."
Among those who knew the whole story, someone stepped forward for Ernest.
"Senior Neumann."
Sebastian Neumann, a fourth-year who owed his life to Ernest after the finals of the Silver Horseshoe Tournament, had put aside his own meal and come to find Ernest in the dining hall.
"If you're willing, I'd like to stand in as your representative for the duel."
Sebastian skipped over the small talk and got straight to the point. His sparkling dark brown eyes were already resolved; he must have mentally prepared himself ever since he heard about the duel.
"You saved my life, so now it's my turn. Please, don't refuse."
Sebastian's confident voice rang out powerfully across the dining hall. Everyone paused their meals, watching the scene with keen interest.
"..."
Gunter couldn't help but scowl at the sight.
Partly, it was because he was really beginning to feel like the villain now, but more than that, if Sebastian entered the duel as Ernest's representative, the whole plan would be thrown into chaos.
"I appreciate the offer. But to accept such repayment from you now, Senior Neumann—it's still too soon."
"Krieger."
"I'll expect to collect in full only once you've been promoted to officer and established yourself, Senior Neumann. And since interest is already accumulating, you'd better brace yourself."
"..."
At Ernest's polite yet witty refusal, Sebastian silently gazed into Ernest's eyes.
After a moment, Sebastian smiled slightly and nodded.
"If that's how you feel, then fine. I understand. Take care of yourself, Krieger."
"Yes, you too, Senior Neumann."
Sebastian stepped back with surprising ease, leaving the other cadets a bit confused. If the duel went forward like this, Ernest might lose his life. So how could he smile and withdraw so readily?
'There's something going on here. Any further interference would only get in the way.'
Sebastian could read it in Ernest's eyes—something Ernest had deliberately let show.
During the finals of the Silver Horseshoe Tournament, the two had exchanged glances several times. That's why Sebastian was able to realize that the calmness in this young boy's gaze was almost unnaturally composed.
There's a plan, and it's already in motion. Getting involved without knowing the details would only make things worse.
Gunter let out a small sigh of relief at the sight. But that only drew renewed criticism toward him.
"So, you're willing to kill a first-year who isn't even of age yet, but you're scared of Neumann, who's just as young but far more skilled?"
"..."
Gunter grit his teeth and forced himself to endure the moment. He felt truly wronged, and the way he glared at Ernest only made his position more convincing in this situation.
Even during that day's drills and lectures, the cadets talked about the duel at every possible opportunity. Naturally, during their free time, everyone was worked up and chatting incessantly about it.
"What on earth is that shameless guy thinking, hiding out when the duel is set to start first thing tomorrow morning!"
"This can't be right. All Krieger did was follow the academy's traditions and fulfill a simple request! Isn't it bad enough he's gotten caught up in this mess—does he really have to risk his life in a duel over it?"
Ernest had made a name for himself at the Silver Horseshoe Tournament and, as the first to earn an outing this year, had done favors for many of his peers.
If Ernest could be said to have committed any wrong, it was simply that he hadn't checked who had sent the letter.
He asked them to just put everything in the box because he found it bothersome.
But to the young nobles who value honor above all else, this looked like Ernest had chosen not to remember the sender of any improper letters or demand payment for their silence, instead publicly declaring he'd follow tradition honorably.
As a result, not only those whose Adultery Letters risked being exposed, but many other cadets as well, insisted this issue needed to be resolved.
With this, just as Wilfried had advised, Ernest took full advantage of everything he could within noble society. But if he had planned to give up here, he would never have started this in the first place
"I'm so scared I can't sleep."
"Go to sleep."
"You jerk! This is all your fault!"
"That's why you should just sleep. By tomorrow morning, we'll have to get ready for the duel and head out before you even have time to think."
"Aaaargh!"
Bang!
"Quiet down!"
"..."
Even though it was already lights out, Robert was yelling so loudly that the duty Disciplinary Instructor came over and scolded him. After that, Robert fell silent and tossed and turned in his bed.
"Hey, Ernest."
"...."
"Are you asleep?"
"...."
"So you're asleep... Right, after putting me through all this, you can just calmly fall asleep on your own…"
"..."
Ernest had to fight hard to ignore Robert's voice. Fortunately, Robert didn't seem intent on muttering all night, so before long, silence settled over the room.
Robert tossed and turned for a while before finally falling asleep. He still felt uneasy, but at least he was reassured that he wouldn't have to participate in the duel himself.
As for Ernest, well, he slept as soundly as ever.
In other words, while he left Robert to stew in anxiety, he himself had a perfect night's sleep.
The eastern sky was beginning to lighten. It was still before wake-up call.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Krieger, Jimman."
"…Yes."
Even though he'd been fast asleep, Ernest woke up immediately and answered as soon as he heard the Disciplinary Officer's voice after the knock.
"Wake Jimman and get ready."
"Yes, understood."
With that, the Disciplinary Officer left again. Ernest then went to wake Robert, who had fallen into a deep sleep and still hadn't woken up.
"Robert, get up. We've got a duel to fight."
"Mmmuuurgh…"
Ernest spoke so casually about the duel that Robert, thinking Ernest was taking it much too lightly, got up without much fuss—though he felt more tired than usual. As usual, they made their beds, washed up, changed into their cadet uniforms, and while tidying his hair, Ernest glanced out the window and realized something was off.
"…Isn't it a bit dark outside?"
"Yeah. The duel was set for early in the morning."
"Oh, right. The duel. The duel."
Robert started fixing his hair again. But his hands were shaking uncontrollably.
"What was a duel again? Was it some sort of training today?"
"It's time to go now."
"Wait! I'm not mentally prepared yet!"
"You don't need to be mentally prepared. All you have to do is show up and stand there."
"I don't want to!"
"We can't be late. The Headmaster will be waiting for us."
Robert knew he had to go no matter what, so he tried to mentally prepare himself despite knowing it was pointless, but he didn't want to keep Armin waiting.
"Ughhh…"
"Walk on your own. You're fine."
"Carry me like Marie does… Waaah!"
Ernest, seeing Robert babbling nonsense in a state of mental collapse, dropped him onto the floor and walked out the door alone.
"What about Jimman?"
"He's coming out."
"Yes! I'm coming!"
Robert quickly dashed out, replying to the Disciplinary Officer who was waiting outside. The officer glanced at the overly composed Ernest and the overly anxious Robert, then spoke in a low voice.
"We have to follow the plan exactly. There can't be any mistakes."
"Yes, sir."
"Jimman, you don't have to do anything at all. When you get down to the courtyard, the Headmaster will be there. Just stand next to the Headmaster."
"Yes, sir…"
"Alright. Let's go."
Ernest and Robert followed the Disciplinary Officer toward the dormitory courtyard.
The courtyard was surrounded on all sides by dormitories, and, naturally, countless cadets were pressed up against the windows, not wanting to miss a moment of what was about to happen.
"My heart feels like it's going to stop."
"It won't."
"No, it really is."
"I told you, it won't."
Ignoring Robert's whining, Ernest strode over to Armin, who was already waiting outside, and saluted. Robert hurried after him and also saluted.
Gunter and his Second were already there too. Robert's whining had made them run a bit late. Because the courtyard where the duel would take place was under the direct control of the Disciplinary Officers, no one could enter without permission.
"Hmm. Everyone's here."
Armin spoke in a weighty voice.
"The duel will be conducted with pistols. You will stand ten paces apart, fire simultaneously, and continue until one of you dies."
Armin's booming voice carried not just across the courtyard but clearly to the cadets watching from the windows.
"Before we begin the duel, I'll ask one last time."
Armin looked back and forth between Ernest and Gunter, who were risking their lives, and posed the question.
"Do either of you wish to cancel the duel or change its terms?"
"No, we do not."
Both Ernest and Gunter answered resolutely. Armin nodded, then opened the large box he'd been holding.
"These are dueling pistols. Take one each and inspect them."
All duels held within the Military Academy were overseen by Headmaster Armin himself. For such occasions, the academy had special pistols prepared solely for dueling.
The dueling pistols were less powerful than regular guns. Although these were Balt Guns, the Balt Battery for firing had been specially made to greatly reduce their explosive force, and the bullets were smaller, so their lethality was lower. Of course, a shot to the chest or head could still kill in an instant.
"No issues."
"No issues."
Ernest was the first to swiftly inspect and confirm the pistol with mechanical precision, and Gunter followed suit.
Gunter felt a chill run through him—not because he intended to actually duel with Ernest, but because he realized that if it came down to a real fight, he would likely lose.
Who would have thought that a fourteen-year-old boy could handle a gun like a battle-hardened veteran?
"These are your bullets. I'll give you three each, and if no winner has emerged after all are used, you'll receive three more."
Armin handed them each a pouch containing three bullets. Ernest and Gunter took them and fastened them securely to their belts Armin gave them three bullets each because that was the custom for duels.
Since this was a duel to the death, it would make sense to provide plenty of bullets. However, even in an actual duel, it was highly likely that after three shots had been exchanged, one side would already be dead and the match decided.
Moreover, if neither had won after three shots each, it was considered proper to stop there.
Anything beyond that was seen as extremely unreasonable and barbaric. So, the unspoken rule was: if there's no winner after three shots, the duel must end.
"Take your positions."
Following Armin's instruction, Ernest and Gunter stood facing each other in the center of the courtyard.
"..."
"..."
Ernest's face, just like his father's, was utterly unreadable.
But on Gunter's face, anxiety flickered; he couldn't tell whether or not things would turn out well.
"Ten paces. Walk five steps each."
At Armin's words, Ernest and Gunter turned their backs to each other and walked five paces forward.
Next to Armin, Robert stood trembling, his face white as a sheet, as if his heart had stopped.
"Load."
At the sound of Armin's command, Ernest opened the chamber cover of his dueling pistol, took a bullet from his pouch, loaded it, and closed the cover.
From the clicks and mechanical sounds behind him, Ernest could tell Gunter had finished loading as well. With his expression blank, Ernest stared straight ahead.
Now, there was only one thing left. When the signal to begin the duel rang out, all he had to do was turn and fire.
This is it.
Truly, this is the end.
This is the last chance.
If not now, there won't be another.
Justification is a very important thing.
Even if everyone knows that this is an "Incident Caused by the Adultery Letter," both the duel participants and the witness, Armin, all claim that this is a "Duel Due to Discord between Ernest and Gunter."
So right now, before the duel begins, if "Ingrid" were to come forward and confess, he could become the person who revealed the secret that must be kept to prevent the "Duel Due to Discord between Ernest and Gunter."
It might sound like wordplay that means nothing, yet such justifications could become the foundation for Major General Armin Mannheim, Headmaster of the Imperial Military Academy, to persuade Count Wolfram, mediate the conflict, and resolve the problem.
Knowing this, Armin also didn't give the signal right away; instead, he simply waited in this tension that seemed to slice right through his heart.
'Are you prepared not to pull the trigger?'
Armin recalled the moment in the past when he had aimed a gun at Haires's head.
The memory of that rainy forest answered the question thrown back at him by the son of Haires.
'Of course. I'm ready, as many times as it takes.'
Armin asked himself the question, and answered it himself. But not everyone could do the same. Armin's black eyes slid indifferently across Gunter's back, who was waiting for the signal.
There's no putting this off any longer.
Time only moves forward; it never comes back.
Armin slowly opened his mouth.
And then, a sharp sound echoed through the courtyard of the Imperial Military Academy dormitory.