As soon as Albert fell to his knees, Lin followed him. Albert landed face down on the ground and Lin lied down on his back. Seeing this Rose was extremely confused.
Rose: What the hell...?
He looked back at Albert but saw no movement, so he immediately turned to Lin to see that he was still conscious. Lin's eyes were both open and he seemed pretty angry. It was almost as if he wanted to shout.
Lin: Ugh...what...??!
Albert: Ah...ag..
The moment both talked and tried moving, Rose realised what had happened. They both were drugged. And there was only one who would do this. He turned to see Olaf smiling and walking towards him. He was accompanied by Bjorn who was carrying Melissa. Olaf himself was dragging David in the ground by pulling his hair. And in his right hand was a long, thin pipe.
Olaf: Ha! Not so fast are we??
Olaf stomped on the fallen Albert, and kicked him to see his face. He then bent low to open the cloth on his eyes. He was surprised to see that Albert had pretty normal eyes.
Olaf: That's weird! I thought you were heavily scarred or something, but you are just a poser, ha!
Rose walked upto the extremely smug Olaf. Olaf got back up.
Rose: Were you the one that incapacitated them?
Olaf bowed down as if honoring his Commander.
Olaf: Well, yeah! Out of all our enemies I thought these two were the most dangerous. So i used my Poisoned needles to strike at them when they were fighting you. Poor men couldn't even sense it! I suggest we behead them!!
Rose: Olaf!
Olaf: Yeah..?
Olaf was surprised seeing Rose shout his name which was something he had never done. As soon as he asked that, his carefree smile was destroyed as he felt the taste of Rose's fist on his face. Blood oozing out of his already destroyed face, Olaf looked up to him, extremely saddened.
Olaf: What the f- Why did you do THAT??!
Rose immediately grabbed him by the neck and pulled him closer, glaring into his eyes.
Rose: Did I order you to shoot them with your needles??!
Olaf: But I thought-
Rose: Did you think I was GOING TO LOSE?!?!
Olaf: What no! I just wanted to -
Rose: SILENCE!!!
Olaf immediately shut his trap seeing the extremely enraged Rose. The grip on his throat tightened, almost as if getting to snap his neck. Olaf was already healing his nose which had suffered further more damages. Despite wanting to argue, he was terrified with the look that Rose had ok his face.
Olaf: Rose, buddy...I was just-
Rose: Commander! COMMANDER Rose! I'd suggest you call me appropriately if you wish to converse with me.
He pulled the terrified Olaf closer.
Rose: I don't care if you are loyalty or if you have talent. When you work below me, you work FOR ME. I get to decide what I do. Or what any of you guys do! Do you understand, soldier?
Olaf: Y-yes...
Rose let go of his neck as he clutched it, and felt all the pain. Olaf then turned to look at the lying bodies.
Rose: So, how long until they can move...?
Olaf: Umm....about six hours....Commander..
Rose sighed to himself. Then he picked up one of the blades, that flew right into his palms. Then he walked towards Albert. He then questioned him.
Rose: If I kill you here....do I get the ownership to your blade?
Albert snickered despite being unable to move.
Albert: The Excalibur can only be transferred if I want to pass it to someone, or if someone bests me in an honorable combat to the death. And nothing bout this was...HONORABLE...hahha..
Rose didn't seem angry anymore, just disappointed. He raised his sword intending to kill Lin, as a last ditch effort to make Albert feel pain. But Albert spoke up.
Albert: Don't! You will regret it.
Rose turned back to look at him.
Rose: Why would I be regretful for this??
Albert just smiled as his eyes met the one above him.
Albert: Because I did tell you. That man will defeat you! I KNOW he is stronger than you....but I get it. Even though you had help from someone else, you still want to get rid of a potential threat!
Rose just laughed, as it was obvious what he was trying to do.
Rose: You think I won't realise what you are trying to do, Samurai? You think I'd get riled up by that? I know that he is way weaker than me, and even if I spare him that weakling would never defeat me.
Albert: Yeah...so you say, but you are still trying to kill him, cause you know deep down that he is stronger.
Rose's eyes' started twitching. He knew that Albeet was trying to manipulate him, to save his comrade, but his pride wouldn't allow him to kill Lin.
Rose: You know what? I'll spare you both, just because my STUPID subordinate thought to interfere. Or else I wouldve dismembered all your limbs by now. But...
Olaf interfered when Rose said he would spare them. He placed his palm on Rose's shoulder.
Olaf: We shouldn't listen to them,....Commander!! They are trying to manipulate you!!
Rose: I know THAT fool. And get your hands off me. My pride is at the line here, since it was your worrisome meddling. Unlike you, all the other Knights have some semblance of honour!!!
Olaf quickly backed away and stepped on David's head, but didn't move. He didn't care.
Rose looked at Albert on the ground.
Rose: Fine. I'll give you a chance. We unfortunately can't stay here. Our chariot is waiting and we are going back....but I'll wait for you. For HIM. I'll give you as many months as you want, train him and bring him to me. And once I defeat him, I want a duel with you. I really really need that Excalibur of yours.
Albert choked a bit and coughed, Lin wanted to talk, but he didn't utter a word. All his pride was destroyed in that fight, and he didn't know if he could defeat Rose.
Rose: I'll give you about ten months to train. Would it suffice?? Although our lovely princess will be executed immediately after reaching the palace in about three days...so don't even bother coming to rescue her!
Albert: Months? Ha...!!!
Rose walked up to Lin and dropped both his Kukri blades next to him. He stood, towering above him.
Rose: I give you the Chance, Xi Fei Lin!! Come and defeat me with the next year! I'll be waiting!! And don't even THINK of running away!!