Wilson was full of smiles as he could finally see where most of the unruly ones were. He didn't mind being dragged from place to place if it meant he could vent a little. Putting them down a peg or two will be fun.
Raphael gleefully introduced him to the nobles gathered in the courtyard. Wilson knew of them back in his previous life. Thinking about it, he was quite pathetic working with this bunch. Promiscuous, lazy, ambitious, and fatuous.
Bloodline-wise, they are from respectable families. But they are the black sheep or those who know how to disguise themselves well. Full of bad habits and quite lacking in actual talent to be a threat.
Unfortunately as well, some of them got to inherit their parents' position due to his help. Thinking about it, Wilson felt shame for what he did. These bunch were simply unworthy and he enabled them to make many suffer due to misplaced support.
"Mr. Thymes, I've long heard of your fame," said a teen whom Wilson remembered to be from the House of Mare; his name was Tyron, if he remembered it right.
"Same to you as well, Mr. Mare," Wilson replied amicably. "I heard of your accomplishments in the latest royal hunt. I admired your aim for taking down the Forest Pantera back then."
Tyron looked too pleased with Wilson's pleasantries. Taking deep pride on a feat that his knights did and only claiming their credits, not caring that his loyal knights suffered and a few died for an honor he hoarded.
"With the Third Prince's generosity, we finally get to see each other. I'm sad to hear that you weren't available at the past gathering," Tyron said as he was handed a sword by one of the younger nobles that was following him. "With your immaculate reputation, would you dignify us with a casual spar? Something to remember you by before you leave."
"I see no problem with that," Wilson replied positively. "I didn't bring my sword with me. I can't really welcome my father with a sword. He'll beat me for such a weapon when we're not in a state of war."
"Don't worry about that, we have a few swords available laying around here." Tyron replied. Someone volunteered to lend his sword even before a servant went to fetch one for them.
As for who volunteered, it was no other than Diane who instructed Greselle to give her sword temporarily. Only then did the young nobles remember that there is royalty among them currently. They were quick to give their greetings. Diane only waved them off, stating that she liked to see them so lively so she didn't mind.
Some of the young nobles who do value manners and etiquette still gave an apology, handing over a token of sorts to Haselle who accepted the gift on the princess's behalf.
"With a sword on hand, what parameters does our spar have?" Wilson asked Tyron as he made a few moves to get a feel on Greseele's sword. It's a little heavier than that of his own sword. But considering the sword style of the House of Yeils, it makes sense it is on the heavier side.
"How about a best of three?" Tyron said, his eyes looking at Wilson like he was showing off. "See the markers on that side? The winner is the one that stays inside."
"Taboos?" Wilson easily accepted.
"No permanent harm to the participants. How's that sound?"
"Reasonable." Wilson didn't have any problem with that. But he had to warn anyone who may challenge him. "That would be noted. However, I must let you all know that under no circumstances will my eyes be allowed to be closed for a long time other than a necessary blink. I'm a little dangerous with my eyes closed than with open eyes."
"What? Do you mean, you might randomly strike if your eyes are not open?" Raphael said with a playful tap on Wilson's shoulder.
"Not really." Wilson didn't want to elaborate. His eyes were straight on Tyron with a smile on his face. "Would you like to start now?"
"Right away." Tyron said as the others cleared the space.
"If you boys don't mind, I'll be the referee." Diane said as she stood between the two before Raphael get to volunteer as one. "Don't worry, I'm accomplished at swords as well. I'm more than capable to facilitate the spar."
Raphael only smiled and allowed Diane to take over the role. Though his red face is telling something else. It is telling enough that something is being brewed for this whole spar.
Diane announced the agreed conditions for winning and what is the taboo for the match. As the two men confirmed the details, Diane announced the start of the spar. She made a few step backwards as the two drew their swords against each other.
Wilson's eyes were on his opponent's sword. He didn't look at Tyron nor did he mind the noises as soon as the spar began. It was a bad habit he developed sparring with his father: learning to understand the sword's trajectory and observe the opponent's habits through their sword handling.
This has not changed even after a lifetime. As long as it was a spar, this was his default state. In actual combat though, he does have a different approach.
After a few exchanges, Wilson got a read on Tyron's habits. As he expected, the other did have a foundation with the sword. However, he lacked the proper attitude in swordsmanship. His grip is not tight enough. From his rhythm, he didn't really train enough to develop the gauge for strategy. He preferred to overpower his opponents at the start with raw power.
Wilson both hated and liked this type of opponent. He liked them as they are easy to defeat. He just needs to parry their sword enough for them to drop it and the spar is done.
And the thing he hated about them was that they are often sore losers who don't accept loss easily. The type who try to talk down their opponents during fights and resort to trickery. The end of the spars or fight are often a mess and he doesn't like to deal with such.
So to protect a vain person's vain pride, Wilson decided to drag the spar long enough to make it seem like it was a fair fight.
Two minutes. Wilson silently counted the seconds. A duration of two minutes should be enough. And adding the other 2 rounds, this farce with Tyron should be done by ten minutes. That would be enough for Alexus and Chris to arrive.
With that in mind, he now has the time to look around the gallery. He could see Diane looked at him with a playful smile. The other young nobles enjoyed themselves at the match. And then there is Raphael and his goons, they looked a little too excited.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see them whispering. He gave longer attention to them. He could make out their mouths a little. With a little focus on it, he could pick up a word or two.
Wilson was a little thoughtful at what he was picking up. But he didn't allow the knowledge to disturb his spar. As soon as the two minutes were up, he made a strong strike that made Tyron's sword go flying.
As their winning condition was to make the other step out of bounds of the marked area, Wilson simply hit Tyron with the hilt of his sword to make him tumble out the line.
Diane announced the winner as soon as she saw Tryon out. There was a little cheer over the match. Whispers followed and a few discussions.
"That's a great start." Wilson offered a hand to Tyron. "Want to start the second one right away?"
Tryon looked black-faced at his loss. But not yet too irked at his display. He agreed for the second round to start promptly. His servant retrieved the fallen sword.
With them all ready for the next fight, they went back on the center of the marked lines. Diane examined them for a moment to make sure that they are all good to continue. She asked a few questions as well before she announced the start of the new round.
Same as the first time, Tyron is reckless. Though this time, he is more forceful at his strikes. Making huge swings and trying to overwhelm him with speed as well.
Wilson skillfully dodges his strikes with grace. He was being backed to the marks. The plan was obvious enough.