Flashback, 2 years ago, Crimson Raid tavern
“Hmm? How to stop an angry beastfolk? You sure ask some weird questions, Magnus,” Zecros slurred, his pantherian tail swaying as he leaned over his ale mug.
“I just thought you would be the best person to ask.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right pantherian. Just remember to buy me a drink later…”
“Aren’t you drunk enough?”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that one. Now… hicc... Let’s see. We beastfolk are indeed a race filled with personal pride. I can’t imagine what would happen to you if you would ever meet a lionfolk. Well… let me think.
.
.
.
You know, there is one thing that will stop any beastfolk in their tracks. Just say: Anshivita Maglaive El Lyrian.”
“What does that mean? That’s not a language I know.”
“It’s not a language. It’s more of a secret code. Listen, I can’t translate it because it doesn’t have a translation. You take it as is. So once you say that, the other party should answer: Ashante.
Once that happens, you’re safe. All you have to do is say ‘let’s meet up here tomorrow’ and then you go into hiding for a couple of days… hicc... That should do the trick. You’ll be safe.”
“Are you sure about this? It sounds far fetched.”
“Don’t argue with me. It will make sense with some booze. Come. You drink with me too, hahaha!”
Why the hell did I ever listen to Zecros? Either he was too drunk to give me a correct answer, or he was just messing with me back in the days. My tail twitched, the river’s murmur and soft grass underfoot doing little to calm me. I thought that was supposed to be a panic button, but apparently whatever I said was literally a form of duel challenge.
I wanted to avoid fighting, but I instigated her instead.
“Would it be possible to meet here tomorrow?” I asked, my voice wavering.
“Huh!? You want a delay? Why would I accept something like that? We’ll quickly settle things here and now! Pull out whatever catalyst you’re using and let’s get this over with. I’m reclaiming my pride!” Leona snapped, her stance tense, sword gleaming with runes.
I gulped audibly, my scales prickling under her amber glare. She had no openings, her killing intent a wall I couldn’t climb. I felt small, my hand still trembling from blocking her earlier strike.
Whistle blowing
A sharp whistle cut through the air, followed by the rhythmic thud of hooves on grass. My lizardfolk ears caught the clink of armor as a group of knights on horseback appeared, their banners fluttering. One rider dismounted, her small figure striding forward with authority.
“Halt! Please cease these hostilities!” she called.
I knew her instantly—Silkzesta Feris, captain of the law enforcement knights. A halfling, half-elf and half-dwarf, her pointed ears and short stature were unmistakable. Despite her height—shorter than Rusalka—she was a vision, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight. A level 172 warrior, the strongest non-adventurer in town, she’d saved me countless times in Crimson Raid’s early days. Her calm demeanor hid an inferiority complex about her physique, and she loathed mentions of her height, stairs, or tall bookshelves.
“Huh!? Is that you pipsqueak? Gosh, it’s been like forever. You still didn’t have your growth spurt, it seems,” Leona said, smirking.
“Your manners also haven’t improved. You’re as rude as always, saintess-san,” Silkzesta shot back, her eyes narrowing.
Sparks practically flew between them. I hadn’t known they were acquainted, but their history was clear.
“While I would love to chat with you some more, I’ve been challenged to an Anshivita. I must deal with that before anything else,” Leona said, gripping her sword.
Silkzesta glanced at me, her gaze sharp, then turned back to Leona. “I am well aware of your traditions, however aren’t you mixing up your priorities?”
“What do you mean?”
“Even if you got challenged, your first duty would be to give your greetings to our feudal lord.”
“That is…”
“Are you saying you planned to make a mess in someone else’s backyard without asking for permission? And if I was informed correctly you came here on guild business. Even before that you would need to give a full report to the Church of Light about your intentions, so your main goal has to wait until tomorrow anyway.”
“Fine, fine. Geez. You sound like my mother. Oi, lizard! We’re leaving this for tomorrow. But if you don’t show up, I assure you there will be no place you can hide. I will find you!” Leona warned, her eyes blazing.
“I… understand.”
I dodged a bullet—for now. Hiding was an option, but my gut said it wouldn’t end well.
“If you’re that worried, don’t worry, I’ll personally escort this guy back here and act as an overseer for the match,” Silkzesta said, her tone firm.
“If it’s you that’s saying this, I suppose that’s ok,” Leona replied, sheathing her blade.
The knights readied a horse for Leona, her ponytail swaying as she mounted. Silkzesta passed by me, her small frame radiating authority. She leaned close, her voice a low whisper.
“Meet me at the fountain plaza at noon. Don’t you dare not show up. We need to talk.”
She didn’t wait for a reply, striding back to her horse. An order from the captain—I had no choice but to comply.
The knights rode off, leaving me in the quiet clearing, the river’s murmur returning. Rusalka’s sniffles broke the silence, her hands clutching my cloak, tears streaming down her face. “Master… I’m sorry. This is all my fault! In the end… sniff... I’m so useless… please… don’t hate me.”
Sigh
I placed my hand on her head, patting gently, her hair soft under my claws.
“I’m not going to hate you for something like that. And this isn’t your fault. Accidents will happen. It was all just bad luck. So don’t cry.”
“But…”
“It’s fine. I’ll be alright. I’m happy that you’re worried about me. It really has been a long time… since I experienced this feeling. I forgot how pleasant it is. So don’t worry. I am not someone that can die easily. I’ll figure something out.”
“Uwaaa!! Master!! I love you!” she cried, throwing her arms around me.
“There, there.”
I hugged her back, her warmth pressing against me, her… assets a bit too pleasant. No, no, no—back to reality. I couldn’t get distracted now.
“Anyway, look on the bright side. You leveled up quite a bit. Let’s get back to town for now. It's gonna take some time to get back on foot and we don’t want to make Silk-chan wait for us.”
Maybe she’d have advice on dodging this duel. Hopefully.