story_ashlok_1_1

A beautiful lunge! The scion of Bolesław shows no mercy to his former comrade!

But his conservative style is no match for the roar of a gun. Ashlock Knight blocks the attack with her shield again and backs her opponent into a corner.

Bear in mind, you can place a bet on your favorite with just the push of a button!

Turn your fortunes around overnight—only in Kazimierz!

Now's your chance, Greynuty.

You stand before me because you've made a choice. Don't tell me you're regretting it now.

Think of it as doing a favor for a friend—

Kill me.

Two weeks ago...

Get him! Strike the gap between his pauldrons and gauntlets... beautiful!

Keep it down, Joey, everyone's staring.

Keep it down in a bar? I want to see the Infected take that noble down a notch!

Uh... no offense, Greynuty, Arbat.

Ruger's been on a win streak. Looks like he was telling the truth in those interviews where he said he was using Arts to improve his fighting style.

On the other hand, the only thing worth talking about the heir of Oz for is his sponsored power boots.

Checkmate.

Nice. Guess reading the papers every day really can do some good.

Of course.

Sigh... You got me, Greynuty. That's more than the 'I played a bit when I was little' level.

I had a lot of cousins with too much free time.

You might've had a chance, if you weren't too focused on saving your knight.

Can we actually act like we're in a bar?

This isn't the first time they've played chess as a form of tactical training. You, on the other hand, need to reflect on how you let your opponent have his way with you in that last elimination match.

Hey, I wasn't trained from birth like you lot.

All I wanted to do was to open a little shop in Kawalerielki. Getting infected wasn't part of the plan. Tourneys are fast money. I'll retire once I've made enough.

Excuse me. Are you Ashlock Knight?

Yes.

I'm with The Red Wine. We sent an inquiry to your temporary residence a few days ago, but it seems there was a small issue...

I've been very impressed with your performance, and I believe you have a serious chance to make some noise in the Major.

Thank you.

The public would be very interested in your private life, outside of the arena.

For example, this bar you frequent, your everyday training, and... the details of your exile from the Kaliskas.

My life isn't nearly as colorful as you think it is.

I've heard that you bear a grudge against your family. A single headline can draw more eyes and increase your influence more effectively than the slim hopes of a Major title.

Who doesn't love a good story, after all?

You can make up your own gossip, but today is my day off and I want to spend it playing chess with my friends.

Very well. Sorry to bother you.

My, my, Grey turns down an interview from The Red Wine just for us!

A tragic infection, a split from the family, a journey to Kawalerielki all by herself... a sob story draws more attention than cannonfire.

We don't fight on paper with ink, Joey. Looking for shortcuts will just make you lose sight of what really matters.

Arbat's right. I hate the hypocrites in my family, but I'm even less interested in using them to draw attention.

The Red Wine just started a new column, interviewing noble-born competition knights, in order to get support and sponsorship from noble houses.

I thought Arbat's family was even higher in status historically. Why didn't the reporter—

Hey! What are you doing... *ahem* I mean, it was his loss for not recognizing you, Arbat.

I'm glad to get to avoid a nosy reporter, and I give thanks to the proud and dignified House of Bolesław, which left neither money nor trouble to its descendants.

Let's get back to our game, Greynuty.

Careful with your armor. At this range, you'll catch yourself in the blast.

You have the advantage at range. I must think about how to deal with this problem.

You really don't talk in a match, do you?

In that case...

Not fast enough.

My magazine... is empty.

I see there's no other choice but to make you recall 'old habits'.

I'm glad I'm not good enough to spar with Ashlock Knight, Robert.

I know the feeling.

Don't bother us while we're training.

Even a blank's got plenty of power. That wall looks like it could collapse any moment now... again.

Ahem. I'll pay for the repairs.

...Once last week's tournament money is in my account.

This can be repaired with some old bricks and synthetic glue. That's how I fixed up the family garden before it was put up as collateral. Won't cost too much.

But we've got a little guest to deal with first, who seems to have been drawn by the sound of cannonfire.

A-Ashlock Knight? I just wanted to ask if you might sign an autograph for me. I've watched all your tournaments...

Well, listened to them on the radio... I don't mean to interrupt your training, maybe I should—

It's no bother at all.

What's your name?

Diane!

Here's your autograph. Thank you for your support.

Is there anything else?

*Sigh*...

Why do you like the Ashlock Knight, Diane?

B-Because cannons are so cool! I don't know why my friends keep saying that a knight should use a sword, when shields and cannons are so awesome!

Besides, she protected my mom and dad when those people in black attacked the settlement!

And, and... I'm short too.

Er...

I'm sure the Ashlock Knight would be happy to give you a spent shell, since you're such a fan.

Take it.

Feel free to find me if you ever want another autograph... just be careful not to get hurt by the training knights.

Thank you! I'll come again. Good luck in your next match!

Why do fans love this piece of wood?

Thanks, Arbat. You're good with children.

I get along well enough with my niece and nephew. Fortunately, they're my diehard fans, and they haven't been converted by you just yet.

You've got plenty of fans. They like the image of a gentle, classical knight.

I'm sure I could get Master Bolesław to go easy on me if I begged.

He won't.

Arbat goes all out in every match, to show respect to his opponent, and for his own convictions.

I appreciate the praise. And I'm looking forward to our match.

I won't hold back.

Why are you two making duel arrangements when we're supposed to be going to watch Robert's match?

It's alright, all I'm doing is trying to survive.

Letter for Sir Arbat Bolesław.

Thank you.

Thanks for the autograph! I'll keep rooting for you!

Hey, is it just me, or has Arbat been acting a little weird lately?

You're just jealous.

You bet I am! How did he win so many fans in the span of a few matches?

Did you read the column? Amidst vulgar boasts of noble status, Arbat's interpretation of chivalry touches the spirit.

But his convictions about family are not to the taste of most Kazimierzians.

Green with envy, are you, Rob?

No...

You've really been pushing yourself lately, Arbat.

Like you, I have my eye on the Major.

An outstanding performance, Arbat Bolesław.

You should come to the banquets more often. We thought no one would take up the mantle of Bolesław.

Thank you, sir. I'm afraid I've been too busy with matters at home to attend banquets.

Have your butler pick up the invitation next time... ah, I apologize, I forgot that the Bolesławs no longer have any servants. I must trouble you to pick it up from my servant personally, then.

...Thank you for your understanding.

You're not angry?

This sort of contempt is nothing.

Master Bolesław.

Sorry, I have an appointment. See you later, friends.

He's been doing a lot of invitationals. Hasn't trained with us for a while.

That reporter's from The Red Wine. Don't tell me that Arbat...

Don't worry, he can take care of himself.

He didn't tell us he was having trouble with the estate. We didn't know he was almost kicked out of his home along with his nephews until after the season.

Let's go get a drink! If Greynuty says he's fine, then he's fine. Maybe he's just tired.

I guess... it's not like we can do anything to help.

Could you stop being so negative...?

...It's as agreed then, Master Bolesław. The contract is already in effect.

But you don't need me to tell you that the more important the match, the more attention people will pay, such as...

I'm quite happy with the General Chamber of Commerce's conditions. I just need time to prepare.

You should leave your shield and cannon behind when you're eavesdropping, Greynuty.

I know you're looking for an explanation.

Joey could barge in at any time and punch that addled head of yours.

It's obvious that you came alone. You didn't want them to worry.

And because whatever choice you make, you'll never endanger your friends.

I appreciate your trust.

But this also means you're going to do something stupid to yourself.

I'm suddenly reminded that I haven't invited a friend to Bolesław Manor yet, since my parents entrusted me with the family.

Will you be my first guest, Ashlock Knight?

My father taught me how to use a sword here in this garden when I was little. He told me that the Bolesławs may not be rich, but our conviction will help us triumph over the wealthy and powerful who look down on us.

I became a competition knight to make ends meet after my parents passed. Since I was unable to pay the registration fee to qualify directly, I had to start with the qualifiers, which is how I met you and the others.

Robert didn't think you would really treat us as friends in the beginning. You were noble and uninfected.

I comforted myself with the vile thought that at least what I was facing was much easier than what Infected knights have to put up with.

But the family's finances grew even more dire, and I could not ignore the burden that my parents had left me. I must revive this forgotten house of knights, and make people remember the name Bolesław.

Winning the championship is our common goal. I'll prove to the Kaliskas that I didn't bring shame on the family, and you can win the support of even more people.

But I'm tired, Greynuty.

All those matches have done less than a single article in the paper. This garden making it back into my hands is proof.

The effect of an article is fleeting. You can't rely on them.

True. Which is why I made a decision.

The last round of the qualifiers, the duel between you and I—

End my life there, Ashlock Knight.

Are you insane? You used your life to bargain with the General Chamber of Commerce?

They can fulfill my dream of bringing glory to the Bolesławs.

You said we don't fight on paper. Who is the one who's lost sight of what really matters?

I received a notice of bankruptcy from the bank.

What?

There is no time. Fan support brings only brief consolation in the face of my family's inevitable decline.

From a young age I developed the habit of reading the papers. Aside from details on my competitors, I also look for reports about myself, about House Bolesław.

Why care about empty fame?

Because my family treated me well. Because I identify with the heritage of chivalry. I didn't want my family's hopes and traditions to end with me, and for that, I was willing to suffer empty fame.

Think about it, Greynuty.

The Kaliskas exiled you, and everyone thinks you hate your family. But was there not a single person in House Kaliska whom you respected, who treated you well?

Shield up, cannon up, bombard!

Greynuty, you're a good sprout.

Remember the motto of House Kaliska—

I want to do something for them.

I'm not afraid to die. I'm more afraid to see the headlines say, 'Historic Knightly House Bolesław Ends at Arbat.'

Or that it would happen and go unnoticed by the papers.

Greynuty, my friend in knighthood, if it's by your hand that all this comes to an end...

No.

It will be a true knightly duel, the cannon of Kaliska versus the sword of Bolesław.

We will fight without regret and fulfill my final wish. Make me forget the scorn that all those nobles have shown the Bolesławs.

No.

My obituary will be the headline. By contract, House Bolesław will be able to hire servants and tutors again, so that my niece and nephew may see through their studies.

When they come of age, they will walk the paths they chose for themselves with pride.

The Bolesławs you're picturing are no different from the Kazimierzian nobles running around today. You could have changed it all.

Why are you still holding that cannon?

If you can't answer the question, then you understand.

Even if you decline my challenge, I will continue to seek my curtain call in official competition.

You can't bargain your own life away...

I know. But this is the most valuable chip I have.

That was powerful! How does Ashlock Knight wield her cumbersome shield so deftly, at her petite size?

Even the noble heir of classical swordplay seems to struggle with the skills of the Infected knight, honed over hundreds of underground matches!

The knight of Bolesław has fallen! Let us now congratulate—

Wait... do my eyes deceive me? The son of Bolesław rises again, carrying the knightly honor of his family on his shoulders!

*Cough* Too light... far too light.

You're trying to avoid making the choice. Do you look down on my determination too, just like those incompetent nobles?

You know what I've fought for for so long, but you stand coldly between me and glory. I ask only one thing of you—

Greynuty Kaliska! Fire your cannon!

Let us see how the pioneers and masters of the southern woods once built the Kaliska fortune with gunpowder!

Do you see this shining badge, my dear Arbat? I leave the Bolesławs in your hands.

Let us see what injustice and scorn you had to fight through to reach the doors of the Major!

Are you sure about this, master, becoming a competition knight...? Pay no heed to the words of a distant relative, sir. The fate of the family is beyond what you or I can control.

*Pant* *pant... Let them see...

Let them see that there is still someone who remembers the pride of the knight amongst the Bolesławs... let all bear witness to his final blaze of glory, reigniting the fire of his family...

The silent knight raises her weapon and points it at her exhausted friend.

Yes, Greynuty... I knew you wouldn't be so cruel... you'll fulfill our promise... you've never let a friend down.

What...?

I'm empty.

Greynuty!

You promised me that this would be a true duel between knights, each side giving their all for their unfulfilled dreams, holding nothing back, leaving no regrets.

You should've noticed that I fired my last shell before you went down.

What was going through your head when you swung at me? Ancient knightly ideals, or were you absorbed with your own noble sacrifice?

I know the answer.

The gunnery skills my grandmother taught me do indeed belong to the Kaliskas, and that's not something that I can just toss away. I can, however, choose to aim my cannon at a different enemy.

This is a conviction that belongs to me, not my family.

Greynuty...

You are unable to continue fighting, Arbat. The winner is decided.

Say goodbye to your headline and your family's glory, then—

Live for yourself.

...It was a clash between two nobles fallen on hard times, an elegy of chivalry! The scion of the Bolesławs and the pariah of Kaliska Forestry have come together in a magnificent display in the finals of the Major qualifiers! Bolesław showed no fear in the face of gunfire, while Ashlock Knight displayed a compassionate heart beneath her steely surface...

Bolesław fought his last duel prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice... figuratively speaking, of course. We are firm believers in the purity of competition and we will never promote violence and gore for the sake of drama.

It is with great regret that we report on the retirement of Sir Arbat Bolesław and the bankruptcy of his family. However, in a show of respect, several corporations from the General Chamber of Commerce have offered to fund repairs and renovations of Manor, and a stipend for Sir Arbat while he recuperates.

It is incontrovertible proof that a competition knight of Kawalerielki who pleases the audience is always duly rewarded.

—Special Commentator from The Red Wine, Representative of the General Chamber of Commerce

You've been staring at the headlines for a while. Are you gonna buy or not?

...Yes.

Want the extra? You get the latest gossip here, not found anywhere else...

No, I'm visiting a sick man, and that's a little too strong for him.

I've heard there's a story behind both of those knights. One's family just went bankrupt, while the other is helping the Infected.

Things sure have changed. Since when did the nobles start caring about the Infected?

Does it make more sense for Infected to help Infected?

Fair enough...

Oh, sorry, didn't see you.

It's fine. A paper, please. I want to see what's new on the tournament circuit.

Here you go.

Pretty good business today. I should make a wager at the arena after I close up!

But since when did we get so many Zalaks here in Kawalerielki?