Clumps of snow plopped on the ground, dislodged from their branches, around the unconscious Sir Eugene. When the tree settled, Priestess Evelyn hurried forward and held the back of her hand to his nose and mouth. Elin kneeled on Sir Eugene's opposite side.

"He yet lives," she reported. "Though Sir Eugene is not in danger, I will triage with healing magics."

Priestess Evelyn's business-like voice betrayed her lack of concern, or her discipline stifled her worry. Elin couldn't decide which. Either way, neither woman wanted to assist him. They acted from obligation. If he died, then the situation grew more complicated.

When Elin discovered the fight, her first priority, Walter's safety, compelled her to cease it. She demanded, Walter ignored. Next, she moved to drag her lover off and deal with the honor-breaking later. A 'Level 100's' strength trivialized the task. Sir Eugene insulted her, Walter slapped him with Magic Missile.

That dark whispering voice, not heard since the Nosferatu boss fight, crept up from the back of her skull and made uncomfortable sense.

Why not let Walter practice on Sir Eugene?

The Five Kingdom's Congress ended soon. None of the representatives would overstay, too dangerous, and if the peace talks failed, war threatened. Walter exterminated monsters calmly now, much improved since his first and second goblin kills. But, at war, he would face the enlightened races. He needed this experience. His world lived free of excessive battle, and, if Walter's gentle character stumbled, Elin planned to insulate him from combat. Her bloody hands would keep his clean.

Moreover, Elin's curiosity piqued; Walter threw down the gauntlet. Show me why.

Hesitation never manifested.

This brutal one-sided duel was a farce. Elin never detected Walter lacked control. He attacked at his own pace, waited so he could deflect a sure-hit ability, employed creative methods, and finished with a coup de grace. A rabbit under a huntsmen's bow fared better than Sir Eugene against Walter's magic. The rabbit might escape.

Walter claimed me in a duel. No. He's dispassionate, there must exist reasons for his actions, so I'm entertaining a one-sided fantasy--but it is enjoyable. Elin's hips throbbed, and she chewed her thumb. Tragically, no more Heart's Herb remains. How unfair.

Elin resisted the inevitable sigh. When we partied with 'Resurrection,' Walter kept his cool with Adem, even then.

"I hope you know what you are doing," Priestess Evelyn said.

Legally, while a grey area, the duel's legitimacy resisted contestation. Wilmand Kingdom's laws prioritized by echelon and then distributed by the sphere of influence. The process originated at a royal decree, expanded with policy-writing and delegation from the nobility, and ended when implemented as bylaws from guilds, temples, and land-holders.

They dueled on Lady Elin's land, outside of the city walls; Walter and Sir Eugene fought under Adventurer Guild law. If Elin forbade the duel, then they engaged in illegal violence on her property, and she must punish them according to the higher law. For Walter's sake, she declined. Likewise, the guild would not undermine a century of precedent.

The Temple of Gaia, and his unknown host, sent Sir Eugene and expected Elin to reject him. The issue was how to be rid of him. If she utilized her position as the lady of the property and commanded Sir Eugene to leave, then she could be painted as authoritative. Chasing him away: reckless. If she tolerated him, or even pretended to, then she'd be called lustful. The Qualms of Heroism entangled her.

But she didn't have to act, because of Walter's challenge, and if Sir Eugene couldn't best her 'squire,' then how could he be worthy of the heroine? Furthermore, an argument for his removal as deponent formulated, under the same premise.

"Walter, you're brilliant." Elin glanced at him with a grin, reasoning out his plan. Her smile faded.

Walter stared at the snow. Sir Eugene's golden dog tag turned over and over in his hand. Emotions seldom rippled across his face, like a river undercurrent, but Elin learned his signals. Concentration furrowed his brow, and runaway worry moved his mouth closer to one cheek.

Ah, he didn't plan this at all!

Elin, the Rose of the Rapier, stepped into the bustling Adventurer's Guild, the crowd quieted. All eyes fixated on her. When she approached Lucy's receptionist's desk, head's swiveled.

Queued up adventurer's shuffled to the side. No rule existed to favor her, but being snide and denying preferential treatment might ensure an ousting because many wanted to be in Elin's good graces.

Lucy smiled and bowed her head, "Lady Elin? To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"I'm here to report the resolution of a duel."

"Between you and which foolish party?" Lucy centered a form on the desk and entered information on Elin's behalf.

"Not I. I'm reporting it since the duel fell under my purview, being on my property. The two arriving now are the combatants."

Sir Eugene crossed the doorway, and he released a rugged sigh. While healed, dried blood still caked his face, and he advanced with a caution encouraged by pain. His scuffed leather cuirass needed replacement. Some parts outright snapped under Walter's tremendous battering pressure. He carried his helmet under his arm, dented to uselessness, and one of the antlers sheared clean off. A purple knot the size of a mushroom bulged on Sir Eugene's temple.

Seeing no other injured adventurers, Lucy asked, "Who is the other?"

Elin tilted her head to Walter, who, at the moment, held the door open for Priestess Evelyn.

"Your supplier?!"

Guild custom prescribed duelists conclude their business while on the premises, over a flask of ale. Before the first drink finished, neither could leave. If hard feelings persisted, then the guild mediated it.

Sir Eugene downed his jug and lifted it at the serving girl for a second.

"Sir, you shouldn't drink heavily after receiving severe wounds--"

"The first doesn't count!" Impatient, he waved the pewter at her until she rolled her eyes and refilled it. He emptied half of that cup as well, before wiping away the dribble.

Sir Eugene leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "I've been thrashed before, but not like that. I couldn't even fight back. What family are you from, kid?"

Walter sipped and said into his ale, "No idea."

Elin disliked his matter-of-fact tone. Walter avoided lying like a traveler stepped around mud puddles, and he struggled not to grimace when he muddied himself.

"May I ask," Lucy said, "the conditions of the duel?"

"Personal disagreement," Sir Eugene said. Walter nodded to confirm.

Negotiations proved unnecessary. Collateral went undeclared, and neither combatant appeared willing to reinstigate. Lucy completed the form and excused herself.

Priestess Evelyn asked, "Who sent you on this path?"

"None of your business," Sir Eugene said, "If they wanted you to know, then you'd know." He stood, wobbling. "Look, I know I'm beaten, so I'll leave the two of you alone, but that's all there is to wring out of me."

Walter and Elin escorted Priestess Evelyn to the Pilgrim's Folly. The mustached innkeeper seemed much more cordial since their last stay.

Elin hoped the situation improved after this. Forcing a suitor on her failed, since Walter's presence prevented it. Another deponent would arrive, but not until the Order of the Witness exercised a higher degree of selectivity. No doubt, Head Priest Dalewyn's punches, verbal and physical, bruised various egoists. The next individual assigned to record her heroic tasks would be respectful, and their duty would not overlap into child-making.

The light in the carriage dimmed until it was hard to see. Elin sighed and leaned into Walter's side. He draped an arm over her.

What is most important is I understand and remember his actions. He deserves a deponent more than I.

Before rogue mages summoned Walter, by accident, Elin did not possess extraordinary power. She did not need it explained where she received it, and, when the situation required it, Elin would admit the power was not hers. The dispelled 'Scales of Love and Lust' siphoned from him and imbued into her. She was sure of it: he should rightfully be the hero. His duel with Sir Eugene should impress anyone more than her exhibition with the Pale Troll.

"Walter, can I ask you a question?"

He shook off the trance of boredom, "Of course."

She interlaced her fingers into his and gripped, "What did you mean when you said you had no idea about your family?"

"It's part of the cover story--"

"Walter."

His chest deflated. "Well, I had a family, I guess, but they let me know pretty early I was adopted. Seems they were frustrated with their problem child. Never met my actual parents, they refused to see me."

Why did I ask? I'm aware of his loneliness after peering into his past. What a mistake this question is because I should have figured it out instead of being told.

When they dismounted the armored carriage, the cloud cover permitted no light. The coachman left, along with the lantern he used.

,,˙ǝlᴉssᴉW ɔᴉƃɐW,,

The pale blue ball floated inches above the ground, and it illuminated their path enough to ensure they did not trip.

Elin smiled and shook her head. "To think, you could utilize it, even such."

Until he decided to reveal himself, Elin continued to witness his achievements. One day, she'd proudly declare them.