Lot of audience came to the castle to watch the duel. It wasn't that often when it happened and now people were even more interested because of the newcomer, who dared to challenge Tony. There were many men in the past, who tried to fight and win against him, but all of them failed. Because of that reason men came silently routing for a "new guy" while women came to watch Tony in action.
The day was beautiful, sun was shinning nicely and the wind was pleasurable. Men's armors were clean and neat, girl's dresses were beautiful and showy. Duel was like a chance to parade in front of the other sex. Many guests from other lands came to watch and everyone wanted to be seen in the best light. Probably girls tried the hardest, dreaming about a romance with a knight or a noble man.
At the signal from the trumpets, everyone gathered at the castles walls. From the blanks there was the best sight on the field, where two men would be fighting. Now they waited only for the knights and the lady of the castle. Crowd's excitement grew.
…
"Somehow I had this feeling that two would be fighting with each other."
Lady Anna only shocked her head. Not long after she finished her discussion with the newcomer, a village man came to her with a request from Tony about the flowers. With that plead she was already sure that there will be troubles. The only hope was in the possibility the girl lord Kuon came with wasn't his chosen one. Apparently not. Tony acted yet again like a kid. He wanted the girl and when he got the resistance or barrier… he just forced his way through.
This time situation was clear. Tony tried to charm the newcomer's girl and she somehow resisted. Lord Kuon seeing her being pestered by Tony reacted like any other normal man would. He protected his girl and probably even using fists. In that kind of situation Tony had only one choice- he challenged the newcomer.
Lady Anna was used to patronize the duels Tony caused. She liked him and that way she could give just a little bit of an entertainment to her people. Hearing about the duel many guests from other lands often showed up too and it was the perfect opportunity to ask them about their lord's.
… Normally Tony challenged well situated knights or noblemen; this time was a little different. Lord Kuon and his lady were here by an accident and both didn't have anything with them. Lady Kyoko even lost her memory, so the situation was really bad for them. Lady Anna decided to help them a little. She started to like Lord Kuon after their long discussion. He definitely deserved a bit of her attention. She was also curious about his companion. Kuon described her interesting and that's why she wanted to meet her.
Two days before the duel Lady Anna sent for the newcomers. She made up her mind. She would rent them needed armor, clothes and will pay for their stay here. She also planned to let Lord Kuon take one of her horses on the day of the duel. If he wins, she will give him it all, happy that someone tempered her frivolous boy.
…
Servant sent by Lady Anna helped Kuon put on his armor on. He asked for a light one but even having it, it was still heavy. Kuon was playing in the films where he was a soldier. Having father- the famous actor- also had the pluses. He trained in his younger ages to fight with sword so it wasn't that scary …
In fact he felt happy, that finally he was able to fight with Tony. Being Tsuruga Ren made him gentleman in everyway, so he couldn't answer on the picks Sho used on him. It was all so strange, seeing familiar faces here – in the middle age. He wondered if somewhere here he could find his parents, Lory or Yashiro. Either way he had to find the way back to their real world. He was also thinking how he could make Kyoko remember everything again. By those couple of days, while they where preparing for the duel, Kuon slowly told her the truth. He explained her who she was and what connected them (work). He described her Kanae and few more peoples from LME. He even told her about the pair she was staying with. She listened carefully but it was more like a fairy tale to her, not the truth.
I wonder if I should tell her about my feelings. Now she knows that I am Kuon… But no… I cannot use the situation on my own free will to gain something. That would be unfair to her. Besides, when we will go back (I hope it will happen?) everything must be back to the normal. She is still too young, remember?
His thoughts were interrupted. Kyoko entered the room and her sight took Kuon's breath away. She was wearing a cute grey and red colored dress. Her legs were rounded by a grey material that went from her ankles to the breasts. She had the red top, with a little too showing (for Kyoko tastes) décolleté. The dress had long slaves. All in all she looked fabulous.
"Please, don't go. I don't want you to be hurt…"
"It is ok, right? How many times will I promise you yet again, that I will be fine?"
"But…!"
"Kyoko…"
Kyoko insisted Kuon would use her name and he was in heaven hearing the plead. Now standing before him Kyoko lowered her head and reached her hand towards him, having azalea in her hand.
"Good luck."
Seeing Kyoko blushing made Kuon's heart beat hard. Those few days they spent together almost all the time, she blushed really often. Kuon however tried not to raise his hopes. He kneeled before her now and kissed her hand.