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66.

Hidden behind a small mound, Ibelin watched Kite crouched beside her. They'd approached—but how to meet Kahn? Walking up and asking would surely be refused.

As she pondered, Kite poked her cheek. Even in a moment like this!

"What are you doing?"

She whispered as low as possible.

"Can you stay here quietly?"

"I am being quiet."

She'd made great progress—she could even talk back now.

"Stay put."

Before she could respond, he sprinted out. Ibelin stifled a scream—what madness was this?

She moved closer to watch. If anything happened, she needed to save him—rushing in wasn't the best idea.

His sudden appearance drew the attention of several barbarians. To them, Kite called out.

"I want to see Kahn!"

Ibelin squeezed her eyes shut. The barbarians stared at him like he was mad. Then the largest stepped forward, wielding a massive club reinforced with metal and leather.

"Hey."

Kite greeted the fierce man casually.

"You're an Imperial."

The club-wielder glared.

"Yes—so will you let me see Kahn?"

"Like hell!"

He swung the club—surprisingly fast for its size. Kite stepped back to dodge, smiling.

"I want to see Kahn."

"Not while you're alive!"

He attacked more fiercely. Others gathered, encircling them. Ibelin calmly drew her gun and dagger, leaning against the mound, ready to fire rapidly.

Kite toyed with the club-wielder.

"Fight! Your sword isn't decoration!"

The man snarled, but Kite shrugged.

"It's not—but if I draw, you'll die."

He had a gift for provoking anger. Ibelin sighed and gripped her gun.

"Argh! Fight like a warrior!"

Finally, Kite drew his sword. The man stopped raging and swung his club seriously—looking ready to crush him.

But that was only for an unarmed Kite.

Shwing—

A sound of wind, and the massive club was split in two and fell to the ground. Unarmed, the man charged with fists.

Reach difference. He had no chance. He was thoroughly beaten—the other barbarians didn't intervene but dragged him away and replaced him with a woman wielding a crescent blade.

"Hmm—does beating him let me meet Kahn?"

"Hardly—he's the weakest here!"

Those words rang familiar. Ibelin grew curious—how many could Kite handle?

The woman didn't last long—she was wounded and struck down. After several were replaced, the mood shifted. Still fierce, but they seemed to see Kite anew. He'd fought without killing—even fools would realize his lack of hostility.

The remaining warriors hesitated—then a man appeared.

Kahn!

Ibelin's eyes sparkled.

Kite lowered his sword.

"Hey—your turn?"

"Yes."

"Are you strong?"

"I'm the strongest here."

"Then this'll be fun."

Kahn wielded a sword similar to Kite's. Seeing him draw, Kite crooked his finger.

"As the stronger one, I'll give you a handicap."

"Then give more."

"I'm not one for face."

They clashed—blades ringing. Kite, who'd barely moved, now stepped forward. Kahn laughed in delight.

"Come on!"

"You too!"

They fought like madmen—Kahn striking hard, Kite deflecting. Kite's skill was superior, but Kahn's strength and passion were remarkable.

Ibelin forgot to hide, watching from the mound.

"Huh?"

Someone spotted her and pointed.

"Ah?"

Too late—she smiled awkwardly and waved. A few noticed but didn't rush her, returning to watch the duel.

The fight neared its end—Kite clearly dominant. He sent Kahn's sword flying and held his own to Kahn's throat.

"Huh."

Kahn smiled oddly.

"So—what now?"

Reality returned. Seeing their chief captured, the barbarians' mood turned hostile—they'd somehow produced weapons, ready to kill Kite.

BANG!

A gunshot split the air.

"Argh!"

A weapon clattered to the ground.

BANG!

Another fell. Now they recognized Ibelin's threat—their eyes turned to her.

But she wasn't afraid—she'd brought plenty, including grenades. She hadn't expected to use them, but now was the time.

"Stop!"

Kahn shouted.

"Put your swords down, won't you?"

Kite obeyed.

"These are my guests—everyone lower weapons!"

Instantly, they complied. Kahn's word was absolute.

"Hah—rough one."

Kahn said to Kite.

"Me? Can't be."

"Why did you come?"

"What do you think?"

"At least not to kill—you've killed no one."

"Right—just to talk."

"Then follow—bring your companion too."

He pointed at Ibelin.

"Hmm—she's precious, so don't let her get hurt."

"I won't—we don't mistreat guests."

"Then fine."

Kite gestured to Ibelin.

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