Cyrus: A duel?

I tilted my head and looked at him...pretty lazily. Keep in mind that while I fight people, I'm a modern man so this sense of family honor isn't on my list of priorities. Sure I've thumped people for talking to and about my family any kind of way, but that's about it. Plus, my family can defend themselves and I'll speak for them if someone says nothing, but not often. They don't know my family, so I really have no reason to be mad.

Richie: You have insulted the honor of House Valoris you damn Artificer! And for that, I challenge you to a duel!

Cyrus: How is Artificer an insult? Anyway, so I really have to? I mean, I have more important things to do than fight you for what? Honor? Fame? I have nothing to gain from this fight when I beat you. 

-10 relation with House Valoris. +5 relation with House Sunfire.

Richie scowls at me. Eh, don't really care. House Gearforge can just pump out some kind of revolutionary machine or some shit and get their influence back. I go to turn on my heel until Richie catches my attention.

Richie: You miserable wretch! If I need to put something as a bet to regain my House's honor then so be it! I, Richie Valoris, heir to the House of Valoris, wager not only 1 of House Valoris's Iron and Coal mines but our most fertile farmland as well!

Well, my resource problems are solved to a better extent. I shrug at him

Cyrus: Alright. I, Cyrus Gearforge, heir to the House of Gearforge, will give House Valoris any machine in our arsenal if you somehow manage to win.

Richie: Someh-are you looking down on me?!

Cyrus: Pretty much yeah.

Soleli: That's not very nice. At least pretend you believe in him.

Cyrus: How about we sweeten the deal?

Richie, though pissed the fuck off, has an eyebrow raised. I motion to one of my shorter Iron Golems that looks vaguely similar to a man with armor, only bulkier.

Cyrus: If you win, I'll make you 20 of these with my own two hands, but you have to offer something of equal value again.

Richie looked to his father, who nodded. Good, these people are hella greedy.

Richie: If you win, you will receive House Valoris's smithing technique for our legendary swords.

Timeskip
So it wasn't enough for him to duel me normally, he wanted all of the Noble Houses to see this. My dad was against it saying every Noble House shouldn't know about this small drama, but House Valoris already got approval from these people called the "Great Houses" to use a court/arena for us to duel. My mother was worried as well because it would hurt my future if I lost, but I was able to assure them I'd win. Even House Sunfire was worried about my chances of winning, and rightfully so. House Valoris is a Noble House of Knights, so swordsmanship is kinda their deal. I mean, they aren't as skilled as some House called Barfel, who are known for producing some of the most skilled Swordsmen in the kingdom.

Angeline: Are you sure you want to do this without a sword M-my Lord...

Angeline's face is redder than a tomato, probably because I don't have a shirt on. See, I know nothing about fighting with a sword, not even gonna pretend I do. As I said, I was more of a hand to hand guy when I was back in my old world and Cyrus dabbled in it as well to keep in shape. Plus, the rules of a duel don't specify that I have to use a sword. I'm in one of the fighter chambers shadow boxing. 

Cyrus: Of course. There isn't a rule that says I can't fight him with my hands.

Angeline: Yes but...your body is exposed. You could get seriously hurt from something like that.

Cyrus: Hey, it's ok. I appreciate you're worrying about me but I won't get hurt too bad. Tell you what, I'll take you out on a date the day after this is over.

Angeline: D-date?!

She blushes even redder and puts her hands on her cheeks. They do have dates in this world as in courting one another. It started off as simple picnics poor people did in the forest, until Nobles learned about it and decided to spend exuberant amounts of money to wow their partner. People like Angeline focus on the romantic aspect of dates and get a little nervous about it. Angeline, despite being a smart girl, doesn't handle romantics very well and for a long time believed babies came from kissing.

Angeline: B-but you're my Lord and I'm your Vassal....I-it's like a maid in love with her master!

Cyrus: Oh? So you're in love with me now?

+5 relation with Angeline

Angeline: D-do not say such nonsense!

I chuckle and pat her head before hearing the horns play. The gates open, prompting me and Richie to walk out on our respective sides. As expected, the stands are FILLED with Noble families who want to see Richie pound me into the ground. It's kinda expected since Valoris IS a House of Knights. He may have the advantage when it comes to range but I....don't really know if he's been in any battles or a war before, but I have experience. My...hometown was caught in a war we wanted no part of. I had to fight to survive, so I learned how to fight bare-handed. It wasn't until I was enlisted as a civilian-soldier and mechanic to pay for my college that I showed them just how dangerous I was. That plus my martial arts scholarship and the skills I learned in my Community College put me in a pretty good position and set me up for life when I was 24. But enough of that, I don't want to bore anyone. 

(In Cyrus's country, a civilian-soldier is essentially a part-time soldier, specifically enlisted during a war or armed conflict, who does a job instead of combat. They get the same benefits as regular soldiers with the added benefit of taking a job in something they're already good at.)

Richie and I stare each other down. As expected, he has on a light suit of Knight armor, a mix of plate, chain, and leather. He scoffs with a glare at me.

Richie: You truly are a fool. No armor, no sword, I thought House Gearforge produced men of intelligence.

Cyrus: I'm no fool, just bored of you. Why would I wear a cumbersome suit of armor to fight a mere court Jester?

-3 Relation with Richie

Does it even matter at this point? The guy's in the negatives with me at this point. Some rich guy with an air that screams bureaucrat comes between us with a tray. On that tray is a piece of paper with two squares and a needle.

Man: Heir to House Valoris, what is your wager?

Richie takes the needle and pricks his finger.

Richie: I wager 1 of House Valoris's Iron and Coal mines, our most fertile farmland, and House Valoris's secret smithing techniques used to make our Lankan steel swords.

He places his bloody finger onto the square while glaring at me, obviously sizing me up for our fight. I don't pay him any mind. Though his bet did elicit whispers among the Nobles, but where have I heard that before? Lankan? Lan...ak? Like Sri Lanka? Fuck what were they known for again?

Man: Heir to Gearforge, what is your wager?

I do the same thing as Richie while looking him dead in the eyes.

Cyrus: I will give House Valoris any machine in our arsenal and 20 Golems made by my own hands...IF he manages to win that is.

Richie growled at me.

3rd pov
The man rolls up the contract and moves a good distance away before raising his free hand.

Man: Let the duel...

He lowers his hand.

Man:....commence!

Richie made the first advance, making sure his steps were measured to finish this duel quickly.

Timeskip
Richie could be seen hitting the ground for the 12th time today while Cyrus only has a cut on his arm.

Cyrus: Come on, just admit defeat. This is sad to watch.

And he was right. Richie, though being trained in the ways of a knight for most of his life, was overwhelmed by Cyrus's assault and onslaught of punches and kicks.

Richie: No....I will beat you-!

Cyrus kicked Richie in the face as he tried to get up.

Cyrus: Come on, even I'm starting to feel bad for you.

Relation has dropped severely with Richie Valoris. Current relation, -12

Richie: I DON'T NEED YOUR PITY!

Faster than Cyrus can react, Richie swung his sword, cutting his cheek. Cyrus grits his teeth and gives Richie a haymaker dead into his face, knocking out a tooth.

Cyrus: I've had it with you!

Cyrus gives Richie a left hook.

Cyrus: I've done NOTHING to earn your hate!

Cyrus gives Richie a right hook.

Cyrus: And yet you're so SPOILED-

Cyrus knees Richie in the stomach.

Cyrus: -that you can't be remotely kind to someone!

Cyrus punches Richie in the chest.

Cyrus: And I've-

Cyrus gives Richie a brutal uppercut.

Cyrus: -HAD IT!

Richie falls to the ground, unconscious from the assault. Cyrus touches his cheek and grits his teeth at the stinging sensation. An hour later, Cyrus was in his office with a bandage on his cheek and Angeline at his side. In front of him was another cult ridiculed by Avalonia. This time, they were being harassed by Priests and Paladins. The leader of them was an albino man with snow white hair and blue eyes.

Angeline: My lord....you can put this off or leave it to an Esquire...

Cyrus: Yeah no. Most of the Esquires worship the Goddess.

Angeline: Ah....

Cyrus: Anyways you worship what exactly? I'm asking for confirmation.

Leader: Ah yes well....we worship the Everfrost-

Cyrus: Sorry for interrupting you, but you worship an Ice elemental....thing?

He looked down, giving Cyrus the confirmation he needed.

Cyrus: Angeline, get them fitted for House Gearforge Mage uniforms.

This made them all gasp. Angeline merely bowed at her lord.

Cyrus: What? Why are you looking at me like that?

Leader: Well....it's rare we find someone who accepts our devotion, and a Nobleman no less...

Cyrus: Yeah well religion is all the same to me and cults are just unpopular religions.

Amelia rolled her eyes at Cyrus.

Amelia: Such a way with words my lord, have you considered getting into politics?

Cyrus: If I get into politics the church won't have as much power as it does now. Besides, I wanna finally make ice cream, haven't had it in a good while.

Everyone looked at him with confusion, making him silently curse himself.

Timeskip
Cyrus, with his parents, House Alchemara, and Everfrost followers present, were in the garden of Gearforge manor. Cyrus was squeezing and shaking a larger wetskin filled with ice and some of his parent's salt and ice made by the Everfrost followers, which made them even more curious as to what he was doing.

Lydia: Son what exactly are you doing? You've been at it for about 10 minutes now.

Cyrus: So what did I get before doing this?

Angeline: Milk, cream, ice, salt, and liquid Vanilla correct?

Cyrus: Exactly. Now hand me a knife.

Lloyd gave Cyrus a knife, prompting him to cut open the larger wetskin to take out a smaller one, which was about the size of a large bowl. Cyrus cut open that wetskin to reveal an odd white substance that gave off a cold feeling. As they looked in curiosity, Cyrus got a spoon and ate some of the odd substance, making Lloyd's eyes go wide.

Cyrus: What?

Lloyd: Cyrus you don't eat alchemical concoctions so casually!

Cyrus: It isn't a potion, it's called Ice Cream. Read about it in a book once but we never had ice to make it with. Try some.

Angeline and Lydia nervously try some.

Angeline: M-my Goddess.....

Lydia: My word....

Lloyd: What? What's wro-

Lydia: It's simply delicious!

Angeline: How can something so cold be so tasty?!

Everyone tries some and has similar reactions to the girls.

Lloyd: And you said this is called Ice Cream? 

Cyrus: Yep, vanilla flavored to be exact.

Angeline: There are flavors?!

Cyrus: Yeah, but they require ingredients like fruit or chocolate.

Lloyd: Chocolate? Why not go to the Noble district in the capital? I'm sure they have some from a foreign nation.

Cyrus: 'So they have normal chocolate? Good.'

Cyrus gave the Everfrost Follower's leader a letter.

Cyrus: Take this to the tailor, she'll know what it means.

Nodding, they all left, but not before taking a spoonful of ice cream. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Curious, Cyrus and Lloyd put down their spoons and went to investigate.

Lydia: More for me.

Angeline: Hey!

Cyrus opens the door to see a messenger, who has horn players play a short cadence.

Messenger: Hear ye hear ye, for I have a message for the Lord and Young Lord of House Gearforge. In 2 weeks time, achievement day will be held in the Royal Capital!

2 hours later
Lloyd's Study
Lloyd was pacing his study nervously. Cyrus, however, was eating more ice cream.

Lloyd: Damnit how could I let the months pass by like that?! Between rumors of a war, needing to gather more materials, and putting off making more machines, I forgot to help you for Achievement Day!

Cyrus: Hey dad....

*nom*

Cyrus:....what's Achievement Day?

Lloyd: Ah, sorry son! Achievement Day is when the children of Noble Houses, preferably the heirs, bring in some kind of achievement to impress the Great Houses and the Royal Family.

Cyrus: Oh.....sounds boring.

*nom*

Lloyd: I uh-what?

Cyrus: Achievement Day in itself sounds pretty boring. You go somewhere and watch as all these kids are put under stress to make their families look good for what? Like a month before everyone forgets? Plus, it undermines others and makes achievements feel meaningless. But, I'll do it.

Lloyd: But you just said it sounds boring.

Cyrus: Yes, but it sounds like a way to annoy other people. I mean, have you heard the insults Noble families say about House Gearforge? I literally heard someone say we're glorified mechanics. I mean, I'm not gonna make a new mech for achievement day but I can think of something.

Lloyd gives a sigh. Not one of relief, but one of worry.

Lloyd: I hope so, son....I hope you do. 

Timeskip
2 Weeks later
It was the day of Achievement Day and the grounds were a buzz. Many Noble Houses and families came to the cleared area to witness the achievements of the future generation. Not only was this a show of achievement, but a show of a House's own power as many of the upper-ranked Houses, mostly Marquess Houses, have brought some of their own soldiers to show their military power as well. Currently, House Gearforge was marching to the Achievement Day grounds. Cyrus could be seen relaxing on top of the carriage soaking in the sun's rays much to the worry of his mother. Accompanying them was a small force of Cyrus's own choice: 10 1st Company soldiers (Infantry), the entirety of the 1st Squad (3 PZM-7 Śmiały mechs), and 2 followers each from the Eternal Flame and Everfrost followers donned in their robes courtesy of House Gearforge.

Lydia: Lloyd, I worry for Cyrus.

Lloyd: Because he's on top of the carriage?

Lydia: No. Well, yes, but because of his attitude towards Achievement Day.

Lloyd: Well....Cyrus is getting older now and he has different things in mind.

Lydia: Lloyd this is noble standing, not girls. I'm pretty sure Cyrus is aware of girls already. 

Lloyd: That may be so, but what he wants to achieve is different. He may have his own goal in mind.

Lydia: And what may that be?

Lloyd: Honestly, I don't know, but we'll find out today.

They're soon interrupted by the carriage stopping. One of their soldiers opens the carriage and Lloyd steps out with Lydia, being assisted by Lloyd being a gentleman, stepping out soon after. Lloyd woke up Cyrus, who amazingly didn't fall or wake up from the bumpy ride. With a grumble, Cyrus jumped off the carriage and landed on his feet, dusting himself off. He took a long shower to rid himself of the grease, soot, sawdust, and grime that was caked up on him from his 2 weeks of developing things for Achievement Day. He did his hair, though it was still in a nice-messy style, and he put on a nice looking outfit. 

Lydia: Cyrus....I think you forgot to put on your armor.

Lloyd: Son, this is a show of military power as well. You can't come without your armor.

Cyrus: No need for that dad, I don't have any enemies here. Well.....no, Richie's more like a bug than anyhing.

Lloyd: Cyrus this isn't the time for jokes!

Cyrus rests a hand on his father's shoulder.

Cyrus: Dad, it's ok. I may not have armor but I'm not totally defenceless. See?

Cyrus was referring to the new (to this world) firearm he created. It was an Arisaka Type 38 rifle he created in addition to the two items he brought for Achievement Day. He made a few cartridges for it, but they're all packed away in the carriage.

Lloyd: Well.....ok then. Let's go.

They head towards the front of the grounds where a small stage is located and a small line of people. Lloyd takes the lead and Cyrus takes the end of the line while his mother and soldiers keep the sides. Angeline and the Eternal Flame followers kept an eye on the back while the Everfrost followers kept an eye on the front. They got in line with the rest of the Noble families who have arrived and are all being checked by the guards for weapons and any contraband. This process takes a few minutes with House Gearforge being 5th in line. As soon as they're done, Lloyd and Lydia as well as their soldiers leave as the event is for the children participating.

Lydia: Good luck son.

Hugging his parents, Cyrus motions the two carts he needed to follow him.

Cyrus: Ugh, should've brought my Iron Golems.

Angeline giggled.

Angeline: That wouldn't have ended well My Lord.

As Cyrus sighs, he feels two hands gently grab his shoulders and someone gently blow into his ear. Quickly turning around, he's met with a boop on the nose from Soleil. She was wearing her usual outfit and jewelry but the fabric of her outfit was maroon rather than white with gold trim. There were also lattice-pattern straps around her hips to cover her more, but it only made her outfit look even more erotic than it usually does.

Soleil: Don't be upset, I'm here now.

Cyrus: Hey Soleil. Nice to see you here as well.

Soleil: Mmm. You're gonna be the last one right?

Cyrus: Yeah, how do you know that?

Soleil: Well, your're the last one to register and I'm before you.

Cyrus: Huh, so what did you bring for Achievement Day?

Soleil: I'm not gonna tell you. I'd like for it to be a surprise like you and Angeline. I'm surprised you're entering being Cyrus's Vassal and all. 

Angeline: Ah, I'm actually going in for the fun of it. One of the Everfrost and Eternal Flame Followers will be accompanying me.

Cyrus: Yeah, she's been cooking something up with their help and I'm curious about it.

Soleil: Ah. Well....I think it's time. See you on the other side, Cyrus.

Soleil kisses him on the cheek before leaving him to his thoughts. Cyrus's cheeks redden from the sudden action. Angeline merely chuckles at Cyrus' reaction.

+ 5 relation with Soleil Sunfire. Current relation 45.

Angeline: I'm happy for you My Lord.

Cyrus: Sh-shut up.... 'So lending their house a Serp mech for harvesting was the right move.'

Angeline's turn was next, prompting her to give him a small bow.

Angeline: It is my time My Lord, wish me luck.

Angeline, with the 2 different followers, goes onto the stage. She pulls out a glass ball with a clearish-blue liquid, garnering whispers within the crowd of Nobles. Ever since House Alchemara was inducted as Vassal Houses of House Gearforge, many stopped taking them seriously. Combined with the fact that Alchemara has had many experiments gone awry has made other Noble Houses wary of them. Angeline signals one to light the bonfire, which he does. Ignoring the whispers, Angeling threw the glass ball onto the fire, freezing it solid and earning her gasps. She gave a triumphant smile and held up another glass ball.

Angeline: With the permission of My Lord to use House Gearforge's resources and servants, I, Angeline Alchemara have created Liquid Frost! With magic and Alchemy, this concoction can freeze things solid like Ice magic!

Cyrus: 'So she made Liquid Nitrogen......?'

Next, it was Soleil's turn, who was the most anticipated and the one most people wanted to see. As soon as she stepped on the stage, she waved to the crowd with a smile.

Soleil: As you can see.......this Sunstone is one I've created myself. I call it a Solar Crystal, and it acts as a conduit for powerful magic.

Soleil bowed before leaving the stage to applause and cheers. As Cyrus takes his turn, the guards look at him suspiciously. Not really caring, Cyrus turned to everyone with a rather nonchalant look.

Cyrus: So I'm pretty sure everyone here knows House Gearforge and our hulking machines of war and labor. Well, I didn't make any of those because 2 weeks isn't enough time to invent a wholly new mech or machine.

Cyrus ignored the looks he got as he motioned for the two carts to come in front of the stage. Many people moved back as they were wary of his entry. Cyrus stepped off of the stage and went onto one of the carts before pulling out two crystals.

Cyrus: So something I've noticed as clear as day is how I'M being made fun of for being in a "Magicless" House. Well, eat those words.....whoever's been saying that.

Cyrus moved the tarp on one of the carts and put a crystal under it before doing the same to the second one. Oddly, the two tarps move and take odd shapes. Smirking, Cyrus removes the tarps to reveal two new Golems of his own design. One was a hulking humanoid figure made of iron with a cannon for a left arm and mechanical parts under its shell. It was 12 feet tall and seemed to burn with life.

The other one was similar to a scorpion made of wood with metal casings, obviously to protect its joints and bearings. There was also a rope attached to the interior of its tail going through a pully and ending inside of its body obviously driven by a system of mechanical parts protected by its wooden carapace. It stood at 10 feet and seemed to be longer than it was tall.

Cyrus: So not only can I use magic, but I combine it with my natural talent for crafting. This big boy right here-

Cyrus knocks on the metal golem.

Cyrus: -is called a Cannon Golem. Now because its arm is a cannon I.....had to go through a LOT of redesigns for the inner workings, but it turned out perfectly functional.

As whispers erupted in the crowd, Cyrus motioned to the second construct.

Cyrus: Now my dear sweet mother-

Cyrus motioned to Lydia, who was munching away on her ice cream before blushing a little from the sudden attention.

Cyrus: -thought to call it a Siege Golem, but we decided to call it both a Siege and Catapult Golem since it launches big rocks. Oh and the rifle on my back shoots 5 bullets before it needs to reload.......that's it.

Cyrus bows, commanding his Golems to follow him. The crowd roars in applause and when he makes it off the stage, many Nobles come to him with offers to get a Golem.

???: W-wait! I'm here!

Everyone looks to see a rather meek boy with pale skin, blue-green eyes, and white hair. His outfit was primarily green and white with some gold-bronze trims. 

Cyrus: 'System, who is he?'

Name: Thaddeus Medicales
Noble House: House Medicales
Wife: None
Heir: None
Father: Baron Jeptha Medicales
Fief: None
Relation: 20 (Gearforge buys Healing Potions from them occasionally)
(He has normal ears)

Thaddeus: Sorry I'm late....I misplaced my-

Richie: Oh blah blah blah, no one cares about a failed House.

This garners laughs and jeers towards the meek boy, who shrinks from embarrassment. He dug into his satchel and took out a piece of paper, which was swiped by Richie. Due to being shorter, Thaddeus struggled to take his diagram from Richie.

Thaddeus: H-hey! That's mine!

Richie: Oh wow, you think this is gonna get you anywhere? You can't even keep control of a piece of paper.

Richie rips the paper into pieces and drops them at Thaddeus' feet. The crowd erupts in jeers and laughter, prompting Cyrus to step in.

Cyrus: You're just a sad little man, Richie, you know that?

Richie grits his teeth as Cyrus crosses his arms.

Richie: You always meddle in things that don't concern you Gearforge! Go back to your grimy workshop you damned gear lover!

Cyrus: So what? You're just a stupid earl that got beat up by this "Gear lover" as you say. And I don't know why I wasted time learning your stupid swords, I already know how to make Damascus shit.

Everyone gasped as Richie was frothing out his mouth.

Cyrus: Oh your blacksmiths didn't tell you? Yeah, your Lankan Steel swords are called Damascus Steel, it's not that hard to make you know.

Richie's face contorted as he charged at Cyrus, only to be blocked by a knight who stepped in front of him. The Knight was wearing the royal crest on his chest and the crest of House Gearforge on his shoulder.

Knight: Earl Richie, you will not attack Marquess Cyrus here or anyone else in this event! I'm under orders from the 4th Princess Aurelia and Marquess Lloyd to protect him specifically.

Cyrus: Thank you, sir. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to speak to Medicales Heir.

With a nod, the Knight leaves. Thaddeus was on his knees looking down in shame, his satchel on the ground and his hair covering his face. Cyrus goes over to him and kneels in front of him. He pats Thaddeus' head softly.

Cyrus: Don't let those morons bring you down, ok? You're better than them. 

Thaddeus: Oh, I-I'm sorry I-

Cyrus: Don't apologize, you didn't do anything wrong.

Cyrus picks up the pieces of Thaddeus' diagram and puts them back into his satchel. With a smile, Cyrus hands it to Thaddeus, who takes it with a bow.

Thaddeus: Thank you.....Marquess Cyrus.

Cyrus: Hey, how about you come with me to Gearforge Manor? I'd like to hear about your achievement.

Thaddeus was surprised at this. After an unfortunate event, House Medicales fell in status and lost a good amount of allies. To hear that a Marquess House as esteemed as House Gearforge invited a Baron House on the verge of collapse to their estate and fief is unheard of. To tell the truth, Thaddeus was always fascinated with House Gearforge and their machines and always wondered how they could be used for medicine and healing.

Thaddeus: O-oh......yes......I'd like that Marquess Cyrus. I'm Thaddeus Medicales, son of Baron Jeptha Medicales.

Cyrus: I'm Cyrus Gearforge, nice to meet you.

Cyrus helps Thaddeus stand before heading out with Angeline, Soleil, and the others. With the parents of Medicales agreeing, they gathered their things and left to Vlyanderbak.