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← The Knight from the Fairytales

The Knight from the Fairytales-Chapter 27: Do you think I'm qualified?

Chapter 27

With the hint, finding the Green Chapel was no longer very difficult.
When Beihai arrived at the Green Chapel, the Green Knight was sharpening his axe.
It was strange - he had clearly given this divine weapon to Beihai, yet he held an identical golden axe in his hand. Could this thing be mass-produced?
Beihai couldn't help but wonder, were divine weapons common goods in this world?
If Beihai's guess was correct, then not only were there many divine artifacts in this world, but also many famous figures.
Beihai approached the Green Knight and bowed his head, making it easier for him to swing the axe.
The Green Knight didn't say much, simply swung the axe in a full arc, then brought it down hard on Beihai's neck. But strangely, it didn't cut through Beihai's neck, not even leaving a scratch.
After the other had finished swinging, Beihai correspondingly touched his own neck. Being struck by an axe for the first time, especially aimed at the head, it was normal to feel a bit unaccustomed.
This feeling was quite peculiar. The Green Knight, seeing Beihai's expression, thought he was confused and couldn't help but laugh heartily before transforming into the castle's master.
He said to Beihai, "Your courage and noble character have perfectly proven themselves to me.
This itself was a test for you. You not only kept the appointment, but you didn't choose to escape under these circumstances.
In the castle, you also kept your promises, even considering the master's dignity and the mistress's chastity.
Knight! I've never seen one like you before. I've encountered many knights in the past, but never one like you."
"I'm just alright. At least I do know some secrets. But are you specifically here to test knights?"
"No, no, I'm not.
I was once an ordinary knight too, but some things happened later. Still, I must give you advice."
The Green Knight's words further validated Beihai's speculation.
In this era without gods yet filled with mystery, considering his appearance, perhaps he carried some curse,
or maybe he was the product of sublimation from his experiences.
Beihai found a rock and sat down, preparing to hear what advice this Green Knight would offer.
The Green Knight told Beihai that vows cannot be made lightly, yet many knights gain power through vows.
There was once a knight who made a vow to always accept requests from maidens in desperate situations.
Hearing this, Beihai searched his memories and finally recalled that there are many ways for knights to gain power.
Gaining power through vows is one mechanism in Celtic mythology.
Heroes have geasa - they must observe certain vows and gain power through these pledges.
That was Diarmuid, the most valiant warrior of the Fianna.
(In legend, Diarmuid had a love spot bestowed by a fairy on his face that could make any woman fall unconditionally in love with him. This spot became an important element in his story of eloping with Gráinne.)
Originally, he came to attend the wedding of his good friend King Fionn, but never expected that Gráinne, the bride King Fionn was to marry, would fall for him at first sight.
It wasn't without reason - King Fionn was already old. Gráinne had fantasized about being wed by a young warrior, never expecting an elderly king. Though he was renowned, he was aged.
Plus, the other party was not only handsome but also had a beauty spot. On one side was a decrepit old man, on the other a charming young man - the choice seemed quite clear.
So while everyone was intoxicated, the princess secretly put sleeping potion in the guests' wine. When the entire banquet hall fell into slumber, only the two of them remained, their eyes meeting as if sparks flew through the air.
But Diarmuid struggled internally - how could he betray his brother Fionn?
Seeing the knight hesitate, Gráinne made a shocking move.
She leaned in close, gently kissed his forehead, and cast an ancient spell, binding their fates together from that moment on, inseparable in life or death.
On their elopement journey, Diarmuid's heart pounded wildly. Had he really betrayed his brother for a woman he just met?
And this was primarily because of his vow - he couldn't refuse a maiden in despair. After all, Fionn was old enough to be her father.
With the beauty spot assisting and the ancient magic, these were likely all contributing factors.
Finally, as they fled the castle, a magical sprite appeared, not only blessing their love but also soothing Diarmuid's unease, though seriously warning them that the road ahead would be destined to be turbulent.
Just as the sprite predicted, when Fionn awoke to discover his brother had betrayed him and his bride had fled, he flew into a rage, gathering his army to pursue them.
The middle part of the story is that they successfully escaped.
During Fionn's pursuit,
Diarmuid had many beings assisting him. Not only did Fionn fail to catch them, he nearly lost the support of his soldiers, ultimately having to abandon the chase.
Diarmuid and Gráinne lived happily, and with the sprite's help, the grudges of two years gradually faded with time.
But just as the sprite had said, the road ahead was destined not to be peaceful.
One day, Fionn suddenly invited Diarmuid to participate in a wild boar hunt on the high mountains. As the two rode together, a wild boar with venom-gleaming tusks suddenly charged out, severely wounding Diarmuid.
Blood gushed forth continuously. At this critical moment, Diarmuid could only look at Fionn and weakly ask for water, because all warriors of the Fianna knew
that only water personally scooped by Fionn could save lives. Fionn went to fetch water, but in that moment, past resentments suddenly surged in his heart.
His hand trembled slightly, clear water leaking through his fingers. By the time he came to his senses, it was too late.
Watching Diarmuid die, Fionn felt remorse, but this belated regret could not save a life.
————
"I've finished speaking. I have some small abilities - if you have any questions, I can answer them all."
"That beauty spot - which fairy did he get it from? Do you think I qualify?
Actually, I just want to give it a try."
Beihai raised his hand nearby, already forming plans in his heart. If it was really as he thought,
then this world wouldn't lack heroes. For example, two countries fighting over a cow, one casting a spell that made the other country's soldiers unable to move,
but one person avoided this spell affecting him, went out to battle the enemy army, and single-handedly held them all back.
It seems this world is much more interesting than imagined.
After a moment of silence, the Green Knight drove Beihai out, ultimately confirming his knightly title.

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