Part 153: Sully A

Ah, Sully... hmm? Why are you looking at me so? ...Is there something on my face?

I'm the wrong person to ask. I've been seeing things lately.

And yet, your beautiful eyes appear as clear and sharp as ever. Tell me of these visions, milady, that I might proffer some support.

You fought a duel, you damned fool! What's more, you WON! AND you beat someone that the others had trouble fighting as a unit! If that isn't seeing things, I don't know what is.

Are you truly so surprised at that, milady? I told you before that I would accept a duel had I only a reason.

And what was this reason?

That man had to be stopped. Had I let him escape, he might have turned his wrath upon neighboring villages.

So you risked your neck for a handful of strangers?

I fought to defend the defenseless. No true nobleman would do less. But nor would he enter meaningless battles like a blood-mad savage in search of glory. Ugh... The very thought disgusts me.

So... is that why you want to defend me?

Exactly! You, my dear, are a lady fair. A paragon of grace and beauty. Any fellow who would call himself a gentleman would defend such a creature.

Don't call me a creature, you flowery snot! And I can defend my own damn self.

Although... Well... I guess I don't mind if you call me a lady. But only because I've seen you show a bit of courage on the battlefield. If not for that, I'd send you off half the "gentleman" you used to be.

Then you accept me as a hero worthy of protecting you?

Let's not get crazy now, Ruffles. I just promoted you from lousy craven to decent guy. That's all. ...And I suppose you can watch my back in a brawl.

Aye, and soon you'll trust your tender heart to my love's fearsome embrace!

...Okay, you're still clearly insane. But if there must be a dangerous madman about, I'm glad he's on my side.