Will swung out of the way, bringing both sword and shield up to defend.

"Ah, a rookie were you? How old?" Ryker asked.

"16, fresh-faced and just left home behind to avoid the draft." Percival chuckled. "Ended up having to join the opposite side of the war instead, by pure circumstance."

Eric had no other choice but to take the fall and then roll out of the way to get some distance. However, he noticed his disadvantage right away, unarmed, free hand broken, facing an opponent who was ready and seemed to know how he fought. He had to change up his strategy fast. 

Richard remarked quietly, without thinking since Amelia was right there "Eric underestimated Will like a fool." 

Will couldn't help the small, triumphant smile that came to his face as Eric fell. He was...he was actually doing well. He didn't stop, couldn't hold back, as he charged forward after Eric, hoping to pin him before he could get up. He brought his shield down in a hope to stun him.

"Ah, I'm..sorry to hear that," Ryker said.

"It is a fact of life, nothing to apologize for I assure you." Percival waved off the apology.

Eric smirked saying to Vxal "I submit."

Vxal stated "Alenz! Victor, William Galvin JR."

Eric whispered to Will. "Nice fight, if this plan doesn't work, consider joining the Templars"

Richard paused looking at Eric, not being a fool. He threw this fight...why?

Will got off Eric, helping him up. He didn't look nearly as pleased as Eric did, but he offered his hand to shake anyways. "Respectfully, my Prince, I'd rather do things my way," he said quietly.

Amelia watched quietly, having been nervous the entire fight. Two of her dearest people in life fighting in a ring, even if she was mad at one of them, wasn't something she enjoyed. As it ended, she was grateful it was over, but she was confused as to why Eric threw the fight. She probably wasn't supposed to know or be able to recognize it, but she had been studying tactic for so long now, she could recognize the poorly made move as done on purpose.

Gavin sr. began slowly making his way around the crowd, hoping to soon get a word in with the king. Now was the time to speak privately, and earnestly.

Richard crossed his arms a bit and smiled slowly. There was potential in the boy yet, William Sr. did a wonderful job.

Eric looked at Kira who approached him, letting Will absorb the moment he deserved as Kira whispered to Eric "Now will you tell me what the hell this was all about?"

Eric whispered back "Will wanted a way to impress Amelia, so I suggested a spar between the two of us. I didn't want to tell you or Amelia for his sake"

Kira sighed "Then it's my secret too from Amelia, but you better come up with a good reason or have Will just tell her. She's really angry with you Eric"

Eric nodded as Kira looked at Will, Eric saying "Even though I can still fight, I can't say he doesn't deserve this. Will is such a good man"

Meanwhile, back at Hollow, Grim approached Hypha saying "Can I ask you a favor and I'll stand guard in your stead?"

Will turned back as he watched Amelia begin to leave with the rest of the crowds. That pinched look on her face…she was still upset. He quickly put his equipment away and moved to follow her.

Hypha looked over, unamused. “Hm?”

Once the crowd began dispersing, Gavin Sr. approached the king. "Your majesty, might I be able to procure your ear for a private moment?" He requested, his body language implying this was more business-related than anything.