Chapter 62

## Episode 62:

The First Training Ground was a space reserved for the Imperial Family. Naturally, it boasted the best facilities in the continent.

“I sense mana. It seems to be coming from the floor.”

“I felt it too.”

We pinpointed the source to the floor tiles.

I had heard that they took extra precautions during duels because sword energy often erupted, damaging the surroundings.

The Empire managed the Magic Tower and had access to high-ranking mages, so they must have cast protective spells on the floor.

“I hope they haven’t rigged anything else.”

It was a common tactic. They might cast a slow spell on a specific area or apply debuffs to certain tiles.

Of course, it wasn’t common in this world, where mages were rare.

But I had read about such things in web novels.

There was no need to worry.

I had gained several useful skills along with mana sensing. ‘Mana Detection’ and ‘Demonic Energy Detection’ were enough to avoid such traps.

Besides, my opponent had no idea I had awakened my mana.

“It’ll be fine. It’s not the first prince’s duel, just the third prince’s. Why would they go to such lengths? His reputation isn’t even good. Who would benefit from that?”

“You have a point, but we can’t let our guard down. Prince Arthur might be naive, but Count Apellai is a cunning man.”

Selendis, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.

“Didn’t the Lady say anything?”

“She did. Want to know what she said?”

“No, it’s fine if you don’t want to…”

“She said she was confident I would win.”

That was fine. But her next words seemed to have struck a nerve with Selendis.

“She asked me to fight for her today, not for the family. So, I’m going to do my best for her.”

“I see.”

Her voice was a bit gloomy.

I could guess why. I had somehow captured her heart, though I didn’t know when it started.

I was grateful.

To have someone care for and like me, regardless of my appearance, personality, or status.

But I didn’t have time for romance now. I needed to gain the Lady’s trust, even if it meant offering my heart, until I heard from her own lips that she was the mastermind.

“You must win today, no matter who you’re fighting for. That’s the only way to ensure a light punishment when we return to the Dukedom.”

“I know.”

“Don’t hold back. I’ll heal any injuries you sustain.”

I gratefully accepted Jericho’s concern and sat down on the bench, surveying the training ground.

It was vast. It was a square, each side roughly 20 meters long.

It would be difficult to get a ring-out with ordinary strength.

That wasn’t the only impressive thing.

One side was lined with well-maintained weapons and armor. The perfect alignment of the equipment spoke volumes about the person in charge’s meticulousness.

There were swords, spears, axes, hammers, light armor, scale armor, plate mail, and more. All of the highest quality.

The sight of all that metal gleaming under the sunlight was overwhelming.

‘This is the Empire.’

It seemed to be more for display than actual use. They would probably show this to visiting nobles and envoys from other countries.

It would surely dampen their desire to wage war.

I spent some time meditating.

The crowd’s voices grew louder as time passed. It wasn’t cheering it was murmuring.

I opened my eyes and saw that the spectator stands were filling up.

‘Our precious prince must be really pissed off.’

By the end of today’s duel, he would regret this.

He must have underestimated me, thinking I wouldn’t stand a chance. The larger the crowd, the greater his humiliation would be.

Just then, a shadow fell over me.

“Are you O’Brien Walker?”

Two young men in luxurious attire stood before me. I stood up and bowed my head.

“Yes, I am. This is my first time in the capital, so I apologize for not recognizing you.”

“You’re as humble as I’ve heard. House Kalisto is truly different.”

I had already activated ‘Mind’s Eye’. The young man who spoke had purple eyes.

In other words, he was someone of high status.

Considering the circumstances, these two young men were most likely princes. Their appearance, especially their eye and hair color, was identical to Prince Arthur’s. Their facial features were similar as well.

And most importantly, they were the ones who would benefit the most from an “upset” in today’s duel.

That was the nature of the Imperial succession.

“Are you Prince Karma?”

“How did you know?”

“Your noble appearance exudes the dignity of the Imperial Family. It’s something that can’t be imitated, even with a fortune.”

“Hahaha. I like what I hear.”

Prince Karma, a strong contender for the throne, laughed heartily. Then, the person next to him must be Prince Chertan, the second prince.

Karma, as his name suggested, had a profound aura.

Karma, the law of cause and effect.

I didn’t know if it was the developer’s intention, but the main characters in the game had meaningful names.

As an Imperial prince, he must be a key character, so it was important to analyze his name.

“This is my younger brother, Chertan. We came together because we heard there was an interesting duel today.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am O’Brien Walker.”

Chertan, despite his noble bearing, lacked spirit. I had heard he was overshadowed by his brother’s overwhelming presence and was just trying to survive.

“What are your thoughts on today’s match? Your skills are impressive, but Arthur’s swordsmanship is not to be underestimated.”

Chertan asked in a quiet voice.

“Are you confident you can win?”

It was an expected question. Karma wanted to eliminate Prince Arthur, so he would naturally support me.

To be precise, he was asking if I could kill him.

“To be honest, I’m not confident. I’m not confident that I can lose.”

“Hehe… Hahaha!”

Karma laughed heartily, pleased with my answer. I could feel the crowd’s eyes on us.

“I like you, O’Brien Walker. You’re not only skilled with a sword but also eloquent. Have you ever considered working as an official in the capital?”

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m currently serving the Lady. And due to the incident at yesterday’s banquet, I can’t leave the Dukedom for a while.”

I indirectly mentioned that I might be punished by the Duke. Someone like Karma would understand the implication.

He clicked his tongue.

“It was an unexpected turn of events. Yesterday was practically Arthur’s engagement ceremony. But are you really not involved with Lady Lucia?”

“That’s a misunderstanding. I’m just her guardian knight. We’ve danced before, back at the Caribe villa. It’s not a big deal.”

“Well, there are many ladies who dance with their guardian knights. But things have become complicated. Yesterday’s banquet wasn’t an ordinary one.”

I wished he would stop beating around the bush and get to the point.

“The cream always rises to the top.”

It meant that a talented person would stand out, even if they tried to hide. If I played my cards right, I could become that “cream” in Karma’s eyes.

“Your Highness, if you have any requests, please tell me. I will do my best as a loyal subject of the Empire.”

“Do you see something I desire?”

“I believe it’s simple logic. If we switch places, there’s only one thing you would want right now.”

Prince Arthur’s death.

There were many cases where people died in duels due to unforeseen circumstances. And even more cases where they were crippled.

I was curious whether Prince Karma wanted me to kill Prince Arthur or just cripple him.

I had already decided to cripple him, but Karma might want more.

It was a tempting offer.

If I did as he wished, I would become an unofficial hero when he ascended to the throne.

But it was a poisoned chalice.

Even in a duel, killing a prince would brand me as a “kinslayer” for life. I had no intention of killing him.

“I don’t know how much you know, but I’ll give you a hint. Arthur is not only tarnishing the Imperial Family’s honor but also damaging the Empire’s reputation. It would be best if he never acted recklessly again. If that happens, I’ll write a personal letter to Duke Kalisto on your behalf.”

It was a good deal. If the leading candidate for the throne wrote a letter explaining the injustice of this marriage, I would likely be cleared of all charges.

“I wish you luck.”

The two princes moved to their seats. It was a luxurious viewing area with a red carpet and a canopy.

Then, cheers erupted from one side.

Prince Arthur entered the training ground, waving one hand. He was wearing gold-plated armor.

His presence alone was like witnessing the Emperor’s coronation.

He approached me, basking in the nobles’ cheers, and sneered.

“See the large crowd? I personally invited everyone from yesterday’s banquet. You know why, right?”

I didn’t answer. It wasn’t worth it.

“You have quite the pride. If you kneel and apologize now, I’ll forgive you for yesterday’s incident. This is my final act of mercy.”

“I cannot accept your offer. Because…”

I paused and whispered in his ear,

“I can’t hand over our Lady to a childish man like you.”

“Y-You bastard!”

I walked past him and onto the stage.

Today’s referee was Sir Olaf, the captain of the Imperial Guard. He was said to be a Sword Master, and his presence was indeed extraordinary.

Prince Arthur, who had caught up, glared at me with murderous intent.

“Today’s duel was requested by Prince Arthur and accepted by O’Brien Walker. This is declared in the name of the Supreme God, who governs the eternal truths. The two of you…”

The tedious speech began. I didn’t take my eyes off my prey for a single moment.

“Since this is a duel with real swords, both of you will be provided with identical weapons. If you have any objections, speak now.”

“Isn’t this unfair?”

Prince Arthur sneered again. He pointed at me.

“It seems too disadvantageous for my opponent to fight with the same weapon. As the prince of the Empire, I shall show mercy. I’m fine with an ordinary iron sword. Give that trash his usual weapon.”