They say

Zite and Paulo, the occupants of the top seats, watched as the duel began.

There were no words exchanged, but their tense nerves were focused on each other.

“Ahem.”

Paulo cleared his throat with a fake cough.

It was the signal to start the conversation.

“Have you gained another insight during this time?”

As a strong opponent like Paulo, he could gauge the opponent’s magical power level through his senses.

The intangible magical power flowing from the side. He inwardly clicked his tongue at the flow of magic, which could also be seen as arrogance.

“It is truly remarkable how you have grown in just one day.”

“Thank you for your words. However, it is not growth but aging.”

Paulo knew that he was inferior to Zite as a knight.

In the past, he might have felt inferior, but now he didn’t care at all.

A thoughtful ruler looks to the future with a macroscopic view.

Paulo and Zite were fading stars, and their era was like a setting sun.

Soon, the throne would be passed on to the most outstanding child.

“Have you chosen a successor?”

“Not yet.”

“Haha. It’s understandable. When the eldest causes trouble, it must be a cause for concern.”

Zite’s gaze, which was directed towards the training ground, turned to Paulo.

He tried to hide his intentions, but a faint crease appeared on his forehead.

“What do you mean by that?”

“There is no meaning. How can I speak with intention in every word I say?”

Smirking, Paulo winked.

“It’s just a concern. If the children are like this, then the future of Ilaine is truly worrying, isn’t it?”

In the eyes of the public, Zite had no heir.

There is a limit to the saying that the position makes the person. Would there be a big difference just because he inherited the family?

Zite was also worried about his children, and through them, he was worried about the future of the family.

That’s why Paulo’s words pierced him like a dagger.

“Thank you for your words. But you don’t need to be so anxious. Let go of your worries.”

“Haha. Our time is passing by quickly, isn’t it? If the children have gone through the coming-of-age ceremony, they should have the qualities of a successor, right?”

Paulo chuckled leisurely.

Even in his own eyes, the future of Laurentz was reliable.

As a family head and a knight, he excelled in all aspects, so there was no need to worry.

“…”

“Hmm.”

When Zite remained silent, Paulo also closed his mouth as if losing interest.

The duel in the training ground was in full swing, with the tide of battle changing constantly.

They silently watched each other’s victories and defeats.

“It’s time.”

Two women stepped onto the field. Rebecca and Aisha.

Aisha’s eyes trembled under Zite’s consistently indifferent gaze.

Paulo glanced at his face out of the corner of his eye.

“It feels new to be here. It was around this time in the past when Aisha and Rebecca had their friendly duel.”

“In the carriage back to Laurentz, Rebecca told me she wanted to apologize to Aisha. She said she felt sorry for her.”

For Laurentz, it was an unforgettable comedy, but for Ilaine, it was an unforgettable tragedy.

A few years ago, Aisha was overwhelmingly defeated by Rebecca in a friendly duel.

Zite couldn’t forget the sound of his daughter’s crying in the room that day. He couldn’t forget her endlessly shaking figure.

“Enough.”

There was anger in his tone. Paulo smiled confidently without being intimidated.

“That’s right. I will be reasonable, but… I’m not sure if Rebecca will be reasonable when facing Aisha. My daughter always takes duels seriously.”

“I don’t care. Engaging with full force is a sign of respect for the opponent.”

“Haha. You’re right. Even a lion does its best to catch a rabbit, don’t they.”

Zaite didn’t bother to respond.

He knew that whatever was said would become Paulo’s weapon.

Bang!

The duel had begun.

With a loud roar, Paulo ceased any further conversation.

The two onlookers watched the duel with contrasting expressions.

#

“Phew. It was worth all the hard work.”

“Hehe. Indeed. Is this our 5th victory?

The knights of Elaine, who had won the previous battles, were in high spirits.

With a total record of 5 wins and 2 losses, their winning rate was nearly triple.

Although knights were not supposed to be fixated on wins and losses, how could they not be happy?

They proudly explained the recent battle to each other, showcasing their achievements.

Clang!

“We… lost.”

“An excellent match.”

As they were enjoying their conversation, another result was announced on the dueling ground.

A defeat for the knights of Elaine and a victory for Lorenz.

With this, the record stood at 5 wins and 3 losses. However, the knights of Elaine were not disappointed, as the outcome was expected.

“Harold is indeed formidable.”

“How could the match be so one-sided? Poor Carlton.”

“…But the next duel is…”

Harold and Carlton left the field, and two women quietly took their places.

“It’s the ladies’ turn now.”

“Hey. Don’t doubt her. You know how hard she’s worked, right?”

“Hmm.”

“That’s right. We know best. If she doesn’t get nervous, she’ll definitely win.”

“Let’s watch. Today’s result will surely be different.”

Listening in on their conversation, Evan chuckled inwardly.

“You have to be a bit optimistic.”

Just because she worked hard doesn’t mean she’ll win. She’s not some protagonist from a boys’ comic.

Evan was sure of Aisha’s defeat with a realistic perspective.

He couldn’t guarantee the process, though.

Aisha was not the same as before, as Evan had helped her train for the past 7 days.

Of course, Evan’s favorable opinion of her was not based on her strength or swordsmanship.

It was her perseverance and determination. Aisha’s fanatical obsession with winning could bring about unexpected changes.

She might be a genius, but facing that woman was unfortunate.

Evan watched the duel begin with pursed lips.

The attention of everyone was on the two participants.

Before the duel began, they exchanged a few words.

“Wow. You’re quite impressive to come out like this.”

“There’s no reason not to. If I decide to do something, I’ll do it.”

“Wow, you’re quite the talker. Even if your swordsmanship matched your words, you might have had a chance. Don’t you think?”

Aisha retorted coldly.

“Shut up.”

“You’ll be noisy soon too. You’ll be begging for mercy on the ground.”

“…”

“Don’t be too scared. You’re not my concern anyway. I’ll kill that bastard even if it means killing you.”

Aisha remained silent.

She had taken this position to conceal the superiority of her sword.

Unnecessary chatter would only distract her focus, and if she had something to say, she could convey it with her sword.

“Both of you, take your positions.”

The knight of Elaine, acting as the judge, assigned their positions.

And with a blow of the horn, the duel began.

―Swish!

There was no reason to hesitate.

As the horn sounded, Aisha charged forward like a wild beast.

Clang!

The distance between them closed in an instant.

With arms outstretched, Aisha showed no mercy.

Infusing the sword with the sharp magic, she swiftly slashed at the enemy in front of her.

Swish!

The sound emanating from the sword felt hollow.

Asha quickly adjusted her grip on the sword and aimed it at Rebecca.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Each strike only echoed through the air, failing to make contact.

With each failed attempt, Asha’s face displayed real-time frustration.

It felt like she was so close, yet why couldn’t she land a hit?

Not ready to give in to despair just yet, Asha poured more strength into her attacks, precise and relentless.

If one strike failed, she followed up with another. And if that wasn’t enough, she would try ten more times.

Stamping each failed strike as a lesson, she continued to push forward, preparing for the next move.

Asha swung and slashed relentlessly, until her body could no longer keep up with her mind’s determination.

“Phew! Huff!”

Her stamina quickly reached its limit, and the resolve for a decisive blow faded long ago. The lingering anxiety in her heart began to grow.

As a result, the tip of her sword dulled slightly. The fierceness of her swordsmanship no longer carried the same vigor as before.

Clang!

Rebecca’s sword clashed haphazardly against Asha’s.

Momentarily frozen, Asha’s body stiffened, a brief moment of helplessness.

Asha belatedly prepared to counter Rebecca’s attack.

“Is that all you’ve got?”

“….”

“Not going to give it your all? I was just starting to enjoy myself.”

Rebecca’s taunt, devoid of any intention to sympathize, was a vile provocation meant to humiliate her opponent.

Asha glared at Rebecca, breathing heavily, while Rebecca smirked back at her.

“Hmm~ It wouldn’t be worth it if it was this easy.”

“…What are you doing?”

“Huh? Can’t you tell? Trying to make it a bit more exciting.”

Rebecca casually shifted her left hand behind her back, holding the sword with her right hand aimed at Asha.

“Isn’t it worth a try with just one hand? If you’re not enough, should I close my eyes?”

“…It’s too late for regrets.”

There was no room to indulge in Rebecca’s provocation. As soon as the words left her mouth, Asha moved her feet.

With a speed that seemed unstoppable, Asha’s sword tip headed towards her opponent without wavering.

Swish!

Yet once again, her blade only pierced through empty air.

As Asha gritted her teeth and prepared to strike again, Rebecca swiftly slashed at Asha’s left thigh.

An attack unseen by the eye. The sharp pain registered, and the situation finally became clear.

“Ugh…!”

She stumbled and eventually dropped to one knee.

There was no moment to casually show pain.

Thud!

This time, her right side was pierced.

Struggling to endure the pain, Asha tried to stand up, but Rebecca wouldn’t allow it.

Kicking her abdomen, Rebecca knocked her to the ground.

She attempted to strike Asha once more.

“Stop! The duel is over!”

As the judge intervened, Rebecca seemed disappointed.

“Hmm. It was just getting fun, but oh well. I have another toy to play with anyway.”

“Ugh….”

“Haven’t you heard? It’s over. How long are you going to stay down?”

Rebecca looked down at the groaning Asha, laughing.

“Hehe. If you’re just going to keep cleaning the floor, why bother with a sword? Might as well use a mop.”

Asha, who had been silent until now, slowly spoke.

“…You.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. You’re not at that level of skill.”

“What are you saying? Did you lose your mind from shedding too much blood?”

Asher struggled to get up and faced Rebecca directly.

“Skilled individuals like you are scattered throughout the continent. In fact, there are even stronger swordsmen than you. You’re just a frog in a well.”

“Huh. And what does that make you, who got beaten by that frog? Stop acting all high and mighty.”

“…You’ll find out soon enough.”

Without saying another word, Asher left the field.

Rebecca snorted as she watched him go.

A knight cautiously approached her.

“The duel is over. Lady Rebecca, please vacate the area.”

“Oh, no.”

“Yes?”

“Damian got injured. So, I’m standing in for him. It was prearranged, so it’s fine, right?”

“Ahem. Please wait a moment.”

He descended from the field and spoke with the attendants. Finally, he approached Evan and relayed the message.

Shortly after, the next opponent stepped onto the field.

It was Evan.

Rebecca’s lips curved into a smirk. A clear sense of vitality emanated from her body.

Her mocking laughter seemed almost joyful.

“Ahaha. You’re here?”

“What are you laughing about? I’ll split your head open.”

“…Huh.”

Following the hollow laughter was a sneer. It was a mocking laughter that clearly conveyed the intention to taunt the opponent.

She continued to speak, maintaining the sneer.

“You know, any injuries that happen during a duel are not my fault. So, don’t blame me too much.”

“Really? But even so, Asher should be losing his mind right about now.”

“…?”

Evan pointed a finger at her, causing Rebecca to narrow her eyes in surprise.

“You seem to have been hit pretty hard.”

“What?”

“Your face. How many hits did you take to look like that?”

“…Do you want to die?”

“Not really? It seems like you’re the one who wants to die. With a face like that, there’s no point in living, right?”

“Hmph… Fine. Go ahead and talk all you want now. Soon, I’ll tear that mouth of yours apart.”

Before the match even began, the knight intervened in the heated atmosphere.

And not long after, the duel began.

Swish!

Rebecca expected Evan to charge straight at her.

But instead, he stood still, engaging in a peculiar behavior.

“What are you doing?”

Just like how she had provoked Asher, Evan hid his left hand, which was holding the sword hilt, behind his back.

He intended to face her with only his right hand.

“Honestly, I don’t think I need a sword. But I am a knight, after all.”

“If that’s your death wish.”

Evan simply nodded without saying a word, signaling her to come at him.

The condescending look in his eyes made Rebecca uncomfortable.

She readied her sword for combat.

Meanwhile, Evan’s left hand remained firmly hidden behind his back.

“I don’t think you want to use that left arm, so I’ll cut it off for you.”

As she finished speaking, Rebecca charged at him.

The aggression in her attack was palpable.

On the other hand, Evan’s movements were concise and relaxed.

Clang!

Evan easily blocked Rebecca’s fierce attack, pushing her sword away gently.

Unable to overcome the force, Rebecca quickly retrieved her sword and readied herself again.

“…”

She was supposed to have the upper hand in strength, so why?

However, that thought was short-lived as Rebecca unleashed a series of new movements.

Like a living being with a mind of its own, her unpredictable attacks made it difficult to anticipate her next move.

The man’s swordsmanship had improved even further, making it challenging to rely solely on intuition to counter his moves.

From the moment the sword came flying towards him, Evan quickly rolled his eyes and chased after its trajectory.

And he reacted.

Clang!

Evan easily deflected Rebecca’s sword just like before.

He tried to counterattack immediately.

However, due to having only one hand, his strength was lacking, and he didn’t have the courage to counterattack.

Hmm. How about this.

Evan twisted his left arm wrapped around his waist and grabbed Rebecca’s neck.

“!”

Feeling her breath being cut off, Rebecca widened her eyes in surprise.

Without a chance to be flustered, she was slammed to the ground.

Thud!

Her back hit the ground, creating a loud noise.

“Oof! Ugh!”

After taking a short breath, she managed to say something.

“Ugh! I, I said not to use your left hand…!”

“Huh? This?”

Evan looked at his left hand and smirked slightly.

Maintaining that smile, he turned to look at Rebecca.

“Seriously, do you believe that?”

“W-What?! You son of a―!”

Wham!

As Rebecca was spitting out her words, Evan’s fist struck her face.

“Ouch!”

“Let’s settle this today, shall we?”

Until the end.