Chapter 25: I Challenge You to a Duel (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 25: I Challenge You to a Duel (1)
I glared at Cedric, fuming.
He had the nerve to be so bold while having Gloria by his side. Perhaps that was why everyone around us, myself included, fell into a stunned silence.
Veronica, finally regaining her composure, opened her lips to speak.
“You really are…”
“…”
“Consistent. Truly shameless.”
Veronica smiled.
It was an alluring, captivating smile, like a single blooming rose. Seeing it, Cedric’s eyes wavered slightly.
“I will not be returning there, Marquis Cedric Lionel.”
“Wife…”
“The Imperial Family will also be agreeing to our divorce soon.”
“What on earth do you mean by…”
Cedric looked bewildered by her words.
And for good reason. The Empress Dowager must have told him that she would never permit a divorce.
However, from now on, the Empress Dowager will not be the one ruling the Imperial Family. I wore a satisfied smile as I stood beside Veronica.
“That is nonsense. There is no way the Imperial Family would allow such a thing.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Ha… Wife, I know you are ignorant of the world, but you cannot get your way simply by throwing a tantrum.”
“…”
This bastard was treating Veronica like a child now. It was clear as day how he usually thought of her.
An arrogant ducal lady who knew nothing of the world. He probably viewed her exactly like the villainess of a romance fantasy novel—without knowing a single thing about how smart and wonderful Veronica actually was.
“Well. We shall have to wait and see how things turn out, won’t we?”
Veronica raised her wine glass and spoke with a smirk. Then, she took a slow sip of the red wine.
“Now then, I hope you have a pleasant time with your beloved.”
“…”
After a graceful farewell, Veronica turned on her heel. I followed in her footsteps.
Until the very end, Veronica remained calm and dignified. To anyone watching, she was the clear victor.
I took Veronica’s hand and held my head high with pride.
Or so I thought…
“Wife!”
“…!”
In the blink of an eye, Cedric lunged forward and grabbed Veronica’s arm, pulling her back savagely.
It happened so fast that Veronica couldn't react. She was simply dragged along by Cedric’s rough grip.
“Let go…!”
“We need to talk.”
“I have nothing left to say to you!”
Veronica shouted, but Cedric was relentless.
I looked around. Of all times, none of the Winston direct lineage were nearby, and the other nobles were just staring in shock.
What should I do? Should I get the demons to help stop Cedric?
But if I did that, my powers might be discovered…
As I hesitated, my eyes met someone else’s.
“…!”
“….”
Gloria, who had been fidgeting restlessly, widened her eyes when she saw me.
Her green eyes, unable to hide her wounded heart, burned into my retinas. I grit my teeth.
This was a terrible thing to do to Gloria, the female lead, as well. Even for a 'regretful male lead,' there ought to be a limit.
He ignored his former lover, Gloria, after losing his memories and married another woman. Then, he went out of his way to find and bring back Gloria after she had run away while pregnant.
And after all that, he’s showing Gloria how obsessed he is with his ex-wife?
This guy is a total piece of trash.
Frowning, I gave a command to the demons in my mind.
‘Desmond, Bibi! Right now—’
But before I could finish my sentence, a thunderous voice echoed through the banquet hall.
“His Highness, the sublime sun of the Sylvester Empire, Crown Prince Dantalion Noah Sylvester, is entering!”
“…!”
The heavy doors swung open along with the doorman’s voice, which shook the massive hall. Then, a tall man made his appearance.
Dantalion looked like a male god straight out of mythology. His golden hair, looking as if it were forged from pure gold, was neatly swept back, making his masculine and handsome face stand out even more.
The nobles, who had been watching the scuffle between Veronica and Cedric, couldn't take their eyes off Dantalion.
I, too, froze and stared blankly at him. I watched as he slowly approached us.
“Marquis Lionel.”
“…!”
A heavy bass voice flowed from Dantalion. His cold blue eyes were fixed on Cedric’s hand, which was still gripping Veronica’s arm.
Cedric flinched, his face contorting as he spoke.
“I greet His Highness the Crown Pri—”
“Let go of that hand.”
“…”
“Let go of her hand before you speak.”
Dantalion repeated the same words, his expression not changing in the slightest.
His face twisted miserably, Cedric grit his teeth and released his tight grip on Veronica’s arm.
“My apolo—”
“Lady, are you alright?”
Dantalion ignored Cedric completely and asked Veronica. His large frame blocked the space between Veronica and Cedric.
“Ah, I am fine.”
“It looks like your arm is bruising.”
“That is…”
Startled, Veronica looked down at her arm. Sure enough, her snow-white skin was turning red and swelling in the shape of Cedric’s hand.
Dantalion stared at it with a grave expression.
“It would be best to call a royal physician for treatment.”
“Oh.”
“Escort the Lady.”
At his word, an attendant rushed over to guide Veronica. Before following the attendant, Veronica looked back.
“Dia, come here.”
“…”
To be honest, I wanted to stay in the banquet hall and watch the power struggle between Dantalion and Cedric a bit longer.
But I suppose I shouldn't. Swallowing a sigh, I obediently followed Veronica.
“Mom, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“…”
Veronica looked somewhat dazed. Though she nodded at me, her eyes were unfocused.
Was it because she was shocked by Cedric’s behavior? But if that were the case, her cheeks were a bit too flushed…
I narrowed my eyes. Somehow, I didn't think the reason for Veronica’s daze was Cedric.
‘Well, Dantalion was pretty cool just now.’
His hair was blonde, too, so he really gave off that 'Prince Charming on a white horse' vibe from fairy tales. The white uniform he didn't usually wear suited him well, too.
I entered the waiting room with the entranced Veronica. The attendant bowed deeply to her and spoke.
“If you wait just a moment, I will bring a royal physician.”
“Very well.”
As Veronica nodded, the attendant stepped back with practiced discipline and left the room. I looked at Veronica’s still-swollen red arm with a heavy heart.
“Does it hurt a lot?”
“Mom is okay.”
“Dia will blow on it for you. Ho~”
“Oh my.”
Acting cute like this came naturally now. I actually leaned in and blew soft breaths onto Veronica’s arm.
“My sweet Dia. It doesn't hurt at all now.”
Veronica spoke with a bright smile. I knew she was lying, but she looked genuinely happy.
As I giggled along, Veronica’s hand stroked my hair.
It was then.
Bang!
“Berry!”
“Berry!”
“Dia!”
The waiting room door burst open, and a group of dark-clad men rushed inside.
It was Duke Winston and the direct lineage. I looked at them with cold eyes.
“How dare he… That bastard Cedric…!”
Having finally seen Veronica’s condition, flames erupted in Duke Winston’s eyes.
Vincent and Brandon also grit their teeth as they saw her swollen arm.
“Father, where are you going?”
“Do not stop me!”
“Sigh…”
Veronica let out a long sigh as she held back Duke Winston, who looked ready to storm out of the room in a towering rage.
They were nowhere to be seen when Veronica was being harassed in the banquet hall, and now they show up?
Of course, I understood they were likely distracted by the many people crowding around them.
Still, making a scene after the fact would only make things difficult for Veronica. I clicked my tongue inwardly as I watched the Duke.
“More importantly, what is His Highness doing now?”
“You mean the Crown Prince?”
“Yes.”
As if she were still concerned about the Crown Prince in the banquet hall, Veronica asked with a hint of anxiety. The Duke fell silent for a moment.
“The thing is…”
“What is it?”
“His Highness the Crown Prince…”
“…?”
The Duke kept hesitating. Why was he being like this? It was making me curious too. Only when even I began to frown did the Duke finally speak again.
“He said he would duel that bastard Cedric.”
“Pardon? What did you say?”
“…?”
Suddenly?
My jaw dropped as well.
Just what on earth happened after we left for them to be dueling?
“I didn't know why he was doing it, but it seems he was very angry after seeing what happened to you, Berry.”
“Ah…”
“I hope he takes this chance to beat that Cedric fellow half to death.”
The Duke spoke with a boisterous laugh.
Veronica was left speechless by the shock, and I looked at the Duke as if he were pathetic.
A duel between Sword Masters? Is that really going to be okay?
A sigh escaped me already.