Chapter 35: Dantalion’s Provocation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 35: Dantalion’s Provocation
A Special Ability.
Unlike magic or sword aura, it was a unique power possessed only by specific families.
The Gideon family’s Special Ability had never been mentioned in the original novel. However, it was noted that Count Gideon’s house, the loyal vassals of the Duke of Winston, often handled many secret missions.
Could it be…?
I looked at Abel with questioning eyes before finally speaking.
“Can you really take me there without anyone knowing?”
“Yes.”
“...!”
Hope flared within me. Maybe I really could sneak off to the Colosseum!
Even I, having contracted with demons, could have tricked Sophia and Sir Raven to sneak out of the mansion right now. With Desmond and Bibi’s abilities, I could have clouded their eyes for a while.
The problem was what came after leaving the mansion. A child alone wouldn't even be able to make it to the Colosseum. But with Abel, I could reach the Colosseum safely, watch the duel, and return.
I spoke to Abel, my voice bright with joy.
“Then take me with you!”
“As you wish.”
Abel nodded, a dazzling smile spreading across his face. I tightly grasped the hand he offered.
*
Roar—!
Waaaaah!
The cheers of the crowd packed into the Colosseum thundered through the air. Even though the duel hadn't started yet, the spectator seats were filled to capacity, and a massive crowd had gathered outside as well.
“Who do you think will win today?”
“His Highness the Crown Prince, obviously.”
“But no matter how great His Highness is, wouldn't it be hard to beat the Marquis? They call him the 'Demon of the Battlefield' for a reason.”
People were incessantly betting on the winner. As time passed, the stakes grew enormous.
While most citizens of the Empire loved the Crown Prince—the future master of the Imperial Family—more than Marquis Lionel, they had to be honest when money was on the line.
“Still, the Marquis became a Sword Master earlier, so he has the advantage!”
“Right, the man has been through way more wars.”
“In my heart, I want His Highness to win, but for the bet...”
Thus, most of the money was placed on Cedric Lionel. And the man himself didn't doubt his victory for a second.
“You must win, Lionel.”
“I will.”
“You must win, even if it means killing that boy.”
“...”
Seeing the burning gaze of the Empress Dowager, Cedric gave a silent nod. At the same time, his own eyes blazed with fire.
Today, he would surely kill the Crown Prince. He would trample that arrogant face and tear those eyes out.
Cedric wore a treacherous smirk. He wasn't afraid of someone like the Crown Prince. Despite his title, the boy was a powerless weakling who was being pushed around by the Empress Dowager; he couldn't even ascend the throne without resorting to a method like this.
Cedric had long since seen through Dantalion’s intentions. Being rude to Veronica was nothing more than an excuse.
‘He plans to seize power by defeating me.’
The thoughts of that cunning man were transparent. Even with the Duke of Winston on his side, his influence was meager compared to the Empress Dowager’s faction, so this was the only move he could make.
Cedric imagined Dantalion’s face contorting in defeat after the duel. No, perhaps he would be run through by a sword and die before his face even had a chance to twist.
In fact, that might be better for the Imperial Family’s prestige.
“Heh.”
Cedric chuckled, staring at his sharply whetted blade. Once this duel was over, everything would return to its rightful place.
He hadn't been able to put Veronica back in her place due to that brat Dantalion’s interference, but once the Prince fell, even the Duke of Winston would have no choice.
After Crown Prince Dantalion, Winston would be next. Wearing a cruel smile, Cedric rose from his seat.
*
“Whoa.”
I looked down from the spectator stands.
A sea of people filled the Colosseum. It felt just like the baseball stadiums I used to visit back in Korea. I was overwhelmed by the majesty of the Colosseum, with its tiered seating surrounding the circular arena.
“It’s dangerous, Dia.”
“Oh, right.”
Perhaps because I was walking around in a daze, I almost bumped into a passerby. Abel carefully wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
[Ooh, for a human, that’s a pretty decent ability.]
[I agree. It’s perfectly seamless even though it’s still this bright out.]
‘Hmm.’
Abel’s Special Ability was a form of Stealth that perfectly hid the user and anything they were holding from their surroundings.
It was far superior to the typical stealth skills used by assassins, as it even masked presence and sound completely.
“Abel, you’re amazing!”
“It’s nothing.”
Of course, it would be a disaster if the servants found out Abel and I were missing from the mansion, so I had borrowed the demons' power for that. Right now, the people guarding and attending to me would be under the illusion that I was sleeping peacefully in my bedroom.
“It looks like it’s starting.”
“Really?”
At Abel’s words, I quickly looked down.
Even though the Stealth was perfect, it was better to be prepared, so both Abel and I were wearing black hoods pulled low. I nudged the hood up slightly to get a better view of the arena. We were on a fairly high floor since we had picked a corner with fewer people.
However, thanks to my contract with the demons, my eyesight was quite good. Straining my eyes, I saw someone standing in the middle of the arena.
“From this moment, the duel between the Sun of the Empire, His Highness Crown Prince Dantalion Noah Sylvester, and Marquis Cedric Lionel shall begin!”
“Waaaaah!”
The person who just appeared seemed to be the announcer. As he shouted into a magical tool that acted like a megaphone, his voice boomed throughout the vast Colosseum.
The atmosphere was completely festive. To think they were conducting a duel between royals like this—the Empress Dowager really was something else.
“Oh?”
Someone walked out slowly from the entrance at the six o'clock position. I watched him intently.
‘Cedric.’
It was the first time I had seen Cedric since the Victory Banquet. With his silver hair neatly slicked back, Cedric walked out with an air of triumph and stepped onto the arena stage.
“Waaaaah!”
“Win, Marquis!”
As expected, more people were cheering for Cedric. The roar was incredible. Well, most of them had probably bet their money on him. I smirked as I scanned the shouting crowd.
‘You’re all going to lose everything today.’
And that money would be mine. Having had Desmond secretly place bets for me, I let out a private grin.
[Master, you look happy at the thought of making a fortune.]
‘Hehe, of course.’
[I like money too! Gwahahaha!]
Desmond shouted excitedly. We were definitely going to be rich today.
Having received plenty of affection from the Duke of Winston, I had gathered quite a lot of gold and jewels. I only used a portion of it to avoid suspicion, but even that would bring in an enormous profit.
‘I’m rich, I’m rich!’
[Gwahahahaha!]
[Good grief, both of you...]
Bibi, perched on my shoulder, shook her head. I didn't care and just chuckled. I’d use this money for useful things in the future—like, for example, using it to mock the male lead after his defeat today.
Hiding my dark desires, I stared intently at the arena.
[There! He’s coming out! The scary Sword Master!]
‘Ooh...’
From the opposite side of where Cedric had entered, Dantalion was walking out leisurely. His golden hair, which looked as if it were crafted from the sun itself, seemed exceptionally radiant today. I examined him closely.
‘The Crown Prince is wearing the brooch, right?’
[He is!]
‘Good.’
As expected, the Crown Prince, who had successfully contracted with Dollens, was wearing the brooch I gave him on his chest.
Cedric is finished now. Confident, I watched the two men facing each other in the arena.
“Do either of you have any final words?”
“...”
“...”
The announcer, who seemed unnecessarily eager to keep the show going, thrust the megaphone toward Dantalion and Cedric.
However, neither opened their mouths. They simply glared at each other with terrifying intensity.
“Haha, if no one has anything to say, we shall begin the duel immediately—”
“Wait.”
As the embarrassed announcer tried to step back, Dantalion, who had been silent, raised his hand. However, he didn't take the megaphone; instead, he stepped closer to Cedric.
“...!”
Cedric’s face turned beet red after hearing whatever Dantalion said. He glared at Dantalion with a look of pure fury.
“...?”
What did he say to make Cedric that agitated?
Just as I was wondering, the crowd began to murmur in curiosity as well. The announcer, who was close enough to hear, turned pale. He hurriedly tried to manage the situation and shouted.
“Th-then! Let the duel begin!”
The announcer scrambled back. I tilted my head, watching the scene.
Then, Desmond asked nonchalantly.
[Are you curious about what the scary Sword Master said?]
‘Yeah, do you know?’
[I do.]
‘What did he say?’
I asked, unable to contain my curiosity. Desmond replied indifferently.
[He said that once he wins the duel and ascends the throne, he’s going to make the Ducal Lady divorce him.]