AESVM Chapter 79
If You Have Something to Say, Write It in a Letter
CLANG!
The deafening clash of swords rang so loudly in front of Daphne that her ears buzzed.
She instinctively covered them, stepping back—just as Marius reappeared, steadying her with a firm grip.
Celestian, gritting his teeth as he pushed back against the force, briefly glanced away from his opponent—to Marius.
Then, raising his left hand, he made a small motion as if to cover something.
Cover what?
Daphne followed his gaze downward—toward the arm her father was still holding.
She didn’t need this kind of protection, of course. But, still…
This wasn’t something her father did often. It was a rare display of affection.
She absentmindedly touched her empty earlobe before looking forward again.
When did he pick up his sword?
The tide had shifted once more.
Celestian wasn’t using any particular techniques—just forcing his opponent back with sheer pressure.
Yet, despite his size, Iglios was steadily being pushed backward.
Celestian Theriosa. He’s absolutely useless without a sword.
Daphne narrowed her eyes, pressing a hand against her pounding chest and taking several deep breaths.
Even after taking that beating, Celestian moved as if nothing had happened.
Her earring—still hanging from his ear—could barely keep up with his speed.
“The sound was insane earlier.”
Had he really taken a hit hard enough to break something but was just pretending to be fine?
Maybe she should have him checked by a night physician just in case.
“Daphne.”
“Hmm?”
“I forgot to ask earlier. How have you been?”
Marius glanced at his pocket watch.
Even with a chaotic duel unfolding in front of them, her father was casually checking in on her.
It was so like him.
“As you can see, I’m doing fine. Hanging out with the kids, with… that guy. Mom, though—she’s definitely not fine.”
“Haha.”
Daphne could tell.
The moment this fight ended, Marius would leave.
He kept stealing glances at his watch, even while looking at her with a gentle smile.
“And one more thing.”
“Yes, Daphne?”
“There’s no baby.”
She tapped her lower abdomen for emphasis.
Marius chuckled, his expression unreadable.
“You must be so busy, yet here you are, hearing it from me in person.”
Then, hesitating slightly, she added, “And, uh, thanks… for bringing the prince over earlier.”
Daphne had meant to say it like an adult, but somehow, her words came out too soft—almost like a child’s.
CLANG!
Another violent crash of swords made her shoulders jolt.
“You and him—are you lovers?”
“No. Absolutely not.”
Marius narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
But Daphne was too preoccupied watching Celestian to notice.
She was too busy sorting through her thoughts—too busy tracking him with her gaze.
“I wasn’t lying exactly, but… the situation is a little…”
“I know.”
Marius answered simply.
Daphne’s head shot up.
“You know? How?”
“That gossip column.”
“Oh.”
Daphne nodded in understanding.
Just as she religiously read women’s gossip magazines out of necessity, Marius never skipped the morning news.
Marquis Marius Beaucater, the Honest Second Son.
Even with a nickname like that, she had somehow underestimated him.
“Then why—?”
“When a daughter wants to mess with her mother, isn’t it a father’s duty to help?”
Daphne had been about to ask why he rushed over in such a hurry.
But that answer…
That was exactly what she wanted to hear.
So she simply nodded.
Marius smirked.
“What favor do you need from me?”
“Favor?”
“You mentioned it at dinner earlier.”
“Oh, right. I need you to help lift the prophecy curse.”
Daphne kept her tone casual.
But the moment she said prophecy, Marius’s expression darkened.
She immediately realized.
It wasn’t happening.
“Yeah. That’s not possible, huh.”
“I’m afraid not.”
“I figured from your face alone.”
Marius quickly schooled his features back into his usual warm expression.
“Those things were never meant to be yours in the first place.”
“Yeah, yeah. Would’ve been nice to get the money, but I wasn’t too hopeful.”
She snatched the pocket watch from his hand and checked the time.
Midnight was fast approaching.
“This is so bizarre.”
“What is?”
“The fact that that giant is losing to Celestian.”
Daphne’s attention returned to the fight.
Celestian had moved closer again.
The earring on his ear swung mockingly, reminding her—
She would yank it off the moment this was over.
“If someone else were in your shoes—”
“Ugh, can we talk later?”
Daphne shooed him away, just as Celestian failed to dodge a punch, taking a direct hit to the face.
“Ah!”
Daphne clutched the railing, looking ready to jump over.
Marius quickly grabbed the hem of her dress.
“…I have to return to Iren soon, Daphne.”
“Then just write me a letter, like you always do! I’m not pregnant! And who the hell does that bastard think he is, punching his face?! He has a sword—he should be using it!”
“Daphne.”
“I HAVEN’T EVEN HIT HIM YET!”
She clenched both fists in frustration.
Her outraged cry was swallowed up by the thunderous cheers of the crowd.
“Daphne, don’t tell Delphinium the truth tomorrow.”
Even in the chaos, his words cut through clearly.
Daphne finally tore her gaze from Celestian and looked at him.
“…You won’t have time.”
“Why?”
Marius’s blue eyes flickered sideways, glancing toward something unseen.
“Because you’ll be heading to Herbon in my place.”
“What?”
“I was supposed to go, but something urgent has come up. I need to leave immediately.”
“…Herbon? And why can’t I tell Loren—”
THUD!
A massive impact shook the arena—followed by a roar of applause.
Both Daphne and Marius turned toward the ground.
Celestian stood tall, spine straight, as he gave his sword a single, practiced flick.
Daphne’s eyes darted around.
Where’s the giant?
Did he fall into the pit?
Celestian, perfectly unscathed, let out a rough breath as he wiped his blade clean with a towel someone had tossed him.
“You made me miss it!”
Daphne whirled on her father, glaring.
Marius chuckled.
“My bad.”
Daphne raised her fist in mock frustration.
Marius lifted his hand in return—
Letting her punch it with ease.
****
Even though the festival had ended, the echoes of excitement still lingered.
The exit of the underground arena remained lively, filled with the steady hum of voices as people slowly made their way out.
Daphne stood near the exit with Marius, watching the crowd move like a great tide.
“I’ll go on the trip in your place. But I can’t leave right away—would the day after tomorrow work?”
“The Duke’s party is in three days, so it’d be best if you left before tomorrow afternoon. I’ve already informed Misha.”
Marius winked.
Herbon—famous for its three-tiered Schambach Waterfalls—was several hours away by eastbound train from Secradion.
Its towns looked like something out of a fairy tale, and its people were warm and kind.
“Then why can’t I tell Loren? If I keep putting it off, I’ll be in serious trouble.”
“You’re already very late. By the time I got off the ship… people of all ages were talking about you and April.”
“Ah.”
“And words hold power, you know. At this rate, I might be expecting a grandchild soon—”
Daphne sucked in a sharp breath, horrified.
“Father, that’s harassment. I should report you to the city guards!”
Just then, Marius’s carriage pulled up in front of them.
Without missing a beat, he stepped inside and waved at her through the window.
“I’ll write to you, as usual.”
“I’ll settle for a gold bar instead, Marquis Beaucater.”
Daphne curtsied slightly, lifting the edges of her dress.
Marius laughed heartily before knocking on the carriage roof—and with a rush of wind, the vehicle disappeared into the distance.
“That old man… he never actually says he’ll give me anything.”
Daphne straightened her back, pouting.
“Ugh, I missed the best part because of him.”
She yanked the hairpin from the back of her head, letting her hair tumble down.
Still, a win is a win.
Because Celestian had secured complete victory, he had received a solid gold trophy the size of a forearm—along with a new legendary sword with a pure gold hilt.
As for the prize money, which amounted to hundreds of millions, Celestian had promptly handed it over as compensation to the knight whose leg he had broken.
What about that giant? Did he really die?
If so, gossipers would soon be all over it, turning it into a murder case—which would be a headache to deal with.
Marius had likely told her not to issue a correction article to shield her from the fallout.
But still…
Daphne shook her head, brushing aside unnecessary thoughts.
Delphinium was set to arrive tomorrow morning—she’d deal with things then.
It was only after the fact that she learned Amber had stormed out of the arena, her face flushed with anger, the moment Celestian picked up a sword.
Well, at least she didn’t go home.
Amber was probably off on another impulsive trip or scheming at some royal acquaintance’s house.
Daphne hated how her mother seemed to actively seek out trouble.
…But at the same time, she didn’t completely hate her.
If she had, she would’ve erased the Green name from her life entirely—severing all ties.
Maybe it’s because she’s my mother.
Daphne scratched her cheek and turned around—only to nearly jump out of her skin.
“Ah! Can’t you make some noise when you walk?!”
“I called your name…”
The golden-haired prince stood before her, his upper body wrapped in bandages, wearing a loosely buttoned black shirt.
His right arm was even secured in a brace.
“Cele, you—”
Daphne’s eyes dropped to the injury.
Her expression immediately hardened, and without another word, she strode toward him.
