There was one thing that people didn’t know. Although there is only one bell and chalice, there are countless Trachian swords. However, a true Trachian sword was essentially nonexistent. What Trachian sought was someone who wouldn’t wield a sword.
In other words, only a ‘sword’ that has not killed or harmed anyone’ is qualified to be called a ‘Trachian sword’. If it had stabbed someone even once, it lost that right. Every sword that had surfaced so far had harmed someone.
Except one—the one Titania possessed.
‘The only thing missing now is the chalice. Then… we simply have to create a situation in which it will definitely be used.’
If a weakness was exposed, humans would naturally bare their teeth. That’s how humans are.
‘If the chalice is going to be used, then let whoever it is fully unleash its power.’’
After all, the Chalice is not just about projecting the image of the one you want to see or projecting a fake future. If someone possessed a dragon’s treasure and did nothing more with it, Dioles would be gravely disappointed.
* * *
The capital of Terran was several times more crowded than usual. Many people, along with the duke’s son, Eustaf, returned safely to Terran. Not a single person had died, so it was natural that people were singing Eustaf’s praises.
“Peridot and His Highness the Prince are together again today.”
Scanning the ballroom, I arched an eyebrow at two familiar faces.
The sharp-looking older man nearby was probably Peridot’s father. The similarity in appearance is undeniable. But the way he looked at her daughter was cold and harsh. It makes me wonder what was wrong with him. Anyway, it wasn’t a face I wanted to look at for a long time, so I quickly looked away.
“Where is Lord Yulpe?”
“He’s probably somewhere getting dolled up, given that he hasn’t arrived yet.”
Lacius was not particularly friendly towards the young lord of Yulpe. It was understandable, given their clashing personalities. I looked to see if Raziana or Cynthia were there, but I couldn’t see either. Raziana said that ever since her hair got shorter, she hasn’t been getting tea party invitations that often, so perhaps that was why.
I grabbed a drink from the table and handed it to Lacius. Just as I was about to quench my thirst—
“Everyone! Terran’s charming genius, Terran’s cutie! Is finally back!”
Pop! The decorations overhead exploded one after another, scattering a gentle rain of flowers. I immediately recognized the mauve petals floating atop my glass of water.
“It’s a Hydrangea.”
“That’s his favorite.”
While everyone was looking at the petals, Lacius looked directly at the platform. When everyone, including me, turned our heads in that direction a beat later, a soft voice rang out to the end of the small banquet hall, as if they had been waiting.
“Yes, yes, thank you. Eustaf is back. Let’s all give a round of applause. Thank you!”
The man with the delicate, princely hair had an enchanting two-tone color, a mix of purple and silver, giving him a mystical aura. The color combination, which could have easily clashed, suited Eustaph’s clear and transparent skin perfectly.
“Thank you for attending this celebratory party. I’m overwhelmed, seeing all these starlike gazes turned towards me. It truly makes me feel like I’m finally back in Terran!”
Eustaf was a man overflowing with confidence and charm. His slender figure and fashion-forward attire, paired with the occasional playful wink, made him seem like a bouquet of purple roses.
When the polite applause stopped, Eustaf cleared his throat loudly and then raised his voice.
“With so many of the individuals who are currently leading Terran here, I must say this.”
I looked at Eustaf with bewilderment along with the others, wondering what he was going to say.
‘Huh?’
Strangely enough, I found myself locking eyes with Eustaf for quite some time. But there was no warmth in his gaze.
“I would like to issue a duel.”
“… … ?”
“My opponents are Lady Titiana Oberon and Lady Peridot Crisiona!”
What was he talking about?
Eustaf’s sudden and incoherent declaration aroused a great deal of whispering. It is ridiculous to challenge an ordinary person other than a knight to a duel. The idea of “duel” itself didn’t even apply in this context. But the important thing here is that Eustaf, who asked for a duel, also did not know how to use a sword.
“Of course! The event is not an actual battle. It’s more important than that.”
It seems that Eustaf used such provocative words on purpose. He waited for the curious eyes of the crowd to focus on him before he spoke again.
“Everyone must be aware that Her Highness the Princess’s birthday is approaching soon.”
Well, that’s a given.
“There is only one person, a single individual, who can be responsible for organizing the royal family’s birthday celebrations. And I wish to challenge that position in a fair and honorable duel!”
From the look on Peridot’s face, it seemed she hadn’t heard of this either. It was true that preparing for Her Highness the Princess’s birthday party was a great honor. But I had no desire to take on such a task. Parties are all about having fun. Whether it’s playing the drum or blowing the trumpet, I hope Peridot and Eustaf can work out a solution together.
But before I could open my mouth, Peridot came forward.
“How ridiculous. Her Royal Highness’s birthday banquet has been prepared by a woman of noble birth. Is it not unreasonable for you, a newly returned young lord of the Yulpe family, to try to take that position?”
“There are exceptions to everything in this world, and a man as elegant and beautiful as I am is capable of making sure that such banquet is not neglected in the slightest. My aesthetic sense is exceptional, you know!”
Wow, it was a tight match. Peridot jabbed, and Eustaf parried. For the onlookers, it was quite an entertaining battle.
“And above all, Her Royal Highness gave permission. Through friendly competition, the winner will have the chance to prepare for the birthday banquet!”
Eustaf was brimming with confidence. Unless he had a death wish, he wouldn’t dare use Her Highness’s name in vain. So it must have been true.
‘But why am I involved?’
I felt a bit wronged. I never said I wanted to participate, so why was I being dragged into this? In the end, I stepped forward and firmly expressed my opinion.
“That sounds wonderful. In that case, I’ll withdraw, so the two of you can have a splendid competition!”
I don’t want to cheer for either of you, so go ahead and punch and kick and fight. I tried to concede just like that.
“Oh, no. That won’t do.”
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