IBACM Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Even though he had already lost, Somerset refused to accept it and continued attacking. That was a disgraceful act for a knight.

Even Jacob frowned at the sight before easily blocking Somerset’s reckless attacks.

“The duel is over. Accepting defeat with honor is also an important virtue for a knight—”

“Shut up! You worthless fool who can’t even use aura…!”

Did he not hear what Hogan said earlier? He basically hinted that Jacob could use aura.

“Please stop, young master.”

Hogan stepped onto the platform and blocked Somerset.

“Jacob can use aura. Once his control stabilizes, he’ll be able to wield it freely.”

“What…?”

That meant he was on his way to becoming the next commander. In the novel, Hogan chose Jacob as his successor, and when Dedrick became Grand Duke, Hogan smoothly passed the position to Jacob and stepped down.

“Even with the Grand Duke present, you act this way?”

Hogan’s sharp gaze turned to the Duchess.

“I wonder if someone needs to be re-educated on proper conduct.”

Delani bit her lip and spat out her words, barely holding back her anger.

“…Hogan, you should not speak so freely about the heir’s training. You are overstepping.”

“My apologies if I did. Now, Young Master Somerset, please step down.”

Hogan apologized smoothly and gestured toward the stairs.

Somerset, his face burning red, took a deep breath to calm himself before speaking in a seemingly rational tone.

“Even if I lost, it’s unfair for Jacob to fight Dedrick. He’s Dedrick’s mentor.”

Hmm. That’s actually a fair point.

“Yes, I agree. That’s why the vice-captain will be his opponent instead. No objections, I assume?”

I mumbled under my breath.

“This is unfair! Dedrick’s opponent is way too strong.”

Then again, maybe this isn’t so bad.

If Dedrick could last longer than Somerset against the vice-captain, it would leave a strong impression on everyone.

I glanced at Somerset, wondering if he had realized that.

“…Alright. That seems fair.”

Oh. Guess he didn’t realize.

“Good. Then there will be no further complaints. Do we have your word?”

“I give my word.”

I turned to the Grand Duke.

“Sir, in my humble opinion, Somerset is an idiot. He’s definitely not fit to lead a noble family. We should just kick him out.”

The Grand Duke completely ignored me.

Then it was Axel’s turn. He lasted two minutes longer than Somerset.

Somerset clenched his teeth, glaring at his younger brother with murderous intent, but Axel simply looked away in silence.

Finally, it was Dedrick’s turn.

“You got this, Dedrick! You’re amazing! Don’t let them intimidate you!”

I bounced excitedly in my seat, cheering as loudly as I could.

Dedrick glanced my way and gave a small nod before focusing again.

His opponent, Vice-Captain Tommy, stepped forward.

Dedrick, calm and composed, bowed slightly.

“Please guide me.”

“Haha, I’ll do my best.”

They both got into position, and as soon as the duel started, their swords clashed.

Clang!

Instead of recklessly pushing against Tommy’s strength, Dedrick smoothly stepped back, redirecting the force. Then, he dodged to the side and swiftly counterattacked.

That was all I could catch before their movements became a blur.

Clang! Clang!

The duel lasted much longer than the others.

Axel had managed to last five minutes. But Dedrick?

He had already surpassed ten minutes.

I watched anxiously as they continued exchanging blows.

When twenty minutes passed, Tommy finally pressed the tip of his sword against Dedrick’s chest.

“The match is over.”

Dedrick stepped back and bowed respectfully.

Compared to Somerset’s earlier disgraceful display, Dedrick’s manners stood out even more.

Tommy smiled, clearly pleased.

“Well done, Young Master Dedrick.”

“It is thanks to my teachers, Jacob and Roman.”

Humble, too.

I turned to look at Hogan and the other knights of the Black Hawk Order.

Unlike when they watched Somerset and Axel, their expressions were much more approving.

“You’re the best, Dedrick!”

Scrape.

The Grand Duke stood up.

“Dedrick, you will join the Black Hawk Order in a monster subjugation mission four months from now.”

“Huh? Seriously?”

I turned to him in shock, but he simply walked away.

“Oh no.”

Instead of celebrating, I stared at Dedrick with growing concern.

A monster subjugation mission?!

That was a huge deal.

This meant Dedrick was officially taking a big step toward becoming the next heir.

The monster subjugation was a major event that demonstrated the Grand Duke’s power and authority.

It also showed that the Black Hawk Order was strong enough to protect their territory.

‘So that’s why the returning knights always received such a grand welcome.’

Every head of House Blackwood had participated in the subjugation before officially becoming the Grand Duke.

Until then, they had to train directly under the Black Hawk Order.

That was why they grew stronger much faster than others.

It was also a rare chance to learn their techniques and way of life.

“But monsters?! What if Dedrick gets hurt?”

As I worried, I glanced at Dedrick.

But instead of being nervous, he looked… happy.

For once, he didn’t try to hide it.

His face practically glowed with excitement.

‘Ugh. How am I supposed to keep worrying when he looks that happy?’

I shouted loudly.

“Congratulations, Didi! I knew you could do it!”

If he was happy, I had to sincerely celebrate with him too.

Bang!

At that moment, the Grand Duchess suddenly stood up.

Her face twisted in anger, and she couldn’t hide her frustration. I took the chance to laugh at her as much as I wanted.

‘As long as Didi successfully completes the monster subjugation, there’s no way they’ll be able to send him to Herba Academy.’

With the Black Hawk Knights and the Grand Duke supporting him, he wouldn’t need to go.

‘Then there’s no need to wait a whole year! I just have to endure these next four months.’

However, Somerset was upset by the Grand Duke’s shocking decision.

“What do you mean by that?! If you had told me earlier, I would have worked harder!”

As Somerset complained, the Grand Duke stopped in his tracks and looked at him coldly.

“Are you saying you can’t accept the result?”

“I….”

“I see. That’s understandable.”

The Grand Duke nodded slightly and gestured toward the deputy commander.

“Try lasting longer than Dedrick. Both you and Sir Tommy have already fought, so you’re both exhausted.”

What a nice way to put it.

For someone who barely lasted three minutes.

But Somerset seemed thrilled that the Grand Duke was giving him another chance, and he nodded eagerly.

“I’ll do it!”

The Grand Duke added,

“However, there will be a penalty.”

“Excuse me?”

Somerset blinked in confusion, clearly not expecting that.

“I’m giving you another chance. Do you really expect it to come with no consequences?”

At the Grand Duke’s sharp glare, Somerset bit his lip in frustration.

“If you fail to last longer than Dedrick, you will lose your qualification as an heir.”

Somerset’s eyes widened in shock.

“That’s too much! How could you—!”

“Weren’t you confident enough to challenge the result? All you’re doing is complaining. What else am I supposed to do for you? Isn’t that right, Delani Blackwood?”

At the mention of her name, Delani barely managed to respond.

“…Somerset was just being too eager. Please forgive him.”

“Will he continue?”

“Of course not.”

Delani smiled and politely declined. Then she turned to Dedrick and congratulated him.

“Dedrick, congratulations. I’m glad to see your hard work pay off. Somerset, when your younger brother achieves something, you should celebrate with him.”

Feeling pressured, Somerset hesitated, glanced at the Grand Duke, then finally lowered his head.

“…Congratulations.”

Only then did the Grand Duke turn away.

Somerset not only failed to accept the result but also earned the Grand Duke and the Black Hawk Order’s displeasure.

Even the Grand Duchess seemed unhappy with Somerset’s behavior. She turned away, her expression icy.

---

Crash!

A finely crafted porcelain piece shattered on the floor, broken by Delani’s trembling hands.

Her neatly arranged hair was now messy, and her breathing was heavy. Gemma hurriedly tried to calm her down.

“My lady, please, calm yourself!”

Delani’s slender hands trembled as they rested on the table. She tried to suppress her anger, but it was difficult.

In the end, she couldn’t hold back and screamed,

“What a fool!”

“My lady…”

“How could he be so thoughtless?! If he had just stayed quiet, he wouldn’t have been humiliated like that!”

Delani couldn’t stand how useless her son was.