Azure Three Fights

The Three Contests referred to Literary Duel, Martial Duel, and Dragon Duel.

Literary Duel: A poetry contest—judging who could craft the most elegant, profound, and artistic verse.
Martial Duel: Pure combat—measuring raw strength.
Dragon Duel: Special—testing who could tame a winged dragon species faster.

In Dragon Duel, it was about presence. Generally, the higher one’s status, the faster they tamed dragons.
Thus, royalty were often dragon-taming experts.

In the game’s story, Jiaye swept all three contests—stunning everyone!

She stole the spotlight from every noble present!

This was her first true breakthrough—a peak flex moment that made players feel incredibly satisfied.

Nobles began noticing this hidden gem—the Count’s daughter.

And here—she caught the attention of Cyril and Seth, the two male side characters.
Or rather—boosted their affection levels.
This was the first step in their romance routes.

But this was also where Jiaye earned Alice’s hatred.

Why? Simple.
As a royal, Alice lost to Jiaye—a mere Count’s daughter—in the Dragon Duel.

A direct slap to imperial dignity.
For Alice, who fiercely protected royal pride—this was devastating.

Alice fully descended into villainess mode—constantly scheming against Jiaye, framing her.

All failed. She only made herself look pathetic.

What could she do? She was fighting the main character.

Because of this, Alice later fought Jörmungandr without thinking—desperate for glory.
Her final act? Death on the battlefield.

Tragic, in a way.

But according to Black’s calculations—if Jiaye couldn’t attend due to injuries—none of this would happen.

Jiaye wouldn’t attract Cyril or Seth—their romance lines might end before they begin.
Alice might not become a full villain either.

Black couldn’t say if this change was good or bad.

But one thing was certain:
Jiaye’s power level was the key.
As long as that didn’t collapse—everything else could be managed.

“Exactly. Will you participate in the Azure Triad Contests?”

Krystin’s voice brimmed with anticipation.

To her now, Black was a mysterious mastermind.
Beyond knowing rare intel—he must be a hidden powerhouse.
Definitely not a Level 10 weakling pirate.

She wanted him to reveal his true self during the contests.

“No. Absolutely not.”

Black answered firmly—no hesitation.

Participate? Impossible!

He was here to eat, not fight.

Unless Alice offered room and board, six insurances and two funds, and paid him 100 gold coins monthly!

Hearing his firm refusal, Krystin felt a small disappointment.

“But I heard—if you win two of the three contests—you get to dance the Oath Dance with Princess Alice!”

She tried to tempt him—but it didn’t work.

“Oh.”

Black showed zero interest.

The Oath Dance was an ancient tradition of the Dragonheart Empire.
Very special—only danced by one man and one woman.
Simply put—it was a courtship dance.

Legend said: during the Oath Dance, the man received a mysterious blessing—making him irresistible to women.
It skyrocketed female affection toward him.

Many couples married after performing it.
Some even believed—if your goddess agrees to dance the Oath Dance with you… it’s as good as accepting your proposal.

True, Alice was divinely beautiful—a princess.
For many noble heirs, dancing the Oath Dance with her? The highest honor!
Win her favor—marry her—gain her power? Instant success!

But to Black? Alice was just a bad woman.
No matter how beautiful—still a bad woman!

“Alice is so beautiful—don’t you want to dance the Oath Dance with her?”

Krystin wasn’t giving up—blinking her lovely red eyes.

“You’re pretty too—should I dance it with you then?”

Black sighed. Did he look like a lecherous man?

But he didn’t expect—his offhand remark embarrassed Krystin.

The Saintess turned as red as an apple.

Stammering, unable to speak.

She never expected Black to be so blunt. Others always flattered her indirectly.

After a while, she recovered—pouting, muttering:
“There are other rewards too!”

“Just the Dragonvein Fruit? Not interested.”

Black replied instantly—no thought needed.

The Dragonvein Fruit was a rare item—temporarily boosting power significantly.

But there was a catch: You had to be Level 30+.
Otherwise—the energy would explode you.

So for Level 10 Black? Useless.

“Hmm? How do you know it’s the Dragonvein Fruit?”

Krystin froze. This reward was just decided by the royals.
She’d learned it half an hour ago.

How did Black know?

F**! Spoke too fast!*

Black wanted to slap himself.

The Dragonvein Fruit as a prize? A last-minute decision by the royals.
A mere guard like him couldn’t possibly know.

Now he was in trouble.

“I’m very curious, Mr. Black—how do you know?”

Krystin tilted her head like a cat discovering something new—eyelashes fluttering, leaning slightly forward.

“Ahhaha… I guessed! Lucky guess!”

Black’s laugh was forced.

“Mr. Black… you’re lying~”

Krystin activated her Lie Detection.

Black wanted to spit blood.

These women—all so evil!

“I’m sooo curious~”

Krystin smiled meaningfully—pure as a lily.

That smile, paired with her flawless beauty? A lethal weapon for men.

Any other man would’ve confessed his deepest secrets—even childhood bedwetting—just to make her smile.

But not Black.
To him—that smile looked terrifyingly sinister.

He had to stay alert.
Last time, he let his guard down—she stole the Glacier Snow Lotus info.
Not again!

He considered making up another excuse.

But—he remembered: Krystin’s Lie Detection was too sharp.
Before her? He was naked.

So he decided: Close his mouth. Turn away. Be a cold, silent guard!

No matter what Krystin said—he wouldn’t utter a word.

Beauty tactics won’t work on me!

Krystin realized—Black wouldn’t speak.

But she wasn’t easily defeated. The more he stayed silent—the stronger her curiosity grew.

“Guard, just tell me—I’m really curious!”

“Don’t avoid me. Open your mouth, please?”

“By the way—I baked cookies myself. Want some? Open your mouth—I’ll feed you~”