Irena is Blake’s friend

A steady voice rang across the deck.
Hearing it, the crowd suddenly understood—Black’s words made sense.

They never believed a Level 20 Summoner could summon a Level 30 fused beast.

But Elaina’s surprise wasn’t about her opponent cheating with potions.

Her mind ignored everything else—repeating two words: “friend”.

Ah… friend?

He said I’m his friend… I’m his friend… I’m his friend…

I’m Black’s friend…

She tilted her head slightly—her once-lively eyes freezing, pupils widening instantly.

A faint blush spread across her pale cheeks—like cherry blossoms touched by morning dew.

Fingers unconsciously twisted her skirt—knuckles whitening from grip.

What did “friend” mean?

Mother said:
A friend gives you gifts on your birthday.
Stays by your side when you’re lonely.
Comforts you when you’re sad.
Defends you when you’re bullied.

Elaina wanted a friend so badly—but in her seventeen years, as a Duke’s illegitimate daughter, mother just a servant…
Noble peers looked down on her.
When someone dared befriend her—her sisters threatened them away.

So when Black called her his friend—she wanted to cry.

She wanted to sob: “Mom, I made my first friend.”

Yet if Black knew her thoughts—he’d be speechless, shocked.

In the original novel The Dragon-Slaying Girl Longs for Love, Elaina’s first friend was the male lead—the one who triggered this emotional wave, boosting her affection toward him.

Now—Black had stolen that moment.

Of course—he had no idea.

Duke Gran listened—face calm, but internally smirking.

Black’s praise—”wise, righteous, noble”—seemed like flattery.

But truly—a trap.
Forcing him to act—send someone to check Liz.

And hidden beneath? Subtle mockery.
Accusing him of knowing about the cheating—yet staying silent.

This youth was interesting.

Gran stroked his beard—glanced at Alice, seeking her opinion.

Black was now the princess’s man. How to handle this—must respect her will.

Noticing Gran’s gaze—Alice paused—stared at Black’s figure—then nodded.

Not just for Black—she despised cheating in duels.

With the princess’s approval—Gran waved:

“Guards! Test Liz for traces of magic potions!”

A priest cast a spell on the unconscious Liz.
After confirmation—he reported:

“Your Graces—Liz did consume potion residue. Upon waking, she’ll be punished per regulations!”
“Therefore—I declare the first Martial Duel: Elaina wins!”

Hearing this—Black finally exhaled.

Earlier, he had no full confidence.

Autumn Wind Triple Fold was a skill unlocked after becoming a Swordsman.

He understood it well:
Consumes Spirit Energy—allows three instant teleports in quick succession.

With his fragile body—even a graze from the beast would’ve meant serious injury.

But combining the skill—his top-tier player reflexes—and the monster’s clumsiness—a flawless victory was possible.

Of course—only because he knew its weaknesses.

And thanks to Alice’s sword.
Without it—he might not have penetrated its defense.

So what seemed like cool, smooth moves to others?
Were precise calculations to him.

Black held the sword upside-down—walked to Elaina, still on the ground—extended his hand, smiling gently:

“The floor’s cold. Let me help you up.”

Elaina stared at that warm smile—frozen for half a minute.

Only after a while—blushing—did she take his hand and stand.

“Thank you…”

Voice soft as a mosquito.

“Huh? What’d you say?”

Black didn’t hear.

“…Nothing. You’re just… really stupid.”

Elaina lowered her head—expression hidden—voice muffled.

“Eh?”

Black was confused—why insult him after saving her?
No good deed goes unpunished!

“I mean—you’re weaker than me. If you messed up… you could’ve died.”

“Well… blame my damn kindness. My little bunny begged for help—how could I ignore that~?”

Black grinned—cheeky, carefree—like the cold warrior earlier was a dream.

“… …”

Knowing “little bunny” referred to her—Elaina pinched his hand, embarrassed.

“Ow! Why’s this bunny biting? Ungrateful!”

“… We’re friends… right?”

Elaina asked hesitantly—nervous, awaiting his reply.

“Of course! Didn’t I give you something before? That was the friendship fee—you’re not denying our bond, are you?”

“… Mm.”

Relieved—Elaina finally smiled.
Holding back overflowing joy—she thanked Black again—then slowly returned to her seat.

Watching her slender back—Black’s expression calmed.

Honestly—he couldn’t guarantee his intervention was right.

Maybe later—Elaina would face greater danger because of him.

But regardless—he didn’t regret it.

Composing himself—Black turned to return to Alice.

But before he took a few steps—

A haughty voice suddenly cut through—

Stopping him.

“Wait, Black.”

Black halted—frowned—turned to the speaker.

“What does Lord Seth want now?”

It was Rampant Wolf Seth.

Clearly hostile.

From his aggressive gaze—Black knew he was targeted again.

Exactly as expected.

“Black—I challenge you!”