Strange Emotions

He felt it—after humiliating Seth in the Literary Duel, he’d become public enemy number one.
This time, Seth wouldn’t just retaliate—he’d do it at any cost.

But whatever. If challenged, he’d just refuse.

As Duke Gran announced the start of the Martial Duel—someone couldn’t wait.

“Elaina! I challenge you!”

A Viscount’s daughter stepped forward—directly targeting Elaina.

Black was puzzled. Her tone was arrogant.

Yes, the Martial Duel allowed free challenges.

But Elaina was a Duke’s daughter—even as a bastard child, no mere Viscount could afford to offend her.

This wasn’t simple.

“This girl is close to Lily and Marsha.”

Alice casually mentioned.

Ah.

Black instantly understood—it was a premeditated attack.

Clearly, Elaina’s “sisters” were making trouble for her.

But what was the point?
Just to embarrass her?

No—Black recalled lore from the original world.

If a Duke’s child lost to a lower-ranked noble—Viscount, Baron, etc.—it was a huge disgrace.
They’d be despised by other nobles.

Worse—they’d face family punishment. In severe cases—expelled from the family, losing their noble status.

Most noble families had many children—they didn’t need every failure.

In the Dragonheart Empire—this happened all the time.

The noble hierarchy: Duke > Marquis > Count > Viscount > Baron.
The gap between Duke and Viscount? Massive.

If Elaina lost to a Viscount’s daughter? Disgraceful for her family.
And as a bastard daughter? This fight could end her standing entirely.

Of course—a mere Viscount’s daughter wouldn’t dare challenge a Duke’s heir.

But with backing? Different story.

Elaina’s legitimate sisters truly hated her.

“Hmm? You care about her?”

Seeing Black frowning, Alice asked thoughtfully.

She’d seen Elaina cooking for him before.
That scene looked intimate.

“Cough cough—we’re not even friends. How could I care?”
“As Your Highness’s sharpest blade—I only serve you!”

Black placed his right hand over his heart—performing a symbolic loyalty gesture.

Though a blatant lie—his attitude was perfect.

“… …”

But he didn’t know—those words shook Alice deeply.

Though silent—the princess felt a strange flutter in her chest.

She didn’t understand this emotion—only a sour, bittersweet feeling.

For the first time.

Not sadness. Not hurt. Something stronger.

Was it because—no one had ever said this to her?

Even if he was lying—Alice couldn’t shake that bitter sweetness.

She bit her lip—trying to suppress it—but her ears turned red.

Only Karina noticed.

Your Highness…!

Karina was shocked. She seemed to understand Alice’s feelings now.

Alice had always been invisible in the royal family—ignored by princes, princesses, servants alike.
This loneliness? Unbearable.

And Alice was stubborn—faced hardship alone, never seeking comfort.

Such a lonely, love-starved soul—affected by a casual line?
Seems normal.

Like sunlight piercing through a window—warming a girl hiding in darkness.

Bright. Warm.

Maybe… this man could change the princess.

For the first time—Karina hoped her intuition was right.

Meanwhile, oblivious Black didn’t realize his words’ power. He studied the Viscount’s daughter—couldn’t gauge her strength.

But likely Level 20–30.

“No need to look. She’s a Level 20 Novice Summoner.”

Alice finally suppressed her strange emotions.

A Novice Summoner?

Then Elaina should handle it.

Black knew Elaina likely consumed the Obsidian Nectar—already Level 20.

At equal levels—battle experience and skill mastery decided the winner.

Below, the girl under everyone’s gaze slowly stood.

Elaina remained calm—wiped her mouth with a napkin—transforming from glutton to cool beauty.

She seemed prepared for this.

Other nobles weren’t surprised. The feud between Duke Zoke’s legitimate and bastard daughters was common knowledge.

All wondered—would she accept?
Refusing? Still a disgrace—same as losing.

“I accept your challenge.”

Elaina raised her eyes—locking onto the Viscount’s daughter.

Before, she might’ve hesitated. But now—Level 20.

Retreating would betray Black’s help.

She took her staff—walked to the arena—facing the girl.

And gave Black a nod.

Black smiled. Didn’t expect the little girl remembered him—a grateful child.

“Hmph. Some courage after all.”

Liz, the Viscount’s daughter, sneered.

Her mission? Simple—crush this girl.
Make her lose shamefully. Better yet—break her limbs, turn her into a useless cripple.

Of course, Liz held no personal hatred toward Elaina.

Blame Lily’s tempting reward: 100,000 gold coins.

“Not bad—she actually accepted! What a fool!”

Lily laughed like a pig—her fat body jiggling.

“She’s only Level 19—no combat experience. No way she beats Level 20 Liz!”

Marsha, flat-chested, laughed like a monkey—her pockmarked face twisted.

“Better break her limbs—makes it easier to kick her out of our house!”

The Martial Duel was a rare chance. They’d planned long—choosing someone low-status but similar level.

Too high a level? Losing wouldn’t be shameful—defeating their purpose.

As they gloated—Elaina released her aura!

A Level 20 magic fluctuation filled the arena!