Artia felt that she should enjoy this match a bit more when Jay’s sword stuck to her as if it had avenged itself.

Until now, both at home and in various training grounds, Artia had undergone extensive training. From avoiding sand traps to improving reaction speed and balancing senses – she had trained at an advanced level. Moreover, in her past life, Artia was a top figure in the fitness industry. For her, everything was connected to exercise, and this was just another form of exercise.

Clang! Clang!

The sound of swords clashing echoed. Although the nobles unfamiliar with swordsmanship didn’t notice, Cascus recognized that Artia was intentionally enjoying the sparring.

Owen, sipping champagne, also realized that Artia intended to make the duel more entertaining.

When Jay’s extended sword seemed to touch or not touch Artia’s body, she moved with grace.

‘It’s not enjoyable to drag out the sparring too much. Maybe I should create a small event at the right moment.’

Artia thought she should give Jay, who was like a venomous snake, a little present.

Artia swayed her body and, with the sword, lightly tapped the headpiece on Jay’s head.

The pearl hairpin that adorned Jay’s head fell to the ground.

“!”

The hairpin had supported Jay’s hair but now fulfilled its lifespan as it disappeared.

Jay’s carefully arranged hair now became disheveled.

But compared to what Artia had endured, it was nothing. It was a trivial matter.

“Oh my, my! I didn’t expect it to fall.”

Artia widened her eyes, portraying an expression as if she hadn’t anticipated this outcome.

Jay’s anger escalated.

Regardless of her now untied hair, Jay found Artia’s actions extremely annoying.

“I thought you were a lioness.”

Artia innocently remarked, and laughter erupted among the nobles.

Jay’s expression, which had been carefully acting mild, now distorted noticeably.

Artia watched her changing expressions with fascination, observing the disheveled appearance.

And, clashing swords, she sensed Jay’s energy.

Considering the suffering the original Artia had endured because of this woman, she couldn’t forgive Jay.

‘I apologize for making you look pitiful, but even if you hit me, it’s cheap.’

Artia evaded Jay’s attack skillfully, contemplating what other events she could create.

“……. ”

Jay couldn’t read anything from Artia’s expression.

She felt uneasy.

During the first match, she thought she had only made a mistake due to the joy and excitement of being chosen by the Crown Prince. So, in the second match, she tried to calm down and take it seriously. Even though it was a light entertainment, since the attention of many people was focused, it could have a significant impact on her reputation. The Crown Prince had undoubtedly complimented her sword skills, and she needed to live up to those expectations. If she were to lose here again, she might feel the urge to jump off a cliff.
As she thought, the Crown Prince was watching her from the side.

“He must have high expectations… for me to win.”

Jay, finding it increasingly difficult to control her rationality, was determined to defeat Artia at any cost.

At that moment, Artia, leaning back, lightly struck Jay’s knee joint with the blunt edge of her sword.

Thunk!

Using some kind of technique, Artia somehow made Jay’s legs give out, causing her to collapse onto the ground.

“My legs just…!”

Among the nobles who were watching, a stir of confusion spread.

Among them were Jay’s twin sisters, Endo.

“Is this madness… Does this make any sense?”

Endo turned her head, as if she couldn’t bear to watch any longer, and disappeared somewhere.

Artia, holding her sword to Jay’s kneeling neck, looked down at her.

“So you desired this. It seems like it became quite an interesting match.”

Jay, looking at Artia, who seemed completely different, couldn’t find words to say.

“…At first, were you intentionally trying to let your guard down?”

Artia was not the weak Artia she used to know.

“…”

To anyone, it was clear that there was a significant difference in skill.

Artia’s victory was overwhelming.

Even if the duel was staged for Artia, it was fitting. Her presence left a deep impression on everyone.

“Lady Wellington has won!”

The palace knight extended his hand in the direction of Artia and announced.

Jay’s reputation plummeted instantly.

Her pathetic appearance and sword skills were far below the rumors.

Simultaneously, Owen also suffered a perfect defeat.

He became the Wellington family’s prey not only in the hunting competition but also in the sword duel.

“Ah, maybe it’s because of the alcohol, but I feel quite refreshed.”

Owen blamed his tipsiness as he stood up from the throne.

At that moment, Artia smiled towards Owen.

“Your Highness.”

“…?”

“If you win, you can nominate a partner, right? Your Highness, I’d like to request a dance.”

Owen’s eyes widened.