Duke, You're a Bit Stiff (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 96

Owen and Jay, Cassus and Artia stood facing each other, while nobles densely gathered around them, eager to watch the intriguing match.

The Imperial Palace Knight glanced at both sides and spoke.

“I will explain the rules. Victory is achieved when you either knock your opponent’s sword from their hand or place your blade against their throat, rendering them unable to continue attacking. You must both protect your partner and launch attacks simultaneously.”

Jay struggled hard to suppress the laughter threatening to bubble up. The word ‘partner’ kept echoing in her ears.

“Hehe… So His Highness the Crown Prince has been watching me closely all along, even if he didn’t say a word? He does have an eye for beauty. Well, he’s only human after all.”

Jay thought she understood why the Crown Prince had chosen her as his partner.

Given that winning would grant the opportunity to switch partners for a dance, this contest was clearly just a device to liven up the banquet atmosphere—the real purpose being to humble the Duke and Duchess from the North and subtly reveal his favorable feelings toward her.

“If he wins, he’ll surely pick me as his dance partner. That’ll leave the Duke and Duchess looking utterly ridiculous.”

How clever of him.

“To express that he wants to dance with me in such a romantic way… It’s almost too sweet!”

Jay tugged down the corners of her mouth with her fingertips, fighting back a smile that kept trying to rise.

Defeating Artia, who had never once held a sword in her life, would be easier than eating cold porridge.

Jay looked directly at Artia.

Somehow, Artia seemed to have gained more weight and her frame appeared sturdier than before.

She used to resemble a fragile stick that might snap at the slightest touch—but even that nickname no longer fit her.

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