As my ears became stuffy, I felt dizzy…

“But was there a rumor that the Second Prince is skilled?”

“If the commander heard it, it must be true.”

Under Gabriel’s prompt, Ian and Enoc faced each other. As they did, the voices of the members who were chattering gradually subsided.

Gabriel stepped back, signaling the beginning of the duel. Enoc, who looked smug, gestured for Ian to attack first.

Seeing his leisurely demeanor, does he have skill?

In my anxious state, I unknowingly tightened my fingertips. At that moment, Ian approached Enoc. Finally, the two wooden swords clashed in the air.

He asked for permission to duel with wooden swords, saying he couldn’t afford to harm the prince.

So that was the plan?

It seemed more likely that this duel, under the name of a duel, would lean towards beating Enoc thoroughly.

A one-sided mockery of Enoc?

In the midst of Enoc being disoriented, Ian seized the opportunity to strike Enoc’s side forcefully.

“Enough! I surrender!”

As Ian pretended to lift Enoc and leaned forward, Enoc’s face contorted in agony. Wobbling, he retreated and hastily left the training ground.

If it weren’t for Ian, would such a guy become a crown prince and even an emperor?

“Rose, aren’t you going out?”

“I’ll take my time.”

Edwin nodded when I gestured towards the entrance crowded with people.

If it were an impressive duel, there might have been those who stayed to savor the aftermath. However, as the duel ended anticlimactically, everyone seemed eager to leave.

When Gabriel and Fabian also left the training ground, only Ian and I remained. Ian paused for a moment, glanced at me, and then bowed his head.

What, are you just going to say hello and leave?

“Klein.”

At my call, Ian stopped in his tracks.

“Do you have something to say to me?”

“There were many people in the training ground. I was wondering if you’re okay…”

Ian flinched and looked at me.

“It’s okay now.”

“Are you angry with me by any chance?”

“No.”

“But then…”

I couldn’t bring myself to say the words that would make him misunderstand.

“Do you have any words for me?
Recalling the dream I had seen before, the conversation between Ian and Rosebelia in the original work, I involuntarily swallowed dry saliva.

No need to be nervous. Even if Ian becomes the crown prince, nothing will change.

“To protect. That’s why I’m doing this.”

I couldn’t bring myself to ask, “To protect what?” His unwavering gaze held only me.

For some reason, I couldn’t breathe properly. Feeling like my breath was out of sync, I clenched my fingers slowly.

Just as I was about to say something, a commotion was heard from the entrance to the training ground.

“Rosebelia!”

Approaching with hurried steps was Lucas.

“Lucas?”

“Were you here all this time?”

“Why? What’s the matter?”

“Just now, a messenger came from Chloe Castle…”

Chloe Castle, where the ‘Abandoned Mountain’ is, right?

Before Lucas could finish speaking, he wiped his face. It was then that a sense of unease overwhelmed me.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“Our senior knight who was dispatched on the mission from the Viscount’s command was reported to have lost his life due to a wyvern attack yesterday.”