“There’s no need to apologize. The final decision was mine.”

“Thank you.”

“There’s no reason to thank me.”

Claudia cut her off bluntly.

She wasn’t overtly hostile, but she didn’t hide her animosity either.

One could easily read her true feelings from her icy, emotionless face.

‘I don’t like you. I don’t even want to talk to you. But I have no choice.’

That was the kind of character Claudia was.

If she liked something, she liked it; if she didn’t, she didn’t.

Always a straightforward and clear person.

Someone who didn’t waver in making decisions, and walked steadily toward her goals.

Unconcerned with other people’s opinions, she didn’t care if she was hated or scorned.

I was captivated by such a Claudia.

I fell for her, reading the book over and over again.

I never dreamed that I would become the object of contempt for my favorite character in the novel.

‘Don’t cry. To keep my new life, to protect my loved ones, I need to be more composed than ever.’

My fantasy of becoming a dear friend with my favorite character was over.

Only my determination not to die by his hand remained.

I had to figure out what Claudia was thinking, why she had summoned me.

‘Who knows Claudia better than me? Let’s make use of the advantage of being an original reader. I can predict Claudia’s actions!’

I recalled the original work in my mind.

Scenes and dialogues flowed by as if I was rewinding a video.

I remembered everything about Claudia, including her monologues and psychological descriptions.

My trembling gradually subsided.

The fear wasn’t completely gone, but at least I could look her in the eye.

Claudia caught onto my subtle change, and a glint flickered in her eyes.

For just a moment.

“Douglas said you’ve changed a lot.”

“You’re giving too much credit. You, Claudia, trust your own judgment over others’ evaluations.”

“Don’t pretend to know me.”

A minute crack appeared in Claudia’s perfectly smooth, ivory forehead.

Fear gripped my heart again.

‘Did I say something that could get me killed right here?’

I instinctively scanned Claudia’s waist.

Thankfully, no sword was there.

Only the imperial guards were allowed to carry swords in the palace.

Bravo, palace!

‘Claudia carries a short blade in her wrists and ankles. But with or without a knife, it would be easy for her to kill me.’

“Why did you call me here using Douglas’s name?”

“Why did you choose me as your duel proxy? This isn’t a trivial dice game.”

“Isn’t it natural to choose the strongest?”

“Don’t you know I dislike you?”

“I’m fully aware. There are more than enough reasons for you to dislike me.”

An even deeper wrinkle formed on Claudia’s forehead.

For a moment, I forgot my fear and admired my favorite character’s beauty.

It could be my first and last chance, after all.

‘Even her frowning face is beautiful. It’s a shame not to enjoy being in such a big event. My wish was to be Claudia’s comrade…’

Claudia was taller than I had imagined.

I had to look up at her, so she must have been at least 178 cm tall.

A slender waist without an ounce of fat, strong shoulders.

Her white knight uniform fit her as if it were a painting.

Could the term “handsome” have been created for Claudia?

Would I be crazy to want to see Claudia in an emperor’s outfit?

In a situation where I could die, having such fantasies felt ridiculous.

But it did help to relieve my tension.

The warmth returned to my cold hands and feet.

Finally, it felt like we could have a proper conversation.

“Last time we met, you were furious that I hated you for no reason.”

“I disrespected you while drunk, Claudia. I’m truly ashamed. I apologize, albeit late.”

“Shame and apology. They don’t suit you.”

“They might not.”

“I’m ignorant about women’s fashion, but… I can certainly see that you’re different than before.”

Surprisingly, Claudia took an interest in my outfit.

It was a simple dress, made from fine fabric.
Wearing a more comfortable dress was desirable, but due to my role as an education official, I had to maintain a certain level of formality.

I preferred a style with minimal adornments and good mobility.

The only piece of jewelry I wore was a simple pearl earring.

I was nothing like the original Elizabeth, who flaunted her wealth by wearing loads of diamonds.

‘Even if I emphasize how much I’ve changed, it will only lead to aversion. I can only show my true self and let them judge.’

Claudia, who had been observing me for a while, hesitated before turning her head away.

“I apologize for staring.”

“It’s fine. I don’t consider it rude.”

“I’m not wellversed in social etiquette.”

“Nor am I an expert in that field.”

“I see.”

Claudia involuntarily let out a chuckle.

Her expression quickly returned to a blank slate.

Even that caught my taste.

“You don’t have to worry even if you dislike me. I won’t intentionally lose, after all.”

“What makes you so confident?”

“Because you, Claudia, are an honorable knight above all.”

“……”

“Gladiators may decide their victory or loss based on personal gain, but knights are different, aren’t they?”