He became comrades not only with Eritis but also with other skilled individuals from the empire.

Especially, a woman named Prodia intrigued him.

He already knew that she was referred to as a teacher in the empire.

He had thought of her as just an ordinary tutor.

But now, it seemed she was not an ordinary person.

Suddenly, Leke felt a strange gaze directed at him.

When he turned his head outside the window, he saw someone observing him from across the street.

There were three people in total.
Though disguised with hats and beards, it seemed obvious who they were.

They were Prodia’s contractors.

Leke couldn’t help but smile.

What was the point of going to such lengths for a meeting like this?

Considering it as just a contractual relationship seemed like an excessive level of interest…

Wait a moment.

‘Could it be romantic interest?’

Not only did she contract with those skilled individuals, but she also captured their hearts?

Why does this woman keep surprising me?

Just then, Prodia asked,

“Grand Duke, what’s outside?”

“…Nothing.”

He turned his head to observe Prodia.

Certainly, she was beautiful.

He thought she was only skilled, but she turned out to be a captivating woman.

That fact somehow twisted Leke’s insides.

At least Eritis wasn’t among her followers, which was somewhat fortunate.

Anyway, he wasn’t particularly worried.

He had never lost in a fight.

Leke smiled warmly at Prodia and said,

“Lady, I have one request.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“As you know, I’ve spent my whole life dealing with monsters, so I don’t understand women’s feelings well.”

“Are you saying you’ve never been in love?”

“That’s right. So, I would like to ask for Lady’s help.”

Prodia was a bit surprised.

With that appearance, he had never dated a girl before.

‘Unexpectedly innocent…’

Come to think of it, did the other four men have any dating experience?
No, it’s not like I need the ability for the competition anyway. Do whatever you want.

Leke spoke up.

“So, Lady, I request guidance on love. I want to know how to make women like me.”

It was a very admirable attitude.

Unlike my other contractors who have absolutely no interest in the princess, this young man genuinely wants to win the princess’s heart.

Prodia nodded contentedly.

“Don’t worry. I will take responsibility and teach the Grand Duke about love.”

“Then, I’ll trust only you, Lady.”

He smiled gently, but Leke chuckled inwardly.

Teaching me about love, what a laughable idea.

I’ve never given my heart to anyone in my life.

So, eventually, you’ll be the one who falls for me.

‘I might as well resign from the competition around that time. If I say I found a woman to marry, my father won’t be able to say anything.’

After that, I’ll go back to the Duchy with Prodia and Eritis.

If I’m lucky, I might persuade the other three men.

Leke, with narrowed eyes, smiled softly at her.

With purple smoke, Eritis arrived at the Demon Tower.

The Demon Tower, which he returned to after a long time, remained unchanged from before he left.

Despite the passing years, it still displayed its majestic appearance.

As if it were the current owner of the tower.
He turned his head to find his long-time mentor.

Whenever this time came, he used to leave the laboratory and tend to the herbs.

Soon, the back view of Matapju, who was watering the field, appeared.

As Eritis approached, he turned around and spoke without facing him.

“Have you come, Eritis?”

As expected, it seemed he already knew that I had arrived.

Matapju slowly turned his body towards Eritis.

Facing his mentor, Eritis felt an unexpected surge in his chest.

During that time, Matapju had aged even more.

The wrinkles had deepened, and his hair seemed to have turned even whiter than before.

It was saddening to think how long I had been away from here.

The moment that thought crossed his mind, Eritis lifted his head.

It was unacceptable that there were still such emotions lingering toward the betrayed Matapju.

Having composed himself, Eritis bluntly said, “I will resign from the Grand Tournament.”

“…”

“I came to discuss that.”

Matapju had already expected such a reaction.

He continued to water the herbs with a spray bottle and said, “I’ll be leaving soon, wait for me in the laboratory.”

“…Alright.”

Eritis turned back into smoke and moved to Matapju’s laboratory.

The dark room was filled with traces of long research.

Eritis looked at one side of the wall.

At the height of a child, small markings were drawn sequentially upwards.

When he was a child, Matapju used to measure his height here.

It wasn’t just there.
The room was filled with memories wherever I looked.

When I first levitated an object, you praised me, patting my head.

Even when I accidentally burned the entire desk while making a magical potion, you didn’t scold me but asked if I was hurt.

Yes, honestly, you were like a father to me.

How could you deceive me for a lifetime, as such a person?

Just then, Matapju revealed himself with grayish smoke.

The two of them brought old chairs and sat facing each other in front of the experiment table.

Just like the old times.

After a moment of silence, Matapju spoke first.

“Why do you want to resign from the tournament?”

“No matter how I think about it, risking my life to find my parents doesn’t seem right.”

At that, Matapju’s expression became serious.

“Is it about a woman, by any chance?”

His inspiration was like a ghost.

“…It’s not about that.”

“There’s no better marriage partner in this land than the empire’s princess.”

“I will decide that.”

So, it seems to be about a woman.

Matapju quietly looked at Eritis.

From his gaze, it was clear that he had already made a firm decision.

As someone who had raised him for a long time, he could understand.

When Eritis was like this, there was no way to stop him.

But Matapju also had no choice.

He had promised to make sure Eritis won the tournament.

That’s why.

At that moment, Eritis spoke.
“Anyway, I didn’t come to seek permission; I came to inform you. I won’t participate in the tournament starting today, so be aware of that.”

“In that case, you’ll never know about your parents forever. Are you okay with that?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ve decided not to search for the parents who abandoned me. Besides, there are already suspicions.”

You know about my parents?

At that statement, Matapju’s expression changed visibly.

Eritis stared at him intently and asked, “Are my parents nobles?”