“While capturing monsters near the Ice Mountain, even three hands wouldn’t be enough.”

Having to deal with monsters attacking from all directions had led him to swing his sword almost like dancing.

‘Growing more skilled at dancing while hunting monsters – that’s a story I’ve never heard before.’
Dealing with monsters attacking from all directions, he found himself wielding his sword like dancing.

“I’ve never heard of someone improving their dance skills while hunting monsters since birth.”

Anyway, the main point is that he’s skilled with both the sword and dance.

He’s the top candidate, and my ambition grows even more.

Prodia then explained the contract terms to Leke.

The conditions were much better than those offered to Irthis or Sharak.

“Hmm…”

Faced with the unconventional conditions, Leke seemed to ponder for a moment.

However, the response was different from Prodia’s expectations.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can contract with Lady Prodia.”

“May I ask why?”

“I am well aware of Lady’s skills. However, I represented the Elhas Principality in this tournament. So, it seems right for me to proceed on my own strength.”

Oh.

If it were for a different reason, Prodia would have tried to persuade him somehow.

However, Leke’s reason for refusal now involves the name of the Elhas Principality.

There was nothing more to say.

Leke apologized with a regretful expression.

“I sincerely apologize for giving such an answer after you deliberately came all this way.”

“No need. It was an honor just to be invited.”

He escorted Prodia perfectly with impeccable etiquette until the end.

“Thank you for the excellent proposal. I hope Lady has a future filled with luck.”

“I, too, will cheer for the Grand Duke.”

Prodia’s steps leaving the Grand Duchy were particularly heavy.

But what could she do?

In fact, effortlessly securing four capable individuals until now was almost like a miracle.

It seemed that luck wouldn’t strike five times in a row.

“Too bad, dance skill.”

With a bitter taste, Prodia returned to the mansion.

Inside the Duke’s mansion.

Through the butler, everyone learned that Prodia had gone out to meet Grand Duke Leke.

At this news, the three men quietly glanced at Irthis.

A few days ago, in the same place where Irthis earnestly pleaded with Prodia not to recruit Leke, they were all present.

Yet, Prodia went to meet Leke.

Of course, everyone understood why Prodia went to such lengths.

They had all seen Leke’s dancing skills while preparing for the performance.

However, even though Irthis, who had such a strong pride, begged so desperately, was it not a bit much for Prodia to meet Leke after just a few days?

They were also aware that Irthis wouldn’t have said it just because he was worried that Leke might beat him.

There must be some other reason.

And one person couldn’t bear this curiosity any longer.

Edgar, shining his glasses, asked Irthis.

“Grand Mage, I have something I’m curious about.”

“I already said I can’t tell you anything about that bastard Leke.”
“Still, we need to know the reason among ourselves. She might bring the Grand Duke here. Knowing the enemy and knowing oneself leads to a hundred victories, right?”

Sharak and Luka were also curious and restless.

“Yeah, Irthis. What on earth happened with that guy?”

“Hurry up and tell us, magician.”

But Irthis gave the same response from his mouth.

“Just because I feel like I might lose to him.”

Of course, that answer satisfied no one.

Sharak chuckled.

“It doesn’t seem like you would lose to the Grand Duke.”

“You haven’t fought him.”

Ed kept urging him.

“Please, tell us the real reason. I’m dying of curiosity.”

“Then just die.”

“Is he a dangerous guy? We need to know in detail. We can’t leave such a person near Prodia.”

“To Prodia, you, Luka, are the most dangerous one.”

The three men pestered Irthis to share the story.

Irthis, with an expression of annoyance, seemed to have no intention of opening his mouth.

But then, the news of Prodia’s return reached them.

Upon hearing it, the three men immediately pushed Irthis aside and rushed outside.

Irthis also sighed and walked slowly toward the entrance.

However, Prodia’s expression upon her return didn’t look good.

Could it be that the negotiation with Leke didn’t go well?

And as expected, the answer Irthis had been anticipating reached his ears.

“He refuses to contract with me.”

“Why? What’s the reason?”

When Ed tried to persuade, Prodia let out a deep sigh.

“He wants to fight alone, putting the name of the Elhas Principality at stake.”

Only then did Irthis feel relieved.

“That’s good. Let’s train, then.”

As he said that and turned away, Luka rushed to Irthis and asked.

“Magician, please tell us the real reason quickly. What’s the problem with the Grand Duke?”

But he ultimately didn’t say anything.

Seeing this, Prodia discreetly asked Ed.

“What’s going on?”

“Prodia, there’s been a lot of concern from the Grand Mage because you might bring the Grand Duke.”

“Why would he oppose that?”

“We didn’t hear the details. Anyway, there’s definitely something between them.”

Irthis and Leke seemed to have a strained relationship.

But what did that matter? After all, since Leke won’t contract with me.

At that moment, Ed said to Prodia.

“Prodia, is it a good time now? I’d like to talk about the next event in the competition.” Seeing her face brighten again, Ed suggested going to the study. However, Prodia couldn’t contain her curiosity. She approached Ed, asking him quietly.

“Tell me a little in advance.”

Then Ed’s heart began to race.

“Um, well.”
Let’s stay calm. I will definitely fulfill the mission given to me this time.

I need to score points with her.

Ed cleared his mind with a dry cough.

Then, he whispered softly to Prodia.

“I’m going hunting.”