The courtyard of the royal training ground where the duel took place was filled with a solemn air, much like a courtroom.

Inspecting the duel pistols to ensure there were no abnormalities, the participants bowed their heads respectfully toward Emperor Lisandro.

“Preparations are complete.”

The duel involved firing three shots in succession, and the one who brought down the opponent first would be the victor. The Grand Duke and the 1st Prince, who received the guns, stood facing each other in their respective positions.

“Now, let the duel begin. The moment the white towel in your hand falls to the ground, the duel commences.”

As it was a duel among the highest-ranking nobles, only a handful participated. After Emperor Lisandro, the representative of the participants, announced the start of the duel, Kairon spoke up to him.

“Before the duel begins, I have something I’d like to hear from the Emperor.”

“Speak.”

“Even if one of us is in peril due to this duel, please swear that the relationship between our nations will remain unchanged.”

At the Grand Duke’s words, expressing the willingness to risk their lives, the hand of the 1st Prince holding the pistol trembled. Despite his expression clearly showing fear, the 1st Prince was no stranger to duels. If there were high-ranking nobles he disliked, he had formally challenged them to a duel, which led to them kneeling before him, seeking forgiveness. Thus, the 1st Prince had trampled on the honor of high-ranking nobles under the pretext of duels and established his dominance.

Now, however, he was trembling like a cornered mouse, realizing the predicament he had put those he had once mocked in. The results he had achieved so far were different from the commonplace duels he had engaged in.

‘This is real…’

It was a duel where lives were genuinely at stake. The emotions contained in the Grand Duke’s eyes as he gazed at him were sincere as well. Despite his initial doubt… the Grand Duke genuinely intended to shoot him.

Meanwhile, conflicting emotions flickered on Emperor Lisandro’s face. No matter how inadequate he might be, he was still his own child. Moreover, as he recalled the face of the Empress who had cried and made a fuss until just before the duel began, insisting that the 1st Prince must remain unharmed, Emperor Lisandro’s lips twitched with a bitter smile.

“That’s…”

“Of course, the Empire of Yupiter will not hold Lisandro accountable for my life. It is the honor of the nobility, after all.”

Kairon asserted firmly, pointing towards the hesitant Emperor Lisandro. As he said, originally, duels staking lives were considered sacred. Begging for one’s life in a disgraceful manner was not befitting of a noble.

Upon hearing Kairon’s words, Emperor Lisandro, who had momentarily wavered, regained his composure. Now, looking at the 1st Prince, who was trembling even in his legs, Emperor Lisandro nodded heavily.

“…I understand. I swear on Lisandro’s name.”

Upon hearing those words, the 1st Prince, on the verge of collapsing, clenched his hand holding the gun. Fortunately, the one to shoot first was the one who had requested the duel.

‘Yes, if I shoot the Grand Duke first and bring him down…!’

Acknowledging the Grand Duke’s excellent skills, the 1st Prince was confident in his marksmanship.

‘I’ll pierce his heart. Just like I killed the fox yesterday…!’

Filled with a strange exhilaration, the excited 1st Prince, after loading the gun, aimed at the Grand Duke with determination. The gun muzzle was precisely pointed towards the left chest where the Grand Duke’s heart was located.

“Begin!”

Emperor Lisandro dropped the white towel he was holding.

“Die!”

Simultaneously, the 1st Prince shouted, pulling the trigger with a repulsive expression on his face.

‘Bang!’

The bullet fired by the 1st Prince echoed through the training ground.

‘Surely, it hit!’
The sensation of being hit never occurred. Prince 1, observing the Grand Duke, whose posture subtly changed compared to when he stood upright earlier, was certain. However…

“Why, why…?”

The Grand Duke, whose collapse was expected, still stood firmly in place. Witnessing this, Prince 1 opened his eyes in astonishment.

“No, this can’t be!”

“It’s my turn.”

With an expressionless face, Kairon slowly raised the gun towards Prince 1, aiming the barrel at him. In his silent and intimidating demeanor, there was no hint of hesitation or urgency.

“He’s definitely going to die…”

On the other hand, Prince 1, now in a situation where he had to unflinchingly face oncoming bullets, lost his senses. Due to the overwhelming fear of impending death enveloping his entire body, he even forgot to flinch.

“Click.”

Only after hearing the sound of loading the gun did Prince 1 suddenly come to his senses. His facial muscles, distorted in severe fear, relaxed slightly.

“No, no way!”

“Bang!” As the gun was fired, Prince 1, who had been holding the gun, dropped it and crouched down on the ground. Although avoiding the opponent’s gun in a duel was considered dishonorable, the desire to live was stronger.

“Clang!”