The Duke's Flower is Precarious (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 99

The open space of the Imperial Training Grounds, where the duel was to take place, was filled with a solemn atmosphere, as if it were a courtroom.

The witnesses, having thoroughly verified that the dueling pistols were in order, bowed respectfully toward Emperor Lisandro and announced,

“All preparations are complete.”

The duel would be decided by three shots fired in turn—the first to fell the other would be declared the victor. The Grand Duke and the First Prince each took their positions, facing one another, after receiving their pistols.

“We shall now commence the duel. The moment I drop this white handkerchief to the ground, the duel begins.”

Given that this was a duel between the highest-ranking members of the imperial family, only a select few were permitted to witness it. As Emperor Lisandro, acting as chief witness, declared the commencement method, Kaeron turned toward him and spoke.

“Before the duel begins, I wish to receive a clear assurance from Your Majesty.”

“Speak.”

“Please swear that, regardless of whose life may be endangered as a result of this duel, the diplomatic relations between our two empires will remain unchanged.”

Upon hearing the Grand Duke’s declaration that they would fight to the death regardless, the First Prince’s hand, clutching his pistol, began trembling uncontrollably. Though visibly terrified, the First Prince was no stranger to duels. Whenever a high-ranking noble displeased him, he would routinely challenge them to a duel and humiliate them into submission.

No noble had ever dared wound the prince’s body. Consequently, they invariably failed to fire properly and ended up on their knees before him, begging for mercy. Thus, under the guise of duels, the First Prince had trampled upon the honor of high nobles and ruled over them.

Yet now, he found himself precisely in the shoes of those he had once mocked—cornered like a desperate rat, shaking violently. This duel was utterly unlike his previous ones, where the outcome had always been predetermined and trivial.

‘This is real….’

This was a true duel—one fought with real stakes and lives on the line. The emotion in the Grand Duke’s eyes as he stared at him was unmistakably sincere. To his disbelief… the Grand Duke truly intended to shoot him.

On the other hand, conflict flickered across Emperor Lisandro’s face as well. Though his son might be unworthy, he was still his flesh and blood. Recalling the Empress’s tearful protest just before the duel began—begging that the First Prince be kept safe at all costs—the Emperor’s brow furrowed in distress.

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