“It seems like an inappropriate performance for a banquet.”

He spoke to Emperor Adrian in a calm voice.

“As I mentioned before, in the Tevelo Empire, it is a performance and competition held at every banquet.”

“Emperor Adrian, I have no intention of blaming. But I am curious about my dear consort’s intention to showcase martial arts duels among the consorts in the Lapyon Empire.”

Lionel frowned, then looked at me as if telling me to calm down, and asked Emperor Adrian while patting my back.

“For the past few years, we have held martial arts duels of the consorts during this season. Unfortunately, this year, the timing coincided with the opening of the Continental Hunting Competition. It’s just a coincidence. I thought it would be a great honor to showcase the performance of my lovely consorts in front of dignitaries from all countries…”

Emperor Adrian responded to him, pointing to the nobles gathered in the banquet hall with graceful gestures.

Only the nobles from the Northern Continent had bewildered expressions, while those from the Southern Continent sent applause to Emperor Adrian.

As I stared at Emperor Adrian, I wondered why I couldn’t hear the inner thoughts of that silver anchovy today.

When our eyes met continuously, it felt like he had spoken to me internally.

It was strange.

Could there be a separate way for him to convey his inner thoughts to me?

For example, using a different language…

“What benefits do the winners receive?”

When Deloi Empire’s Empress Catria raised her hand and asked Emperor Adrian, the silver anchovy promptly replied.

“Immediately.”

“Well, the consorts have quite tempting benefits.”

Empress Catria nodded her head, but her expression was mocking.

“It’s worth putting your life on the line. The benefit for the winning consort in the martial arts duel is to be with me for a certain period.”

“Ugh.”

I couldn’t help feeling nauseous at the anchovy’s arrogant tone.

“Huanghou, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Lionel leaned towards me, whispering with a worried look.

“I’m fine. I think I ate too much butter on the bread earlier. My stomach feels a bit queasy.”

I forced a bitter smile and quickly drank a sip of champagne.

Then, I stared at Emperor Adrian, who continued speaking with a nonchalant expression.

“Each pair of two consorts competes, and after that, the winning consorts face each other again in the final match.”

He explained the rules of the martial arts duel proudly.

Newly arrived consort candidates in the Wony Palace participate in the martial arts duel held that year to gain the emperor’s favor, and the existing consorts join for various reasons, such as improving their relationship with the emperor or seeking attention.

However, the number of consorts supporting the martial arts duel for a year is not as many as expected, given the possibility of getting serious injuries or even losing their lives in the duel.

In conclusion, whether there are many or few consorts participating in the martial arts duel, it’s just nonsense that the game ends with bloodshed.
“Now, may we begin?”

Emperor Adrian, with a polite inquiry to Lionel, glanced at me briefly.

“That’s right.”

As his permission was granted, Emperor Adrian turned back to the two consorts, raising a wine glass and elevating his voice.

From Lionel’s perspective, being a guest and, moreover, unable to decline a performance prepared personally by the Emperor of the Southern Continent Empire, was inevitable.

Especially since this gathering was convened for the harmony of the continent after the war, refusing Emperor Adrian’s proposal would be quite embarrassing.

“My beautiful consorts! Today, you have the opportunity to show your love for me to the guests gathered from the Lapyon Empire. The consort who wins here will be allowed to spend the night with me throughout the hunting competition!”

In the anchovy’s words, the eyes of the consorts sparkled with anticipation.

From my standpoint, the situation was entirely incomprehensible.

Selena and Elan, the consorts who would initiate the first duel, stood facing each other.

“My lovely lady of the Tevelo Empire, come to me after splashing the loser’s blood!”

I wanted to immediately splash wine on Emperor Adrian’s face.

As Emperor Adrian took a sip of wine, claiming it to be a “performance,” the martial arts duel began.

The elder Selena consort held twin swords in both hands, making eerie sounds as she sharpened the blades, while the young Elan consort, with a sharp-edged lance, spun it like a windmill.

The two consorts, as if bound by an agreement, slowly stepped back, creating distance.

They were making space to charge at each other.

Elan consort made the first move, rushing towards Selena consort with a fierce momentum.

Selena consort skillfully parried Elan consort’s youthful vigor, waiting for an opportunity.

Although she extended her sword, this time Elan consort swiftly turned her body to the side, avoiding it.

Both of them explored, repeatedly thrusting their weapons towards each other’s faces, emphasizing threats.