Hersis turned around.
The Duke’s gaze became clear. As if the earlier state of being absent-minded was false, he had perfectly returned to his original self.
The archers, who had lowered their bows, drew them again. The arrowheads reflected in the chandelier’s light sparkled like stars.
“Herr.”
The Duke spoke with an affectionate tone.
“Will you entertain your uncle with a single sword?”
“…….”
Hersis’s eyes, which had been round for a moment, narrowed again. It was the phrase he liked the most in his childhood.
‘Yes, yes. Uncle. Quickly.’
Back then, Hersis used to jump around, grabbing his uncle’s clothes.
Does his body still remember that time?
Hersis felt himself being enchanted by the words, like a dog drooling at the sound of a bell.
“Your Majesty.”
Ishar came down from the stage and interjected.
“Please do not engage in provocation.”
Provocation… Hersis understood. That man was now making his final move.
Knowing that he might be shaken by those words.
“I’ll pass.”
Hersis flatly refused and tried to turn away. But…
“You have to beat me once and then kill me, don’t you think, Herr?”
“…….”
“Surely, you don’t think you really won by beating me once a long time ago, Herr?”
At the Duke’s words, Hersis, who had turned halfway, turned back towards him.
“Never.”
Hersis smirked and glanced at the surrounding soldiers.
“I just thought you weren’t washed up. Bringing this many people with you.”
“Oh, that.”
The Duke smiled.
“It was for the sake of your dignity.”
“…….”
“Rather than saying I died by one person, wouldn’t it sound much cooler to say I was defeated by several hundred people?”
The Duke’s smile deepened.
“I loved you to this extent, Herr.”
Hersis’s gaze turned cold.
He took a step and picked up a sword thrown by one of the soldiers.
The blade seemed to have been sharpened just before being thrown.
“No!”
Ishar blocked his way.
“Absolutely not.”
His voice was resolute. Hersis stared at him and said,
“Seeing you like this, do you also think you’re a step below me?”
“…….”
Ishar didn’t answer.
He had seen Hersis helplessly watch the Duke suffer too many times. Although he seemed a bit larger and had assumed the posture of a challenger, he had lost terribly before.
The memory was still vivid.
If he had been a little slower, he would have witnessed Hersis’s head nearly split into two. The image of that moment was still vivid, so how could he not think that Hersis was a step below?
“Honest guy.”
Hersis raised an eyebrow.
“He was like that back then too.”
“…….”
Understanding the meaning of ‘back then,’ Ishar averted his gaze with a bewildered expression. Considering what I did in the square, I still couldn’t face him properly.
“You don’t have to worry; I won’t recklessly charge in.”
Hersis reassured with a trustworthy voice. However, Ishar did not believe.
“Would that suit Your Majesty’s personality?”
“I should try.”
Hersis smiled slyly and lowered his voice so that only the other person could hear.
“I have a favor to ask.”
Ishar seemed to know what he would ask for.
“Do it yourself.”
Ishar ruthlessly rejected in one stroke.
“Go to the Star Palace and deliver the victory to Empress Your Majesty yourself.”
“Of course, I will.”
“…….”
“But you never know what will happen with people. If I can’t go right away, you’ll do it instead.”
“Do you trust me?”
Ishar interrupted him.
“It means believing that I won’t harbor inappropriate feelings toward Empress Your Majesty.”
He hoped not to be believed. At least not this time.
“Trust me. So, stay by my side.”
But Hersis said without hesitation.
Ishar knew he couldn’t stop him anymore.
He sighed deeply and stepped aside. Hersis passed by him, and with the hand not holding the sword, he tapped Ishar’s shoulder. It was a touch full of trust.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hersis and the Duke faced each other with their swords drawn, slowly turning counterclockwise.
Both had relaxed yet intense gazes. It seemed as if they were concentrating not to miss anything about their opponent.
When they completed a full circle and returned to their original positions, the Duke spoke.
“Why didn’t I think of having a showdown with you like this sooner?”
“You’re originally the type who overthinks a lot.”
Even at Hersis’s sarcasm, the Duke just chuckled.
“That’s right. And you, you’re the type who tries anything.”
“…….”
“Yeah, that’s true. So, I’ve always envied you, Herr.”
Even while laughing and talking, the Duke didn’t neglect his vigilance.
“You said you envied me. But, on the contrary, I envied you. I wanted to be a daring person like you.”
“Originally, things look better when they belong to others. And you’re even more like that.”
Hersis sneered.
“Yeah, that seems to be the case.”
The Duke responded with a smile without showing any signs of discomfort.
“By the way, a bit late, but I’m going to try it now. Herr, being a daring person like you.”
“…….”
“Like this!”
The Duke suddenly stopped walking.
Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.
Synopsis:
Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.
Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.
Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.
Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.
There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.
