Chapter 71

(Francis’ Point of View)

Francis felt a blow strike him. He didn’t understand what had happened as his body was hurled away.

His field of vision spun at breakneck speed, blurring everything within it. His body, now uncontrolled, bounced and rolled across the ground, until finally, another violent impact sent him crashing to a halt, his back slamming against the earth.

From the hazy depths of his consciousness, Francis noticed a section of the fencing surrounding the riding arena had been demolished. Perhaps his body, after whatever attack it had endured, had finally been stopped by breaking through the fence.

But that meant he had rolled for tens of meters, at least.

Taking such a powerful blow could not have been safe. Bit by bit, Francis’s left flank began to throb. And soon, the pain became so intense he could not even groan, let alone move.

Indeed, it would not have surprised Francis if he were deemed unable to continue fighting. As he lay there, someone approached him.

With his right cheek pressed against the ground, Francis slowly turned his neck to confirm the identity of the approaching figure.

And that person was none other than Harold.

His crimson eyes, icy cold, fixed on Francis. For Harold, this rather anticlimactic outcome was likely a source of annoyance.

Perhaps fueled by this irritation, Harold unleashed a torrent of harsh words at the already battered Francis.

【”So, in the end, you were just a fool. The fact that a mere nobody like you could raise my hopes so easily is a disgrace that will follow me throughout my life. How will you atone for this?”】

What an unreasonable thing to say! Francis thought.

However, the extent of Francis’s injuries was such that he couldn’t even muster the strength to retort. Still, he endured the pain, catching his breath in ragged, uneven gasps.

Harold grabbed Francis by the shoulders and hauled him upright.

【”Well, you’ll entertain me by struggling as best you can, just like the insignificant fish that you are.”】

With that, Harold shoved something into Francis’s mouth.

The object felt inorganic. A liquid began to flow from it.

Francis, unable to resist, swallowed the liquid. Immediately, the intense pain that had been tormenting him subsided, and his strength returned.

Having confirmed this, Harold removed his hand.

【”That… was it Ether…?”】

Ether, a recovery item.

Francis recognized the taste and sensation, having experienced it many times before. All his injuries were healed, but Francis was perplexed. Why would Harold do such a thing?

Harold turned, retrieved something, and hurled it towards Francis.

His rapier, lodged at his feet.

【”Take it. The duel is not yet over.”】

【”…I understand.”】

Apparently, Harold intended to continue the contest despite the obvious outcome.

Recalling the attack he had just endured, Francis hesitated, unsure whether to pick up his rapier. The mere thought of suffering that blow again filled him with fear.

However, Francis’s pride wouldn’t allow him to back down and concede defeat. He rallied himself, picked up the rapier, and assumed a fighting stance, his blade pointed at Harold.

Harold Stokes.

By reputation, his personality was, generally speaking, notoriously bad. He was said to behave atrociously, killing, stealing, and trampling on the dignity of others. That man, who saw no value in human life, could be considered a monstrous fiend.

Having heard these rumors, Francis warned his friend, Itsuki. “Stay away from him. If he threatens you, I’ll help you.”

However, Itsuki’s reaction was the opposite of what Francis expected. Contrary to the rumors, he wasn’t a bad person at all; in fact, he was quite the opposite. Itsuki seemed to believe that Harold had cultivated this reputation for a specific purpose.

Francis’s complaints failed to sway Itsuki.

And so, Itsuki told Francis to see for himself.

That was how the surprise attack on Harold came about. And the results were devastating.

Neither surprised, nor afraid, nor angry, Harold had calmly assessed the situation and, with nothing but words, brought Francis to submission. This was more than enough to understand that there was more to Harold than just raw strength.

At the same time, Francis realized he would be held accountable for his actions.

However, Harold proposed a duel. Harold already held the advantage, so there was nothing to gain by forcing his point through such a contest. And that was why Francis began to understand Itsuki’s appreciation for Harold. Because, to Francis, it didn’t seem like the act of a self-serving man.

And then, when they actually fought, the difference in ability between them became painfully clear to Francis. He hadn’t expected to be so thoroughly outmatched by Harold’s martial prowess alone, without weapons or magic.

Though only vaguely, Francis experienced Harold’s strength firsthand, and he proved to be stronger than anyone Francis had faced before.

No matter how unpleasant the truth was, Francis was forced to confront it. Francis’s attacks missed their mark, and each time, he was swiftly countered, struck, kicked, and thrown away. Moreover, every time this happened, Francis, prostrate on the ground, was forced to drink Ether by Harold, and then compelled to continue fighting.

【”Stand up.”】

The drink restored his stamina and healed his wounds, but it did nothing to alleviate the mental pressure Francis endured. He had been brought to his knees more than ten times. And in the end, despite the Ether, Francis was on one knee, unable to rise. Yet Harold mercilessly commanded him to stand.

Harold was angry. However, that didn’t mean his attacks were random. There was no sign of anger in Harold’s demeanor at the Berlioz mansion; it was only after the duel began that his mood shifted. And then, adding to that, came his earlier remarks, which revealed his disappointment.

All this led Francis to a single conclusion.

Harold was likely angry that Francis had tried to court Erica while possessing such limited power.

Based on Harold’s actions, it seemed he allowed Erica to have relationships with others, despite being her fiancé. However, that didn’t seem to stem from a lack of concern for her.

Perhaps he was searching for someone, other than himself, to entrust Erica to. So, his insistence on Francis pursuing a relationship with Erica was to test if Francis was worthy of being Erica’s protector.

As for why Harold did this, Francis didn’t know. However, as he pondered, he began to understand some things.

Itsuki had said that Harold wasn’t a bad man, and that he had cultivated a reputation for himself. If that were true, then Harold likely felt that he couldn’t stand before Erica, that she would be at risk with him by her side, or something similar.

Therefore, he was likely searching for a man suitable for Erica, someone who could protect her. And yet, a man whose abilities were insignificant had sought to court her.

Perhaps that was the source of Harold’s anger.

Even so, Francis wanted to say…

You’ve got to be kidding me.

His anger simmered, growing hotter in his stomach.

Harold was strong. Moreover, even within the kingdom, he would be considered a top-tier individual.

And his intellect. Francis could not compare with that man’s ingenuity, his ability to accomplish anything he desired, and that discernment which allowed him, in an instant, to consider various factors and make a concise judgment. He was 18 years old, possessed overwhelming strength, great wisdom, and the courage to remain unfazed even with swords pointed at him.

The world would undoubtedly label such brilliance as genius.

So, for such a man to deliberately court infamy was the epitome of foolishness. Especially if he didn’t want to expose his fiancée to the risks associated with that infamy.

Why did he have to be so roundabout about it? Itsuki wondered.

As strong as he was, Harold should have been more than capable of protecting Erica from most threats. He was so worried about Erica’s fate, and cared so deeply for her, that he was angry at Francis. So why couldn’t he have chosen a more direct approach to protecting her?

【”You’ve got to be kidding me…”】

Francis muttered, slowly rising to his feet.

He instinctively focused his power in his left hand, gripping his rapier.

【”What did you say?”】

【”I said, you’ve got to be kidding me. You’re so strong I can’t even reach your level. So why don’t you try protecting Erica in a more straightforward way? With your strength, you can do that, right? And that would be best for her, wouldn’t it?”】

Francis roared, his voice filled with emotion. He was angry at Harold, but also ashamed of his own inadequacy.

【”……”】

【”Harold, you’re a man capable of doing what I can’t. But you don’t even try to take on that role, and you try to entrust it to other men. So if Erica were to become unhappy because of that, I’ll hold you responsible!”】

If he cared about Erica, he had to protect her with his own hands. Surely, not doing so was akin to running away.

Running away in fear of the moment when he wouldn’t be able to protect Erica himself. Francis was getting worked up. How could he let such a coward defeat him? That was…

【”You’re sure talking a lot for someone who doesn’t know anything.”】

Harold’s icy voice cut through Francis’s thoughts, and the intimidating aura emanating from Harold quelled the rising fervor in Francis’s heart.

Francis broke out in a cold sweat, trembling uncontrollably.

He felt a pressure he had never experienced before, as if an unknown monster stood before him.

The moment Francis felt it, Harold became blurry. But by the time he realized it, Harold had already broken Francis’s chance to dodge.

Harold attacked head-on, but Francis was still completely off guard. It was a surprise attack, pure speed, without any tricks.

Harold swung the black sword in his left hand. As Francis felt the chilling presence of imminent death, his body froze, unable to move.

It all happened in an instant, not even giving Francis time to prepare for his own demise.

But death did not come. Instead, Francis felt an impact on his left arm.

Unable to defend himself, Francis stumbled and fell back onto his rear.

【”You’re not worth killing, so I’ll give you some advice, you bastard.”】

Harold said, his eyes cruel, to Francis, who could only look up at him.

【”Erica isn’t some fragile, fickle woman who can only be protected by others. She has the strength to fight, and an unwavering will to oppose her destiny. Don’t think of her as a delicate flower. Erica is a mighty tree.”】

Not a pretty flower, but a mighty tree. That’s how Erica appeared in Harold’s eyes.

I see, Francis thought, in agreement. Harold believed in Erica. He saw her as someone on his level, who didn’t need his protection.

It certainly must have been amusing to watch Francis, who was so much weaker than her, repeatedly talk about protecting her himself.

In the end, he fully realized that he had only seen the surface of Erica.

He was captivated by her beauty and had arbitrarily assumed that her personality matched that beauty. So his anger was not unreasonable at all.

Francis’s understanding of Erica and his feelings for her were no match for Harold’s.

【”…It’s my loss.”】

【”What? Don’t you see this, you fool?”】

Harold displayed the sword in his hand.

It was certainly Harold’s loss, since he had used his weapon, but Francis wasn’t shameless enough to claim such a thing.

After all, up to this point, he had been utterly defeated.

【”Don’t make me say it again. The problem lies with the rules we agreed upon. I was never qualified to duel you, Harold.”】

【”Mhm, then, this time, let’s call it a draw, shall we?”】

Itsuki declared, having remained silent throughout.

Francis had given up, and Harold had broken the rules. Both had won, and both had lost.

It would have felt better for Francis if this were counted as his loss, but perhaps finding a compromise was acceptable.

【”Tsk.”】

Perhaps still dissatisfied, Harold clicked his tongue and turned his back on them. But Francis stopped him.

【”Harold, wait. Even if, according to the rules, this is a draw, in the fight itself, I was completely defeated. So I’d like you to make me follow what you say, as we agreed.”】

The purpose of the duel had been replaced by a marriage proposal to Erica out of nowhere, but in reality, that was the true purpose.

【”This is getting boring already. If you want to pursue Erica, do as you please. I just wish you could become a man worthy of her.”】

“I’ll be going ahead of you. You just stay there for a while.” With those words, Harold left. But this time, Francis couldn’t stop him.

He just lay on his back, face up.

【”Say, Itsuki.”】

【”What is it?”】

【”I was really stupid, wasn’t I?”】

【”I don’t know what that’s about, but it’s unusual for you to speak so poorly of yourself.”】

【”In many ways, he showed me the difference in status between us, as a warrior, but also as a man.”】

In the end, Harold had told Francis to become a man worthy of Erica. In other words, Francis had to acquire a strength comparable to Harold’s.

Francis had been rather impolite and ungraceful, but Harold hadn’t given up on him. Instead, even though he expressed disappointment, he had subtly approved of Francis. When he thought about that, Francis felt a surge of wonder and delight.

As for why Itsuki admired Harold; having now experienced Harold’s tolerance for him, Francis actually felt compelled to agree with Itsuki’s assessment.

【”I still have a long way to go. But today, I feel I’ve seen the path I should strive for.”】

He lay back, gazing at the clear, high sky, feeling as if he could grasp it and spread it everywhere.

To Francis, it seemed to be showing him the way to his future.

Translator’s Note: Next chapter, we’ll see things from Erica’s perspective, so stay tuned!

I’d like to thank my new Patrons, Excelless and Elizabeth E, for your support! And thank you to all the other Patrons as well!