“What the hell is this!” 

“Who are you?” 

“Is that the Imperial army?”

The vassals jumped up from their seats and shouted at the sudden influx of soldiers.

“This is the order of His Majesty, a member of the Kristen Duchy. Grand Duke William is charged with treason!”

“What are you talking about! What crime of treason!” 

“What nonsense are you spouting!”

“If you resist the orders, we will use force!”

As the vassals shouted, the soldiers aimed their spears and swords at them and rushed right into the banquet. Chaos ensued.

The Grand Duke’s knights that arrived timely clashed with the Imperial Army. It was impossible to tell who was on whose side in such a frantic situation where swords were drawn.

Ascardo suddenly appeared out of nowhere, blocking Noel’s path and pointed the tip of his sword at him. His appearance was sudden. He cut Noel’s cheek, and a few droplets of blood escaped from the wound.

“Move away.”

Noel spoke coldly to the enemy blocking him, but Ascardo didn’t move and just smiled.

“I didn’t know you were aware of our plan. Who is the mole? The Crown Prince?”

“You talk a lot. I said move.” 

“I can’t let you go like this. Are you perhaps supposed to be going somewhere else?”

“It’s none of your business.” 

“No, I need to know. What if it has something to do with me.”

The clash of swords and spears was heard around them. Irene slowly turned her gaze to the Grand Duke’s side. Fortunately, he was holding up well. Most importantly, he was clearing her path by pushing those blocking her towards the centre and away from the door.

“Riel Chase, you foolish idiot.”

When she heard Riel’s name, Irene turned quickly and looked at Ascardo, who continued his speech with a creepy smirk.

“It seems that I grumbled something unnecessary. I didn’t realise your wife was nearby. If you told her beforehand, she wouldn’t have followed you here into this mess.”

“But will your wife be okay? She might be mad at Count Chase for acting like this.” 

“… She has already cut ties with her family.”

“How despicable.”

At Irene’s resolute reply, Ascardo raised his eyebrows and let out a laugh, then quickly turned to Noel and said,

“What do you think, Brother? This time, you have to reach a decision.”

“… You’re arrogant.” 

“Unless you defeat me, you won’t be going anywhere. Oh, right!.”

While he was speaking, Ascardo made a short sound as if he had remembered something, smiled at Noel and said.

“I remember saying this to your older brother as well. He didn’t survive because he couldn’t beat my father and me, but what about you? Even if you pretend you’re ignorant and run away as you did back then, I won’t make fun of you.”

“…”

At Ascardo’s apparent provocation, Irene pursed her lips and looked at Noel. His face was cold with hostility.

‘To admit to killing his brother in front of him…’

Irene turned toward the Grand Duke again. He was concentrating on the battle, utterly oblivious to the conversation that had just taken place.

“… Lord Rixis, you are pathetic.”

Hearing her sudden remark, both Ascardo and Noel looked back at her. Irene had her fists clenched and was glaring at Ascardo.

In the enclosed space, a small gust of wind blew around Irene. Ascardo’s eyes widened at the strange sight.

Suddenly, he noticed that his hand was trembling and hurriedly grasped it with the other. He couldn’t believe a small woman like her made him tremble like that.

“Do you know how many people have been hurt; how many have suffered because of your greed and insatiable desire for power?” 

“You sure are talking sweet words. But, do you know how I felt when I couldn’t become an heir because I wasn’t the bloodline of the firstborn? It’s really….”

Ascardo’s finger pointed towards Noel.

“You became a successor just because you are the son of the firstborn, not because you’re worthy of that title.”

Ascardo’s voice was still soft, but his expression was cold. Despite his fierce momentum, Irene was not afraid at all. Instead, she felt her blood getting colder and colder.

Noel, who was quietly listening to the conversation, parted his lips at that moment. Naturally, Irene and Ascardo’s eyes turned to him.

Noel said as he drew his sword.

“If you think it’s unfair, then be stronger. Not sad.”

Without taking his eyes off Ascardo, Noel continued.

“I’m sorry, Irene. If I don’t deal with this bastard now, he’ll be a thorn in our sides for a long time. Can you go to the meeting place first? I will follow you soon.”