The emperor smiled faintly and calmly continued his words as if recalling fond memories.

“That was the first time I lost to someone. The shock was not small. The Grand Duke looked down at me with cold eyes for a long time after I had fallen to the ground and then turned around wordlessly. Those eyes felt like they were mocking me. The frustration was too much, and I could not stand it. So do you know what I did?”

“…”

“I trained and trained, nights and days. I trained not to become an excellent swordsman or a competent person but to surpass the one and only Grand Duke of Kristen. I endured and trained myself to death. And whenever I believed my skills had improved, I visited the Kristen Duchy for another duel. Yet, just to get defeated once again each time. He told me to stop, but I never backed down. And on the same day that the Grand Duke died, I went to the Kristen estate again to ask for a duel, and eventually, I won.”

“…”

As that moment came to mind again, joy flooded the emperor’s face.

“The pleasure of surpassing the man who was called the strongest man in the empire was beyond words!”

“What are you trying to imply?”

Noel asked coldly. Glancing at Noel, the emperor spoke with a fishy, sinister smile.

“I wonder…How would it feel to have the Grand Duke of Kristen kneeling at my feet again?”

As soon as those words escaped his mouth, the emperor swung his sword at Noel.

Tack. (leap)

The Emperor swung his sword abruptly, but Noel remained calm. No matter how strong the Emperor was, it was impossible to defeat Noel in swordsmanship.

As Noel pulled himself away, the Emperor took a few steps back.

If it’s one-on-one, it’s worth a try. However… 

As soon as the Emperor retreated, the Count of Chase rushed in. Noel quickly changed his stance and blocked his sword as he aimed for his weak point exposed while preventing the Emperor’s attack.

Irene, who was observing the fight closely, immediately recognised the tactics of the Emperor and the Count.

They are trying to diminish Noel’s stamina…!?

From that moment onward, the two took turns attacking Noel. Every time Noel tried to counterattack, he deflated as he got more and more exhausted. It seemed like he was doing fine so far, but it was clear that it would just be a matter of time before he collapsed if the situation prolonged.

Noel had long recognised the ulterior motive of the two. Still, he could not escape this trap easily; his movements were limited. If they had been ordinary swordsmen, he would have turned the tide by pushing harder, but the Emperor and Count of Chase were also excellent swordsmen. Even when they were not attacking, they would be watching him, waiting for his weaknesses to be exposed.

If he attacked one, the other would surely seize the chance to fly at him. But if he kept being on the defending end, he would soon lose all his stamina and reach his limit.

But right now, there was no other way. The mercenaries were busy dealing with the growing number of the guards, and Irene, whose abilities were sealed, could not use her powers.

Is Louiselle not done yet?

It had been thirty minutes since Louiselle and the Crown Prince left the room. By now, they must be looking for the source which blocked magic to destroy it. For that reason, he had to hold on until then.

And to do that…

I have to deal with it now.

Noel’s body moved from the Count to the Emperor. The Emperor, who read his gaze, smirked slightly.

“I know what the Grand Duke is thinking, but it will not be that easy for the Count and me.”

Noel held out his sword towards the Emperor.

“I never thought it was easy.”

The Emperor smiled faintly at his answer and opened his mouth.

“Okay then.”

“I will go from this side first this time.”

Noel, who regained his posture, sprinted forward in an instant. The tip of Noel’s sword was directed at the Emperor. However, just before the end of the blade collided with the Emperor’s sword, Noel quickly evaded the Emperor’s sword as he changed the sword’s orbit. However, he could not dodge it entirely and received a cut on his left shoulder.

“…!”

“Ugh!”

Noel, who rolled once, quickly moved away from the Emperor. Irene, who was watching, almost screamed but promptly covered her mouth.

The Emperor, who looked at Noel indifferently, soon smiled and turned his head.

“I see. To neutralise one person first… That’s an excellent strategy.”

Noel’s sword was lodged in Count Chase’s left thigh. The Count could not avoid the attack from Noel, who was being vigilant. He stumbled and collapsed on the spot. It seemed that his muscles had ripped, and his blood vessels had ruptured. His patience had entirely run out. Blood dripped down in drops from the Count’s hand, barely pulling out the embedded sword.

“A sacrifice has to be made to achieve a certain purpose. How pathetic, both you and me.”