𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
“That’s why I’m telling you to speak up already.”
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Gale, irritated, taps his crossed arms with his finger.
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“Prince Gale, before that, may I ask if anything has happened recently?”
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“. . .What do you mean?”
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“No, it’s just that you seemed to be in a bad mood, so I wondered if something had happened to you.”
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“. . .It’s nothing. In the first place, it’s not your concern.”
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Gale leaned back on the sofa, looking displeased.
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It’s true that he was in a bad mood.
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The conflict at that party still lingered as a residue.
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But he couldn’t admit that.
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To admit it would be to acknowledge Luke’s strength.
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For the prideful Gale, that was an absolutely unacceptable compromise.
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Besides, Gale disliked this man, Avaris.
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A man who seemed to have gained his position solely through flattery and political warfare, inheriting his foundation from his predecessor.
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Gale even thought of expelling such incompetents first when he ascended to the throne.
In fact, being fawned over and worried about by Avaris especially grated on Gale’s nerves.
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Unaware of Gale’s inner turmoil, Avaris continued to speak as if to himself.
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“Was it because of the party the other day?”
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At those words, Gale’s expression changed drastically.
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He suddenly stood up and glared at Avaris.
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“You! What do you mean! Even if you are Sir Avaris, I will not tolerate any insinuation against me!”
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“No, that’s not what I meant at all!”
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Avaris waved his hands frantically.
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“Just, if you are troubled by that rigged match, it is an unnecessary worry, I thought. . .”
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“Rigged?”
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Gale’s eyebrows twitched.
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“Yes, indeed! It’s impossible that Prince Gale, renowned for his undefeated victories, would struggle so much against a mere servant. It’s common talk that the servant must have cheated in some way.”
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“No. . . but. . .”
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“That man also interfered with you during the St. Arrogas mass kidnapping case. He probably harbored a grudge for being overshadowed by you and schemed to tarnish your name!”
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Avaris continued, spitting as he spoke.
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“Isn’t it strange that the man was even at the party? I’ve heard that this Luke has recently been visiting the Rampart Margrave. He must have ingratiated himself to trap you. The naive Rampart Margrave, unfamiliar with cunning and plots, was easily deceived.”
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“Hmm. . . However. . .”
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Gale wanted to deny it, but Avaris’ words sank in like sweet honey, as he was reluctant to admit that the battle was essentially a defeat.
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“That Luke, quite a cunning fellow indeed. Using Rampart Margrave as a puppet, deceiving his daughter, and trying to disgrace your highness. We must act quickly, lest he becomes a thorn in the side of the kingdom.”
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“Indeed, I felt the same. That man is dangerous.”
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Prince Gale’s instinct, which had instinctively grasped Luke’s true ability, began to be overshadowed by Avaris’s honeyed words.
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“Right? In such a match, it would be impossible for the prince to show his true strength. If it were a real battle, that boy would have been swiftly defeated by the prince’s blade without a chance to breathe.”
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“Of course. My true strength can only be fully demonstrated in real combat. How can I be serious in a match where I have to be mindful of those around me?”
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Avaris continued to speak with eagerness as if rubbing his hands together.
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Prince Gale’s mood gradually improved with Avaris’s flattery, caring little about appearances.
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“Exactly, the commoners don’t understand this. While the public praises Luke unanimously, I, Avaris, clearly understand. In a real battle, no one could match the prince.”
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“Hmph, it seems you understand a bit. But a match is a match, and the outcome is what it is. That fact cannot be changed.”
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“No, no, that’s not the case at all.”
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Avaris shook his head vigorously.
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“All you need to do is demonstrate your true strength to that boy again, this time in a real battle.”
ㅤ
“Nonsense! Are you suggesting I engage in a serious duel just to get back at a mere servant?!”
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“No, no, there’s no need for that. Just let the public recognize the prince’s unparalleled strength in real combat. Then that boy will soon be forgotten by the masses. He will be branded a swindler and will no longer be in this country.”
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“. . .But how do you propose to create such an opportunity? Are you planning to start a war?”
ㅤ
“Your Highness, have you forgotten? There’s a perfect opportunity coming up soon.”
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Prince Gale’s eyes widened at Avaris’s words.
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“A large-scale subjugation, right. That was indeed coming up.”
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“Yes, if we invite Rampart Margrave and that boy to that event, there could be no better opportunity.”
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Avaris’s face, smiling while licking his lips, looked like a greedy beast that had captured its prey.
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◆
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“Otou-sama, what’s wrong? You seem troubled.”
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“Ah, Alma. It’s nothing, I just received a letter from Sir Greed.”
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Sir Wilfred showed the letter to Alma with a troubled expression.
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“It’s a notice officially accusing me of invading his territory while armed. That man is shamelessly audacious!”
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He said disdainfully, tossing the bundle of letters onto the desk.
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One of the letters fluttered to the floor.
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“Otou-sama, you shouldn’t drop letters on the floor when you’re angry. . . Oh, what’s this?”
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Alma picked up the letter, looking puzzled, and handed it to Sir Wilfred.
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Seeing it, Sir Wilfred’s expression changed dramatically.
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“This is. . . an invitation to join a large-scale expedition!”
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