After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 36

Chapter 36: The Narcissistic Man

The blond man lifted his bangs dramatically from his forehead, wiggling his nose as if to say, “I’m handsome.” Ah, I remember encountering this type of self-centered, delusional man in my previous world.

“I must apologize as I am not acquainted with your name. May I inquire about your identity?”

Despite my annoyance, I couldn’t afford to get angry. Let’s keep it courteous yet impolite.

“Hmph! You are so disrespectful not to know Stendhal Count’s second son, Gregorius!”

Who cares? Some provincial noble, and the second son at that. I’ve read through the noble directory recommended by Brother Sieg, memorizing the names of heads of households above the rank of count. But sons, especially second sons… Knowing them won’t benefit me at all.

“Lady Beatrice had ‘feelings’ for me. There was no room for a greenhorn like you to interfere… You must have used some underhanded tactics to captivate her. I cannot forgive such a thing!”

This guy’s talking all sorts of nonsense. Why am I accused of deceiving Beatrice? And what’s with the ‘underhanded tactics’? Moreover, calling her ‘Lady Beatrice’ is too familiar, isn’t it? It’s not common to use nicknames for royalty. Well, I call her that because Beatrice told me to. Anyway, this guy is a noble’s son, so I guess I have to deal with him.

“Lord Gregorius, you mentioned that Lady Princess had ‘feelings’ for you… Has her Highness ever expressed those ‘feelings’ directly to you?”

Of course not. Beatrice, who possesses the ‘Spirit’s Eye,’ wouldn’t let her guard down like that.

“Kuh… Lady Beatrice is a modest lady. She may not express herself directly, but if you look into her eyes, you’ll understand. Those eyes are those of a love-struck girl, there’s no mistake!”

“Is that so? Has her Highness directly conveyed her wishes for a spouse to me?”

Maintaining polite language, I lifted one side of my lips slightly in response. Apparently, a sense of mockery was conveyed, as Narcissus’ face turned crimson.

“You! I won’t forgive the insults towards Gregorius and the desecration of Lady Beatrice’s purity! I’ll make you pay! Duel!”

Wait, I haven’t touched Beatrice, not even a kiss. Oh well, that’s not the issue here. I thought I wouldn’t need to resort to violence at a royal party organized by the kingdom. But idiots are everywhere.

A white glove was thrown on the carpet. Oh no, this guy is serious… If I pick it up, I’ll have to duel him. I could just leave it there, but then, they might spread rumors about Beatrice’s fiancé being a coward. That’s not good.

With determination, as I took a step forward, a young lady in an elegant golden dress slipped through beside me. Gracefully bending her knees, she picked up the glove. The lady, with strawberry-blond hair half-tied up, turned around and directed her shining gray eyes at me.

“Gretel!”

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Accustomed to her usual pants style and bare face, Gretel looked surprisingly beautiful in her dressed-up appearance with makeup.

However, even with her enhanced beauty, her combative nature remained unchanged. Taking the duel-proposing glove from Narcissus, Gretel’s eyes sparkled provocatively.

“Oh, do you not recognize me? I suppose it’s natural. I intend to accept your duel proposal on behalf of this gentleman.”

Narcissus’ expression stiffened, and cold sweat began to flow down his now pale cheeks. Well, considering that, in this world, the combat abilities of men and women are generally an order of magnitude different, and Gretel, labeled the “Reincarnation of the Hero,” is a genius in close combat. Even if Narcissus had some confidence in his sword skills, for Gretel, it would be like swatting a mosquito on her arm.

“No, I’m only expressing my indignation towards that man. You have no right to substitute for him. Withdraw!”

Despite cold sweat dripping down his chin, Narcissus continues to put on a false bravado. Well, what he’s saying has some truth to it.

In this country, due to the lack of legal consequences for murder in duels, nobles who value honor often engage in such practices. However, to protect those who are not adept at combat, there is a rule that allows family members to fight as proxies. Of course, being childhood friends alone doesn’t qualify, and Narcissus is pointing that out.

Nevertheless, Gretel places her hand on her hip, tilts her sharply defined nose slightly upward, and proudly declares,

“I have that right. After all, I am Lutz’s fiancée!”