The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 28

Chapter 28: Narrow-Minded

While preparing in the room we were guided to, Aria came to talk.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, I never thought things would turn out like this…”

“Don’t worry about it. Besides, this situation is my fault.”

“…Are you still mad at him?”

Aria was most likely referring to Fulde. Given the circumstances, it was only natural.

“Well, yeah.”

“Sigh… You really haven’t changed since a year ago.”

Aria lowered her head while holding it. From her demeanor, it seemed that she had this personality even before she ran away from home.

“What kind of person is he, anyway?”

“Fulde comes from a long line of knights who have served the Empire for generations. It seems his family received a title several generations ago, so they have some influence.”

“Is he strong?”

“Among the knights, he’s decent… I guess. He’s not weak, but I think part of why he became vice commander is due to his family’s influence.”

I nodded in agreement with Aria’s words. He appeared reasonably strong from his posture, but it didn’t seem like he could measure up to Borger or other knights with titles.

“And he proposed to me multiple times, but I turned him down every time.”

“That’s what that was about?”

“I’m still part of the royal family, so it was obvious he was doing it for political reasons.”

“…I see.”

It appeared that he had feelings of dislike not only towards me but also some other emotions. Well, the task at hand remained unchanged.

“Is it okay for you to go now?”

“Yes, I’ll guide you. Oh, wait a moment.”

As I was about to leave the room after standing up, I felt a soft sensation on my lips. Aria, her face slightly flushed, took a step back and looked up at me.

“I’m not worried, but it’s for good luck…”

Aria said that and then left the room. A brief delay later, I followed her out, my lips curving into a smile.

—

The place we were led to was usually used as a training ground for knights. It resembled an arena, with walls surrounding it and seats built on top for spectators. Many knights, including those who had been in the throne room earlier, had already filled the seats.

In the center of the arena, Fulde, wearing full-body armor and holding a halberd, stood ready. He glared at us with sharp eyes.

“So, you’ve come this time without running away, you shameless man.”

He hurled insults filled with hostility and malice. It was clear he had no intention of hiding his intentions any longer.

“As for your expectations, I don’t think things will go as you planned. There’s the Emperor, along with titled knights here. Do you think you can use any dirty tricks?”

“…”

“Arseria doesn’t need someone like you by her side. I’ll crush you here and awaken Arseria’s eyes.”

Ah, so it’s really about that.

He must be infatuated with Aria. He didn’t like the idea of another man being by the side of the woman he had pursued with marriage proposals multiple times.

“Are both sides ready?”

The Emperor’s voice echoed, and even the murmurs from the spectator seats ceased.

“In this battle, you can use the weapons you possess. Victory or defeat will be determined when one side surrenders or becomes unable to continue. Any objections?”

“No, Your Majesty.”

“Very well, then… Begin.”

The Emperor gave the signal. Just as we both aimed our weapons at each other, Fulde charged forward, raising his halberd above his head.

“Uwaaaaa!”

As a knight, he certainly had well-practiced movements, but…

I deflected the tip of the halberd he swung from above with my black sword and continued my motion, rotating my body without losing momentum. I delivered a spinning kick to Fulde’s helmet, which caused it to come loose and fall with a clattering sound.

“Ugh!”

Fulde, his helmet shattered and falling to the ground, tried to get up by placing his hand on the ground. While looking down at him, I murmured, just loud enough for Fulde to hear.

“I’m sorry, but it seems I’m more narrow-minded than I thought. I can’t just let go of what you said to me.”

Fulde, who was looking up at me without fully comprehending what had just happened, heard my cold words.

“Stand up. I’m going to crush you thoroughly.”

Fulde, clenching his teeth, immediately got to his feet and swung his halberd at me…