The atmosphere in the ballroom instantly turned ice-cold. Whispers rippled through the surrounding crowd of nobles like wildfire.
"Did the Arcadelt girl just insult the Northern Sword Prodigy?!"
"Lady Catherine has killed dozens of monsters on the border! Lady Rosel stands no chance!"
Catherine's yellow eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. She took a step toward me, her hand tightening around her rapier until the leather glove creaked. "In the North, we don't respect soft words or high titles. We respect strength. Do you dare prove your words on the dueling grounds, Lady Rosel?"
"Catherine, that is enough!" Leo commanded sharply, stepping between us, his voice dripping with authority. "Rosel is my invited partner and the future Empress. You will show her respect."
"No, Your Highness," I said, placing a gloved hand on Leo's shoulder to pull him back. "If Lady Catherine wishes to test the strength of House Arcadelt, I would hate to disappoint our honored northern guests."
*Ping!*
[Reading Lady Catherine's Thoughts...]
*‘Foolish noble girl. I’ll humiliate her in front of the entire court and show Leo that he needs a warrior by his side, not a fragile puppet!’*
*LADY, I READ THE NOVEL! I KNOW YOUR EXACT COMBAT ROUTINE! YOU USE A TRIPLE THRUST STARTING FROM THE LEFT HIGH GUARD!*
"Ten minutes on the royal courtyard stage," Catherine sneered, turning on her heel. "Unless you wish to surrender now?"
"Lead the way," I replied smoothly.
As the crowd surged toward the balcony overlooking the outdoor courtyard, Adrian slipped beside me from the shadows, offering a small glass of water.
"Your soul energy is unstable tonight, Lady Rosel," Adrian whispered, his glasses flashing under the moonlight. "If you channel high-level mana during a physical duel, your magic core might rupture."
"I don't need high-level mana to deal with a predictable sword pattern," I muttered, taking a sip.
Behind Adrian, Chloe leaned in close to my other side, her voice low and full of dark intent. "Lady Rosel... permit me to slice her tendons before she reaches the stage. It will look like a sudden muscle spasm."
"NO CUTTING TENDONS!" I hissed softly. "Just stay by the sidelines and watch."
Chloe pouted slightly, but nodded obediently. "As you wish, my lady. But if her blade touches a single strand of your silver hair, I will erase the entire Northern Duke's lineage."