A Brewing Conflict
The tension in the Valenford estate hadn't eased since Leon's meeting with the Duke. If anything, it had worsened.
The knights whispered. The servants stole glances. And worst of all—Selene was even colder than usual.
Leon found her in the training hall, striking a wooden dummy with fierce precision. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"You look mad," he said casually.
Selene didn't pause. "You've drawn too much attention."
Leon smirked. "You mean I pissed off your father."
She finally stopped, turning to face him. "Not just my father. You've angered Lord Edgar von Claudrin."
Leon frowned. "Who?"
Selene exhaled. "A noble suitor. He's been trying to win my favor for years. And now, thanks to your… attitude, he thinks you're a rival."
Leon chuckled. "Oh, this just keeps getting better."
Selene glared. "This isn't a joke. He's challenged you to a duel."
Leon's grin widened. "Oh? And when do I get to kick his ass?"
Selene crossed her arms. "Tonight. In the courtyard."
The Arrogant Noble
By sunset, a crowd had gathered in the Valenford courtyard. Nobles, knights, and even some servants whispered excitedly about the upcoming duel.
Leon stood lazily in the center, rolling his shoulders, while his opponent made his entrance.
Lord Edgar von Claudrin was everything Leon expected—tall, well-dressed, and oozing arrogance. His golden hair was styled perfectly, his sword gleaming under the torchlight.
"You," Edgar sneered, "are an eyesore in Lady Selene's presence."
Leon smirked. "And you're overdressed for a beating."
Edgar's face twisted in anger. "I will enjoy putting you in your place, peasant."
Leon yawned. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get this over with."
The Duel Begins
The rules were simple—first blood.
Edgar lunged first, his movements polished but predictable. Leon sidestepped easily, tapping Edgar's wrist with the flat of his blade.
"Too slow," Leon said.
Edgar gritted his teeth and attacked again, this time with a flurry of strikes. He was fast—faster than most knights Leon had faced.
But Leon wasn't just fast. He was smart.
He dodged, parried, and countered with just enough effort to frustrate Edgar without ending the fight too soon.
Edgar's breathing became heavy. His stance wavered.
Leon smirked. "Getting tired, Lord Pretty Boy?"
With a roar, Edgar thrust his sword forward.
Leon sidestepped at the last second, spinning behind Edgar. In one swift motion, he brought his blade up and slashed—a thin, precise cut along Edgar's cheek.
Blood dripped.
The crowd gasped.
Edgar froze.
Selene, watching from the sidelines, remained silent, her expression unreadable.
The knight overseeing the duel stepped forward. "First blood. Leon wins."
A Bitter Defeat
Edgar trembled with rage.
"You…!" He raised his sword again, ignoring the official call. "I will not lose to some lowborn—"
Leon moved faster than anyone expected.
He stepped in close, grabbing Edgar's wrist and twisting hard. Edgar cried out, his sword clattering to the ground.
Leon leaned in, his voice low. "Throwing a tantrum after losing? That's pathetic."
Edgar's face burned with humiliation. "This isn't over."
Leon grinned. "Oh, I hope not. I love breaking spoiled nobles like you."
Edgar stormed off, and the crowd slowly dispersed.
Leon turned to find Selene watching him.
For the first time, there was no cold indifference in her gaze. Just silent amusement.
"You're impossible," she muttered before walking away.
Leon smirked. She was definitely starting to notice him now.
---
Next Chapter: "A Princess's Reward"
After winning the duel, Leon expects trouble—but instead, Selene surprises him wi
than unexpected gesture. Could this be the start of something deeper?