Arc-5 Ch-5

 "Let's duel, Your Highness."

The silence in the study envelops the room. Only one person stands dumbfounded, unable to grasp the meaning of those words.

What is this guy talking about?

The emotion welling up inside me is neither anger nor pity, but bewilderment. I don’t understand why it’s come to this, and I’m anxious—wondering if he’s lost his mind. It’s been four years since I met him. I fell in love with him, we became husband and wife, and we had a child.

I’ve seen sides of him he doesn’t show to his family or even our child. I prided myself on knowing everything about him. Yet, I don’t understand what Leon is thinking. Ever since we were kidnapped, I’ve been tormented by unease.

A man despised by foreigners and feared even by his own countrymen. Even when others slander him as a Villainous knight, he doesn’t bat an eye. I love Leon.

Even if the whole world turns against him, I will stay by his side. I made that vow while comforting a dejected Leon. But I don’t understand his true intentions.

"What are you scheming, Bartfort?"

Prince Julius questions him in a tone that could be taken as either exasperation or a warning. There’s no ulterior motive in His Highness’s question; he’s simply trying to discern Leon’s true intentions. There’s no benefit for His Highness and his group to clash with us here.

Besides, the proposal I came up with is already being discreetly prepared by Lady Mylene. Though I am a vassal of the ducal house, aligning with the royal family is merely the most beneficial choice for the Bartfort territory. To put it bluntly, if they want to squabble over control of the capital, let them. Just don’t drag us—living peacefully in the Bartfort territory—into it.

As long as the nation is protected and peace is maintained, I don’t care if the ruler is the Redgrave ducal house, the Holfort royal family, or some other noble. We allied with the Holfort royal family simply because it’s the least damaging option for the Bartfort territory. My loyalty and affection for the kingdom were exhausted the moment I broke off my engagement with Prince Julius.

Now, I’m just a shrewd little woman acting solely for the benefit of my family and my husband’s house. The most troublesome thing in this situation is Leon’s reckless disregard for profit and loss. Our conversation with His Highness and his group is a kind of negotiation, focused on who holds the upper hand and how the benefits are distributed.

The weapons are words, information, and foresight—victory lies in securing what you desire. In such a discussion, having negotiations disrupted by the threat of force is troublesome. Incredibly troublesome.

"What do you mean? Continuing this pointless conversation won’t get us anywhere. A quick resolution is the best way to settle this."

Leon responds to Prince Julius with a sardonic smile. His provocative tone and frivolous gestures are meant to unsettle and rob his opponent of judgment. He’s nothing like the pure-hearted Leon who cherishes a quiet life with his family. He’s like a pimp in a seedy alley, deceiving women to sell them off, or a con artist constantly sizing up a mark to swindle them.

The man before us exudes a cunning, sinister air.

"You’re all pressed to return to the capital, so you don’t have time to keep talking here. But swallowing Angie’s proposal as-is feels risky and frustrating. Continuing like this won’t yield a conclusion."

"And that’s why you propose a duel?"

"It’s not exactly uncommon in the kingdom, is it? I thought Your Highness would understand."

Why does he keep spouting provocative words!? What I want is the best solution—not the fastest one! Anger surges from deep within me. Why is Leon being so harsh on His Highness and his group today?

Normally, he’s at least polite, never picking fights with those he dislikes.

"…I don’t understand. There’s no reason to escalate to a fight."

"We’ve received a rough explanation from Her Highness in a letter. What we need is discussion, not a contest for glory."

"I get that. What I’m saying is—do you think the royal family has the luxury of dragging out these slow talks?"

I don’t understand what Leon is trying to say. I’ve kept up with the kingdom’s situation through regular reports from Father and Brother, letters from Lady Mylene, newspapers from the capital, and rumors from high society. It’s unlikely that Leon, who I usually keep informed, has access to information I don’t. Did His Highness or his group tell him something during this incident, or did he learn something from those sky pirates?

"Zora and her group—or rather, the organization they were part of—seem to have been backed by some foreign nation. Rachel? Voldenova? Either way, they’re quietly targeting the kingdom. If we don’t stabilize the country, we’ll be the ones devoured."

"We’ve got a handle on that, which is why we’re acting."

"Too slow. So slow it’s making me yawn. You highborn types might not get it, but what’s the most valuable thing on a battlefield?"

"The land and people we must protect, obviously."

"No, it’s the lives of the soldiers."

"That’s nonsense. The answer is time. Time is more precious than water, food, or ammunition. Even if you have a hundred lives, you can’t trade for more time. No matter how perfect your strategy—if the country falls first, it’s all meaningless. There’s no time to stand still."

Leon’s words carry the weight of experience. I’ve never been on a battlefield. His Highness and his group haven’t fought as mere foot soldiers facing death, nor have they commanded troops over months, managing logistics. In this room, Leon may lack political savvy, but when it comes to running a unit, he’s the authority.

"Suppose the royal family and the ducal house reconcile. How many years will it take to rebuild the military? Soldiers need training to be useful, and weapons require materials and factories to produce. Can you protect a nation with half-trained soldiers and shoddy weapons? You’re too strong to understand the mindset of reluctant soldiers, and you lack a sense of urgency."

"Are you saying we’re complacent!?"

"The war with the Principality was a fluke victory, wasn’t it? Over half the temple knights died protecting the Saintess, and tens of thousands of conscripts perished. How many years will it take to fill that gap? Got any proof other nations won’t attack in the meantime?"

His words silence everyone.

It’s true that the Holfort Kingdom expanded its influence by allying with the Lepart United Kingdom and the Alzer Republic and annexing the Fanoss Principality. But that doesn’t make the kingdom an unchallenged powerhouse in the international community.

The Lepart United Kingdom is Lady Mylene’s homeland, but with Prince Julius effectively sidelined in the succession race, they have little reason to aid Holfort. The Alzer Republic needs decades to grow its sacred tree and recover from internal strife. As for the Fanoss Principality, they harbor resentment toward Holfort. If another nation invades, they’d likely defect first. Leon’s point is correct. Undeniably correct.

"So, you’re proposing a duel to skip the steps?"

"You’re heading back to the capital the day after tomorrow, right? A duel is far better than dragging out a meeting with no conclusion."

"That’s absurd."

"Even if we win, there’s no gain for us—or for you."

"…Then let’s set a reward for winning. That’ll give us a reason to fight."

"What’s your reward if you win?"

"How about prioritizing rewards for the Bartfort territory in the merit evaluations?"

"It’s all about money, huh?"

"Money matters. You pampered nobles who’ve never struggled for it should shut up."

"And if we win, what will you do?"

"Your Highness, is that morning conversation still on the table?"

"…What?"

"If I lose, how about I become your subordinate?"

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

"You idiot!!"

Whack!

Back in the bedroom, a pillow slams into my head with full force. I don’t dodge. It doesn’t hurt, and dodging would only make Angie angrier. She’s kind enough not to punch me outright, and I tell myself that to endure the onslaught. I stand silently, letting her vent until she’s too tired to continue. Somewhat calmer, Angie sits down, her refined upbringing showing even in her anger—every movement exuding elegance.

"Why did you do that?"

"Which part are you talking about?"

"The duel nonsense. Why provoke His Highness and force the issue?"

"Well, I didn’t like their attitude. It pissed me off."

"Do you want another beating?"

"No, I’m answering seriously."

When Angie calls me "you" instead of my name, she’s seriously mad. I know my approach was a bad move. Any sane person would think provoking the prince and his entourage into a duel is the act of a lunatic. Normally, I’d cut ties with anyone in my family who pulled something like that—no question. But I have my reasons for not backing down.

"If we kept talking, we wouldn’t have reached a conclusion. Or rather, the conclusion was set, but the haggling over terms would’ve dragged on forever."

"Negotiations are about confirming mutual benefits. If we push too favorable a deal, it breeds resentment. It’s also about ensuring no overlooked flaws come back to bite us."

"I get that it’s important. But do we have the time for that?"

"…"

The higher-ups take forever to decide anything. Who’s in charge, who handles the work, when, where, and how—it’s endless. I understand it’s important. Who takes responsibility if it fails, the track record of the person executing it, the success rate, ensuring no oversights. But that’s for the planning stage. Right now, it’s like we’re in the middle of a battle, with the situation changing by the minute. We’re past the stage of fighting over control or splitting profits.

Debating theory at a desk is pointless when we need to act now, or it’ll be too late. To me, His Highness, his group, and even Angie are being too complacent.

"Come spring, they’ll hold the year-end merit evaluations in the capital, right? I’ll be made an earl, and other nobles will make their moves. If we mess up, we might end up with nothing."

"I know that. I understand."

"Then isn’t settling it with a fight faster than dragging out talks?"

"That’s exactly the problem—why a duel!?"

Look, I’d love to settle this peacefully through discussion. I’m not some hotheaded teenager itching for a fight. As a noble with a wife and kids, a duel isn’t my go-to. Everyone in the kingdom knows duels don’t end cleanly with a handshake. If a head of house dies in a duel, there’s no going back. The grudge festers until one side wipes out the other—a common story. But sometimes, a man has to fight a battle he can’t avoid.

"Why offer to become His Highness’s subordinate? How did it come to that?"

"When you were sleeping this morning, I ran into His Highness while out for a walk, and we talked."

"Why do you keep making deals behind my back?"

"It was just small talk. But he asked if I’d consider taking a post in the capital."

"Why didn’t you tell me? I didn’t get any report about that."

"I thought it was just banter. But it seems His Majesty and Her Highness have their eyes on me."

"Not her again…"

Angie’s expression darkens. She clearly doesn’t like Her Highness. Honestly, I’m not fond of the queen either. Plenty of people see me as an upstart from the countryside, but I’m sensitive to that kind of disdain. She looks youthful, but when we talk, I can tell she sees me as a convenient pawn.

The kingdom’s short on talent, and everyone wants capable men. But being lured with money and status, worked to the bone, and discarded when I’m no longer useful? No thanks. The problem is, Angie’s ducal family seems to see me the same way. Whether I side with the royals or the duke, I’m just a tool to be used. This country is hell.

"I’m not planning to cozy up to the royals, but if it gets out that we’re secretly in touch, the duke will be pissed."

"Obviously."

"So I figured I’d need insurance. The duke might not care about keeping me alive, but he’d value his grandchildren, right?"

"Father isn’t that soft. If push comes to shove, he’d cut me off, too."

"If it comes to that, say it was all my doing. You and the kids focus on surviving."

I don’t want to die after scraping by this long. I’m not eager to throw my life away, but if it means Angie and the kids can live in peace, it’s a fair trade. If they’d strip my title and pass it to the kids, I’d agree today.

"…What’s got you so anxious?"

"I’m not anxious."

"Don’t lie. I’ve been your wife for years. You wouldn’t pull something this reckless without a reason. What is it?"

"Well, I was pissed at His Highness and his group for dismissing your proposal, so I wanted to knock them down a peg."

"Cut the jokes. Tell me the truth."

That’s honestly the main reason, but you won’t believe me, will you?

I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked these past few months, juggling the territory’s affairs and crafting this proposal. I wanted to help, but meddling might’ve just made more work for you, so I focused on my own tasks. Then my brother’s marriage talks and the kidnapping happened, and everything went sideways, piling more on your plate.

I just wanted to punch the guys who brushed off your hard work. There are other reasons, sure—but you’d probably buy those more, wouldn’t you?

"I heard from His Highness that some country is involved behind the scenes with the Ladies' Forest."

"That’s the reason, huh?"

"Probably either the Holy Kingdom or the Empire, I think. Zora and the others were saying something like that, if I remember correctly."

"But inciting His Highness and the others was a bit much."

"Yeah, but if I hadn’t said anything, those guys wouldn’t have listened to me. Plus, I was pissed, so I just kinda egged them on."

In truth, I was more bothered by the story about that mysterious orb that appeared in my dream.

If a war with the Holy Kingdom or the Empire really breaks out, it’ll be a much harsher situation than the war with the Duchy. For the Holfort Kingdom to avoid being crushed, we need to unite quickly. Even though they know this, the royal family and the ducal houses are still fighting over that pathetic throne, and it’s infuriating.

Is something broken in me because of the war? Believing the words of a mysterious sphere from a dream and picking a fight with the prince—it’s not exactly sane. Maybe I’ve got some serious brain disease, and I should take back what I said earlier.

"So, do you actually have a plan to beat His Highness in a duel?"

After some discussion, it was decided that my opponent in the duel would be His Highness Julius. Since I can’t exactly kill my trading partner, the duel will be framed as part of a military exercise in the Bartfort territory—a mock battle between me, the lord, and His Highness, using armored units.

Ever since that rescue operation, my people have been fanatically excited about those five. It’s no surprise—they were saved in the war with the Duchy and saw their heroic deeds up close during the rescue mission. It’s only natural they’d get hyped.

The Roseblade territory has sent an earl and some soldiers as well. With both houses conducting joint exercises and a war hero from the capital supervising as an instructor, it’s the perfect setup for me and His Highness to face off.

"Let me make this clear: His Highness is on a completely different level from your average noble. I’ve heard about his feats in the war, and even if there’s some exaggeration, his strength in close combat and his skill in piloting an Armors are terrifying."

"I know, I know. I’ve got a plan, so don’t worry. It’s not a fight to the death, so I’ve got a shot at winning."

"It’s not too late to call this off. This is a ridiculous fight."

"Hey, Angie, do you not believe I can win at all?"

"…"

Silence is her answer.

Sure, I was pissed at His Highness and the others, and I argued against Angie’s suggestion. But those aren’t big enough reasons. During the kidnapping incident, I couldn’t have saved everyone without the help of His Highness and his group. I know I’m weak, but it’s tough when the woman I love with all my heart doesn’t rely on me. At the very least, I need to prove my strength enough for Angie to see me in a new light, or I won’t be able to forgive myself.

"I trust you, Leon. Isn’t that enough?"

"It’s not enough. A noble who can’t protect their family or territory doesn’t deserve to be a lord, right?"

"So you’re challenging His Highness to prove your strength? That’s absurd. What’s the point of something like that?"

"If you don’t get it, just watch. I’ll show you I’m a man you can rely on."

It’s awkward. Angie’s not angry anymore, but she’s looking at me with a troubled expression. Making the woman I love sad is the lowest thing a man can do. But there’s a line I can’t cross, a fight I can’t run from, a battle I can’t back down from as a man.

"You’re an idiot, Leon."

"Yeah, I’m an idiot. That’s why I’m doing something as stupid as a duel."

"Fine, do whatever you want. I don’t care what happens."

Angie sits on the bed and starts sulking. When I rush over to her, she swats me away. My wife’s attitude is cold.

"What’s your deal?"

"I just thought we could sleep together if you’re going to bed."

"I’m in a bad mood. I’m not sleeping with you."

"…I see."

"Bring Lionel and Ariel. I’m sleeping with the kids tonight."

"Got it."

I leave the bedroom in an awkward atmosphere. My beloved wife is completely upset. I don’t know what’s right anymore. All I can do is crawl through the dirt and fight as hard as I can.

Honestly, I’m jealous of His Highness and the others. Born into prestigious families with good lineage, overflowing with talent, receiving the best education, and praised by everyone—everything about them is different from me. And because it’s different, I don’t want to lose.

Justice, appearances, pride, love—none of those reasons matter. I refuse to live my life feeling inferior to them. I won’t accept being a loser without even fighting. The negative emotions that were dormant inside me are erupting. To beat that cool prince, I’ll do everything I need to do.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

"Your Highness, are you an idiot?"

Jilk’s harsh words hit me. After the meeting with Viscount Bartfort and his wife, we returned to the lodging prepared for us in silence. Even the hot springs couldn’t calm my troubled heart. We’ve gathered in my room with snacks and drinks, holding a so-called reflection meeting that’s really just a venting session.

Maybe it’s the alcohol, but everyone’s speaking freely, especially Jilk, who’s complaining the most. His words could almost be considered insults to the royal family, but they’re not reprimands from a vassal—they’re the kind of verbal abuse you’d expect from a childhood friend who grew up like a brother. Honestly, I’m starting to regret my foolish actions. Getting provoked by Bartfort’s words and agreeing to a duel was reckless. But there’s no turning back the clock. The duel between me and Bartfort is inevitable.

"You got completely played by Bartfort."

"His speech before the battle was like that too, but the guy’s got a silver tongue. Even if we tried the same thing, I’m not sure we could captivate people like he does."

"If he were just a smooth-talking incompetent, the kingdom would be full of guys like that. But he’s got real achievements. It’s no wonder he was elevated to viscount at our age."

"Are you praising him now? No matter how this goes, it’s playing right into Bartfort’s hands!"

"You’ve been awfully hostile toward Bartfort, Jilk."

"He’s still mad about getting cornered in the capital. If we hadn’t stopped him, he would’ve been beaten to a pulp."

"Shut up about that!"

Jilk and Bartfort just don’t get along. I heard later that a few months ago, Jilk secretly tried to bribe Bartfort but failed and got hit hard in retaliation. He didn’t tell me beforehand because he didn’t want me involved in dirty backroom dealings, probably out of pride. I’ve long given up on the throne, but Jilk hasn’t. He still wants to see me crowned, even though his family, the Marmoria House, has given up on both him and me. It’s not just stubbornness—it’s probably his friendship as a childhood companion. I’m grateful for his loyalty, but it’s also a bit of a burden.

"What’s this about? We were never told about bringing Bartfort under our wing!"

"Sorry, that was my idea. I meant it as a joke, but it seems he didn’t take it that way."

"No noble would refuse an invitation from royalty. Please refrain from such careless remarks in the future."

"My bad. I’ll try to think before I act next time."

I’m met with blatantly skeptical looks. Given my track record, anything I say sounds like an excuse.

"But Bartfort is undeniably a capable guy. Wouldn’t it be better to bring him to our side?"

"I agree. His perspective is something we don’t have. It’s better to make him an ally before he becomes an enemy."

"There are plenty of nobles with silver tongues, but few with real results. The kingdom needs capable young people like him right now."

"What are you all saying?!"

The consensus is that Greg, Brad, and Chris are in favor, with only Jilk opposed. I’m not the only one who thinks it’s better to bring Bartfort on board. Sure, he might lack the knowledge or experience of a typical noble, but his talent more than makes up for it.

"The idea of crushing him before he becomes an enemy doesn’t work anymore. Cowards and useless nobles either fled during the war or had their houses stripped afterward. Even the capable but weak ones died in battle. The kingdom doesn’t have the luxury to be picky about talent anymore."

I deeply understand the struggles my mother, the queen, has faced. Before the war with the Fanoss Duchy, the Holfort Kingdom was bloated with excess fat. Now, not only has the fat been cut, but even the necessary muscle has been shaved away, leaving the kingdom emaciated. The only reason it doesn’t show is because Mother is skillfully managing as queen, and Olivia is tirelessly working as the Saintess. But that can’t be hidden forever. The backlash from pushing too hard will come eventually. When that happens, the Holfort Kingdom—no, the Holfort royal family—will face its end. If it’s just a change in the royal line, that’s the best-case scenario. In the worst case, the kingdom could fall into civil war or be destroyed by foreign invasion.

"The negotiations were supposed to take two days. Today was for identifying issues, and tomorrow was for finding compromises. But we got completely played by Bartfort’s silver tongue."

"He’s not your average noble. It’s a good thing he didn’t become a con artist or an agitator."

"That’s thanks to the education from the baron’s family. If Bartfort had become an air pirate, he’d be unstoppable."

"If the Ladies’ Forest hadn’t tried to sell him off and had given him a proper position, things could’ve been terrifying. It’s lucky Zora and her group underestimated his talent."

His cunning in exploiting weaknesses, his ability to stir things up and steer situations to his advantage—those are talents we don’t have. That’s what makes him terrifying, and that’s exactly why we need him.

"You keep praising him, but because of that, His Highness has to duel him now! Have some sense of urgency!"

"Jilk, do you think I’m going to lose?"

I throw the words at Jilk with a hint of frustration. It’s true that Bartfort is a talented young man. But I’m also hailed as one of the kingdom’s heroes. I have no intention of losing.

"I want to hear your opinions. How strong do you think Bartfort really is?"

"Upper mid-tier, maybe lower high-tier."

"Compared to the five of us, his combat strength is definitely inferior."

"If we fought head-on, he wouldn’t stand a chance."

"You’re all misunderstanding. That’s not what makes Bartfort dangerous."

Jilk is the only one who objects to the others’ assessments. He’s been overly reactive about Bartfort this whole time. It’s hard to tell if he’s aware of it or not.

"Since I was assigned to the royal archives, I’ve been reviewing various war records and merits for rewards. Among them were records about Bartfort."

"And what did you find?"

"To put it bluntly, he’s ordinary. But he’s an ordinary person who’s trained to his absolute limit."

"What’s so scary about that?"

"There were countless noble sons stronger than him, noble lords and their heirs with better equipment. Most of them suffered heavy losses and perished on the battlefield. Yet in those conditions, he stubbornly survived and even took down enemies. Do you understand how terrifying it is for a man with limited talent to consistently survive and defeat his foes?"

"Does he have some kind of trick?"

"He knows his own weaknesses better than anyone. He understands that if he fights head-on, he’ll lose and die. So he finds the method that lets him survive while inflicting the most damage on his opponent. His instincts for that are unnaturally sharp."

Jilk shudders and clears the table of bottles and snacks, then brings over a game board from the corner of the room. Various colored and shaped pieces are placed on it, but while one side is arranged correctly, the other side only has strong pieces. The outcome is obvious—against an opponent of equal skill, it’s a guaranteed win without even playing.

"If it’s a fair fight, our victory is certain. But wars and conflicts aren’t always fought fairly."

"When we tailed Bartfort, he caught us off guard. If he hadn’t held back, it could’ve been bad."

"If he’d aimed for our eyes or used a weapon from the start, either me or Greg would’ve been seriously injured or dead."

"The battlefield isn’t like a board game with equal pieces and setups. Even if you start at a disadvantage, there are countless ways to turn the tables if you don’t care about the means."

"Weather, terrain, supplies, coordination issues with other units, the flow of battle—war is full of variables that don’t exist in duels or board games. Bartfort excels at reading those. He’s not someone you want as an enemy on the battlefield."

It’s strange. Jilk, who hates Bartfort the most, is also the one who evaluates him the highest. At the same time, it makes me want to bring him to our side even more.

"This is his home turf. Who knows what traps he might have set?"

"Bartfort doesn’t seem like the type to use cheap off-board tactics in a duel."

"Don’t let your guard down. This duel is under the guise of an exercise, so we can’t use our own Armors . It’s frustrating—everything’s been set up to his advantage."

"He’s scary in that sense. Claiming fairness while tilting the conditions in his favor."

"He’s the Villainous Knight. We should assume he’s capable of something as underhanded as planting a bomb in his armor."

"If he did that to you, it’d be outright treason. If he were that stupid, he’d be the one branded a criminal."

"At the very least, we should change the opponent. Greg or Chris could handle any interference."

Jilk is excessively afraid of Bartfort. Or rather, he’s more afraid of me losing. I haven’t been disinherited, but my chances of ascending the throne are practically zero. It’s almost certain I’ll marry Hertruda Sera Fanoss, the former duchy’s princess, become a duke, and step down as a royal. For Jilk, who’s followed me since childhood, that’s probably unbearable.

"Jilk, I appreciate that you’re looking out for me, but this is a duel on equal terms. If it’s not, even if I win, Bartfort won’t accept or follow me."

"Your Highness, you’re a prince of the Holfort Kingdom. Your actions carry the dignity of the royal family."

"I’m not in a position to care about dignity anymore. The throne isn’t suited for me."

"…I wanted you to become king. I regret not doing more to guide you properly instead of just following you."

"It’s ironic. I used to hate the idea of inheriting the throne, but now I realize I’d need it to rebuild this country."

You only realize the value of something after you’ve lost it. I was blessed before. Indulging in luxury while ignorant of the struggles of the commoners and yearning for freedom was utterly foolish. It’s not about compromise, but there’s still something I can do for this country in a position that suits me. That’s why there are battles I can’t run from, and the duel with Bartfort is one of them.

"Don’t hold back out of consideration for your former fiancée, Angelica."

"I have no intention of doing that."

"She’s already Bartfort’s wife. She’s not your fiancée anymore."

"Don’t say things that kill my mood."

"It’s part of my duty to advise you. Bartfort isn’t someone you can beat by holding back."

"I know."

I’m starting to feel depressed at the thought of earning Angelica’s resentment again. All I’ve ever done is hurt her. Even if I try to avoid her, we keep clashing somewhere. Facing her anger head-on is the least I can do as her former fiancé. I’ll fight fair and square. It’s the only way I can think of to make amends.

┳⁠━━━━⁠━⁠⁠━⁠━⁠━━━⁠┳

Authors Note

┻━⁠━━━━⁠━━⁠━━━⁠┻

The title is an homage to lines from the original work or the title of episode 3 of the anime.

In this work, Leon is not as vicious as the original Leon, so his provocations are toned down. (Pretty harsh, though.)

The five's simple evaluation of Leon’s abilities is based on the original work.

In fact, thanks to Saintess Olivia’s guidance and accumulated combat experience, the gap has widened.

So, he plans to fight tactically within the bounds of what’s not considered cheating.

I read the manga adaptation of that world—Angelica in the thumbnail is scary. (Sweat)

Addendum: At the request of the client, an illustration was drawn by Kanosuki-sama.

Thank you very much.

Kanosuki-sama:  Pixiv(Note: Adult content warning)

I’d appreciate any opinions or feedback to motivate me moving forward.