Chapter 10
If the Baron’s family demanded money as compensation for his death, it would be troublesome.
And I couldn’t keep asking the Young Duke for money either.
“Raiden, let’s move.”
The Crown Prince shrugged and requested a place for the duel.
In the end, the Young Duke led the nobles who wanted to watch to the training ground inside the mansion.
I went separately to receive the sword for the duel.
The maid walking with me looked like she had another intention.
“My Lady, we have prepared armor for you. The Young Master strongly insisted that you must wear it.”
“Why?”
“He said as long as you avoid vital points, you can be treated. Life is more important than pride.”
I agreed with the Young Duke.
As long as you are alive, you can grow stronger and take revenge.
But that applied to the weak.
Not to me.
“Will the Baron wear it?”
“No. The Young Duke ordered us not to ask him.”
So I would be the only one wearing armor?
That would look ridiculous.
So he really wants me to throw away pride and just survive.
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? It’s lightweight armor—”
“I don’t need it.”
I can defeat a mere Baron even while wearing a dress.
The maid looked at me with pity, as if I were already dead.
Even when she handed me the sword, she asked again about the armor.
I refused firmly.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
My heart raced.
It had been a long time since I had a duel.
When I arrived at the training ground, many nobles had already gathered.
“A mere lady wants to duel a 4th-rank knight like Baron Bern?”
“She’s crazy. Has she even held a sword before?”
“A woman holding a sword? She can’t win. The Baron can even use sword aura!”
Because my hearing had improved, I could hear all their whispers.
To them, this was just entertainment.
Mocking was easy.
“I hope he doesn’t kill her. What a waste of a pretty face.”
“I agree. Her body looked good too. I should have proposed earlier.”
“What? To that foolish lady? You just wanted to use her and throw her away, right? With the Count gone, you could divorce her and send her to a convent. Haha.”
From a corner, I heard disgusting conversations.
I looked directly at them, memorizing their faces.
When they met my gaze, they flinched and looked away.
Good.
I’ll make you regret your words someday.
“Oh? You really came? I’ve never heard that a lady could use a sword.”
“Looks like someone planted spies in the Count’s mansion. Hmm? Maybe we’ll find out if I win?”
“Nonsense. Such crude speech. Just like a girl raised without a mother.”
“The one speaking nonsense is you. Is this the noble etiquette you’re so proud of?”
“Tsk. You should understand my frustration. Because of your madness, I’ll be forced to kill you and become a brute.”
Even while saying that, Baron Bern was fully prepared.
He sneered.
“If you kneel and beg now, I might spare you.”
Some nobles laughed at his words.
I only let out a small laugh.
Even if my trained body was gone—
My soul is still a cultivator.
So I am still myself.
I will not use techniques against you.
I will kill you using only swordsmanship—so everyone can see.
“Are both of you ready?!”
The Crown Prince spoke as the judge.
“I will lower my hand as the signal. Begin the duel then!”
Silence filled the training ground.
Then—
“Begin the duel!”
I raised my sword.
And stood still.
Baron Bern laughed at me.
“Looks like you’re frozen in fear.”
He slowly approached.
His steps were slow, but his presence was heavy.
He covered his sword with aura.
“Do you even know what sword aura is? You’ve never been to a battlefield. Haha.”
I stared only at his sword.
To find the exact center of the aura.
“Are you so scared you’ve fainted with your eyes open? Die for the greater good, Lady Soner.”
He rushed forward, aiming for my heart.
His speed wasn’t bad.
But his weakness was obvious.
Just before his sword reached me—
I thrust straight into the center.
CLANG—!!!
The aura shattered with a loud sound.
“What…?”
Before he could react—
I lifted my blade and placed it at his neck.
It happened in an instant.
The nobles fell silent.
“Y-you broke… the aura?”
Baron Bern spoke with a trembling voice.
I repeated his earlier words back to him.
“If you kneel, I might spare your life.”
“How dare you!!!”
He activated his aura again.
Stronger this time—filled with anger and shame.
I smiled inside.
This world gathers energy in the heart.
Aura, or whatever they call it.
But it is unstable.
Without proper balance, it lacks cohesion.
If you strike the center, it breaks easily.
“AAAAAH!!!”
He charged again.
I didn’t move.
When our swords clashed—
I smiled.
“Is this your strength, Baron?”
His aura shattered again.
I slashed across his shoulder.
Slash!
Blood sprayed.
“Ghk…!!!”
His strength left him.
He fell to his knees.
His body trembled.
His eyes were full of shock.
“You… you are a monster!!!”
Your own weakness is the real problem.
Calling me a monster won’t change that.
“I gave you a chance to beg.”
“Ugh… Aaaah!!!”
“There won’t be a second time.”
My sword moved toward his neck.
A red line cut through the air.
Thud.
His head fell.
Silence filled the training ground.
The Crown Prince slowly stood up.
“I declare the winner of the duel—Lady of the Soner Count family!”
I lowered my sword slowly.
All eyes were on me.
Shock. Fear. Curiosity.
But—
No one laughed anymore.
No one mocked me anymore.
I calmly sheathed my blood-stained sword and walked.
They might think I only defeated a 4th-rank knight.
Some might not believe it.
That’s fine.
I will prove my strength again when needed.
* * *
The Young Duke’s charity party ended in shock.
Raiden was especially shaken.
He knew she was strong—
But he never imagined she would break sword aura in one strike and kill a Baron.
He felt ashamed.
Telling her to wear armor.
Telling her to abandon pride.
“…I should apologize.”
He must admit—
He underestimated her.
And tried to limit her actions.
With that decision, Raiden went to her room.
She was sitting calmly.
Seeing her like that made him hesitate.
“My Lady, are you alright?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Even knowing she was strong, he still worried.
And yet—
She showed no weakness at all.
He had never seen a woman like her.
Someone who could kill—and remain calm.
“Why do I find that… admirable…?”
Raiden quickly shook his head.
That was nonsense.
He was about to apologize—
But she spoke first.
“By the way, Young Duke.”
“Yes.”
“Did the Crown Prince say anything about me?”
