Chapter 37

“I want to see for myself if the Duke’s skills are enough to take over the training of our First Imperial Knights,” Helios said slyly, raising the corner of his mouth, and pointed to a towering knight beside him, known as the “monster” of the First Imperial Knights. The man was a giant, even taller than Tessarion, who was 194 cm. With a flattened nose, a jutting chin, and tusk-like teeth protruding, his appearance resembled a wild boar, and his strength and endurance matched his monstrous looks.

“Feel free,” Tessarion answered without hesitation. He then turned to me and gave me a stern warning.

“Roy, don’t even come near the Crown Prince. …Understood?”

He raised his index and middle fingers, pointing alternately between his eyes and me. It was Rule No. 1 of my survival guide since my return: “Always stay within Tessarion’s line of sight.” It seemed like this absurd rule was still in effect.

I sighed softly and lowered my head.

“And Ibis, you’re in charge of Roy. Keep a close watch on him.”

What?

I stared in disbelief as Tessarion descended the platform. Deputy Commander Ibis raised his hand, signaling for me to come closer, and then he asked in a hushed voice:

“…Hey, Roy. Is that rumor true?”

“What?”

The mention of “that rumor” made my heart race in a panic.

Ibis glanced at the knights on the platform and Helios, then casually patted my shoulder.

“Lately, the Duke seems to be obsessing over you.”

My blood ran cold. Everything started spinning in front of me.

The worst-case scenario had arrived. I had to deny it, no matter what. We were not like that.

I had only once, just once, fallen asleep in Tessarion’s arms… and now a strange rumor was already spreading. It was so unfair. I clenched my trembling hands and said with determination:

“It’s nonsense! I absolutely didn’t—”

Ibis widened his eyes, clearly shocked.

“Ah, is that not true?”

“Of course not!”

I shouted in a panic, adding strength to my voice. Ibis was even more flustered.

“Well… it’s well known that Baron Dover owes the Duke an enormous debt and ran off to the East Continent. He owes so much that there’s no way to collect the money, so I heard that the Duke wants to marry you off quickly to get the dowry from the bride’s side… Is that not it?”

Oh no.

“…!”

It wasn’t a false rumor?

Was this the truth?

Why hadn’t I thought of this answer sooner?!

“That’s… yes! That’s it!”

I grabbed Ibis’s hand and nodded enthusiastically.

Yes, Roy’s father had racked up a huge debt. If the dowry didn’t fall below 30 million gold, it meant that to pay off the debt, the Duke would need that amount. If that debt was repaid, Roy could regain his freedom. Overcome with emotion, I started tearing up, but Ibis just looked even more bewildered.

“Well, that’s even worse for you.”

“What?”

“What? You’re surprised now? Are you crazy? Do you know how many families in the North have declared they won’t attend the social season just to avoid you, Roy Dover? People are screaming about how your marriage has blocked their paths. The atmosphere is so tense that some are even saying they might hire assassins.”

“…”

“I hate to say this, but can’t you give up this social season? Just marry some rich upstart’s daughter and sell the title. It seems like that’s the best option for you now.”

“…I know.”

I couldn’t raise my head.

This was the harsh reality for Roy Dover, the weakest sub-male lead.

The result of the confrontation was inevitable.

Tessarion won.

It was a fight with a clear winner, but there were no cheers for the victor.

Crown Prince Helios and the Imperial Knights glared at Tessarion as he strode up to the platform. Having clearly worked out this morning, Tessarion wiped his face and neck with a towel handed to him by Ibis, glaring at me in frustration.

“What the hell are you doing?”

I lowered my head deeply, not responding.

Because I hadn’t done anything.

“You’re supposed to be a knight, but what’s with this attitude? You, Roy Dover, are the only one here not learning from the opponent’s stance, posture, or swordplay. You’re just staring at the ground.”

“…”

“Got your head in the clouds?”

Just yesterday, he told me not to pursue knighthood. He criticized me for not having magic or talent, suggesting I should focus on administrative work instead.

Tessarion grumbled as he grabbed my arm and shook me violently.

“With such a careless attitude and weak body, do you really think you can put my name on the line?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Before you enter training, I’ll straighten you out, so be ready.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Ibis, standing beside me, gasped and stared at me with wide eyes. Even the impressive Deputy Commander Ibis, who had risen to become the deputy commander of the Black Wolf Knights at a young age, was visibly tense under Tessarion’s reprimands, while I remained unfazed.

I’d been through far worse situations.

This was just a little physical discomfort—nothing major.

Tessarion strode up to the center of the platform and stopped in front of Helios.

“Is this enough?”

Helios, casually fiddling with his nails, shrugged.

“I’m not sure. The Duke’s skills are well known, but the more brilliant the genius, the worse they are at teaching others…”

Tessarion gritted his teeth.

“I saw you teaching Roy Dover to dance the other day. It was a mess. I’m not sure if I can trust you with my knights… Your temperament might cause you to take out your frustration on them. My advisors are worried that your training methods won’t align with ours.”

“…What do you want?”

Tessarion growled, his patience wearing thin. Helios shifted his gaze to me with a sneer.

“Here’s my proposal. I’ll let the Duke take charge of joint training twice a week, but in exchange, the Duke must teach Roy Dover swordsmanship.”

“…!”

“That seems fair, doesn’t it?”

“C-Crown Prince!”

The Imperial Knights all dropped their jaws in shock, staring at Helios. It seemed this hadn’t been discussed beforehand, and even the older generals and knights were scrambling to stop him.

Tessarion snorted, clearly ready to accept it, causing everyone to become even more restless, as if shouting, “Wait, timeout!”

Ibis grabbed me and shook me, repeating over and over:

“Wow, is the Crown Prince really going to give you one-on-one sword training? This is huge! You’re totally getting the attention of two swordmasters!”

I didn’t feel happy at all.

I frowned and muttered:

“Why’s he acting like this? He’s completely stupid…”

Such a fool, and he’s the villain in this world, the Empire’s Crown Prince. Tsk, tsk, I couldn’t help but click my tongue.

Then, our Northern Lord, the Duke of Claremont, spoke with a scoff.

“I refuse.”

“What?”

“Yes?”

I was stunned, and so was Ibis. We both stared in disbelief.

The Imperial Knights, who had nearly been dragged into hell by this foolish Crown Prince, sighed in relief, crossing themselves. Meanwhile, the frantic Ibis, who served the crazy warlord, grabbed his head and rushed to Tessarion to protest.

“Your Grace! Why are you rejecting such a good opportunity? The Crown Prince said he’ll teach Roy swordsmanship! It’s not like we’re pulling out the entire guard or anything!”

My thoughts exactly…

If I just followed along, I’d get the right to command the First Imperial Knights twice a week, all without losing anything. Why refuse?