I Got My Engagement Annulled… Even Though We Were Never Engaged - Chapter 32

I took my designated position and looked over at the son of Count Canteloupe.

He was a well-built man, standing a full head taller than me.

His features somewhat resembled Lady Adrienne’s. However, he was by no means feminine  with thick eyebrows and a strong jawline, he was the rugged type of man.

Our kingdom’s knight order operates on a meritocracy, so even high-ranking nobles receive no special treatment.

I’d heard he had joined the knight order and been entrusted with command of a squad, so I assumed he was quite capable.

…Though he did seem a bit hot-headed.

But perhaps that was viewed favorably within the male-dominated knight order. On his side of the spectator stands, numerous knights were cheering for him.

Since I had many magic knights supporting me, it had turned into something of a knight versus magic knights situation.

…Well, many regular knights held complexes about magic knights, so I supposed it couldn’t be helped.

Magic knights, said to be all-rounders, were the envy of the entire kingdom. Since many in the knight order had failed the magic knights’ entrance exam, there were plenty who felt jealous toward them.

Though I wasn’t a magic knight myself, since I was being supported by them, I was probably seen as being on their side. The knights staring at me had fierce, gleaming eyes.

“Now then, regarding the honors to be bestowed upon the victor…”

Before the duel began, Lord Aubrey started confirming what would be granted to the winner.

According to our kingdom’s ancient rules, what was basically granted to the winner of a duel was “honor” – no monetary rewards were given.

“I’ve heard Lady Adeline’s request is for an apology from Lady Adrienne Canteloupe. And your request?”

At this, the son of Count Canteloupe grinned sharply.

“I desire Lady Adeline Cambrelive.”

“Eh?”

“Whaaat?!”

Overlapping with my voice, astonished cries rose from behind me.

Lord Aubrey’s eyes were wide with shock.

“I’ve heard Lady Adeline Cambrelive slew a griffin. To obtain such a lady would be the highest honor. I’ve also heard she hasn’t formally exchanged engagement vows with Lord Fevan Levesius yet. Then there should be no problem.”

No, no, there are huge problems!

After saying all those things to belittle me earlier, now he wants me if he wins? It makes no sense.

Maybe he thinks if he separates me from Lord Fevan, Lord Fevan will become engaged to Lady Adrienne again?

Or perhaps he wants to hurt Lord Fevan’s honor by taking me from him?

It might be both, but I’m not an object – I don’t want to be taken by the son of Count Canteloupe for such reasons.

Lord Aubrey, who had been staring in shock, collected himself with a cough.

“That cannot be permitted. Lady Adeline’s life belongs to herself, and your demand is too disproportionate compared to Lady Adeline’s request for an ‘apology.’ What could be permitted would be… the right to propose to Lady Adeline.”

The son of Count Canteloupe furrowed his brows, but he probably understood that their respective honor demands were unbalanced. Reluctantly, he replied, “That will do.”

Perhaps he calculated that it would be difficult for me to refuse a proposal after he won the duel. Even if that happened, I would mercilessly reject him, though I suppose ordinary young ladies might be thrilled by a man who went so far as to duel for their hand. It’s rather absurd that the proposer would be my duel opponent, though.

When I nodded to indicate I accepted those terms, I heard someone call “Adeline!” from behind.

Turning around, I saw Lord Fevan about to charge from the spectator stands into the training grounds. His parents and Mariotte were desperately holding him back. Incidentally, my sister was on the encouraging side. Please stop.

I waved my hand lightly at Lord Fevan to indicate I was fine.

Duels have been battles of honor since ancient times.

In other words, they’re also occasions to prove that one’s position is correct, so I absolutely cannot lose.

I must defeat her and make Lady Adrienne – who’s acting like the victim – admit she was wrong.

Lady Adrienne probably did love Lord Fevan, but her methods were underhanded. It’s also strange that she got angry about having her engagement broken off after trying to secure her position as fiancée using dishonest means.

Moreover, when she heard Lord Fevan was rumored to prefer men, Lady Adrienne requested to break off the engagement for her own pride. I dislike her audacity in flipping her position again when she learned the rumor was mistaken.

“Now then, with the honors for both parties decided, let the match begin. Both of you, bow!”

Duels are sacred affairs conducted according to chivalric spirit. Therefore, one must show respect to one’s opponent.

The son of Count Canteloupe and I looked at each other and bowed.

Lord Aubrey raised the small flag in his hand toward the sky. The moment it was lowered would signal the start of the duel.

The son of Count Canteloupe reached for his sword hilt and took his stance.

I too, touching my left arm, waited for the moment the flag would drop.

Lord Aubrey looked back and forth between the son of Count Canteloupe and me – and then the moment arrived.

“Begin!!”

As the son of Count Canteloupe drew his sword and charged toward me, I thrust out my left arm.