The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 76

Near the entrance of the arena, a tent had been set up, and a middle-aged man was shouting at the top of his lungs.

 

“Place your bets! Decide quickly! A moment’s decision can bring multiple returns!”

 

In front of him was a pile of round, flat, colorful items that resembled coins. People stood in line, paid him money, and took one of the items.

 

“What are those? The coin-looking things?” Grace asked, pointing at the tent.

 

“Oh, you buy a chip with the name of a participant on it. If that participant wins, you get several times your wager back.”

 

“That’s… gambling, isn’t it?”

 

“Pretty much. But it’s allowed during the jousting tournaments. Think of it like horse racing.”

 

“Ah… I see.”

 

It was all very fascinating. Grace didn’t know much about horse racing either, but she figured she’d learn about it eventually.

 

“There are probably quite a few people betting on Duke Winstaine, since he’s the man of the hour.”

 

“Haha…”

 

Hearing Aris’s words reminded Grace of the conversation she had with Frederick the night before.

 

“Do well in the jousting tournament, Frederick.”

 

“It’s a meaningless match.”

 

Frederick had replied indifferently.

 

“But you’re not going to lose, are you? There aren’t many people who can stand against you.”

 

“There’s no reason to lose on purpose, is there?”

 

Grace couldn’t help but laugh at his words. Even though he grumbled, she knew he’d give it his all once he was out there. That was kind of cute, she thought.

 

“Be sure to pick a handkerchief you like.”

 

“Can’t you just give me yours directly?”

 

“I could, but the Crown Princess wants all of them gathered and handed out at the arena in person.”

 

“You’re quite the rule-follower too, aren’t you?”

 

Frederick chuckled helplessly and placed a light kiss on her lips.

 

“Why do you look so flustered? It’s not the first time.”

 

“Th-that’s…”

 

“Think of it as payment for your support.”

 

Leaving a dazed Grace behind, Frederick walked off to gather with the other participants.

 

Later, Grace headed to the arena with Aris and Seri.

 

The circular arena was packed with people.

 

The Emperor, who was bedridden, didn’t attend. The current Empress sat alone in the royal seats, and next to her were the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

 

‘I hope Frederick wins.’

 

As she found her seat, Grace silently made a wish.

 

“Wow, I’m so nervous. I don’t even know why I’m nervous…” Aris said shyly, standing beside Grace.

 

“Do you have someone you’re cheering for?”

 

“Oh, yes. Lord Landers Spert, the heir of the Duke of Spert. He’s famous for his bravery…”

 

‘She must like him.’

 

Grace could see the strong affection in Aris’s expression. Her cheeks were tinged with red.

 

“Seri, do you have anyone you’re cheering for?”

 

“Not really. But I might find someone while watching today.”

 

“And what about you, Lady Winstaine? You must be cheering for your husband.”

 

“I hope to. But I’ll also cheer for Aris’s Lord too.”

 

Grace replied with a smile. Aris’s bashfulness was adorable.

 

“It’s time for the match.”

 

As the clock in the center of the arena pointed to the scheduled time, a middle-aged man standing next to the Crown Prince rose.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this grand event.”

 

His voice, amplified by magic, rang throughout the entire arena.

 

“Today is the Empire’s grandest year-end event—the jousting tournament. Through many matches, we will select the greatest knight.”

 

“…”

 

“The champion will be awarded a trophy and bouquet from the Imperial Princess herself, along with a ten-day reward vacation and prize money.”

 

“Woooooaaaahhh!”

 

Thunderous cheers erupted alongside loud applause.

 

“Here come the first participants. One is the Iron Knight, Loren Oppert, one of the most promising members of the Imperial Knights. And his opponent, the formidable Victor Gordion.”

 

The two knights rode into the arena on horseback, immediately assuming their starting stances.

 

“They look ready, so we’ll begin now.”

 

“Woooooaaaahhh!”

 

The excitement of the crowd matched the intensity of the knights. Young women especially were screaming with enthusiasm.

 

“People really love these matches. Especially people our age,” Grace said, glancing around in awe at the energy.

 

“Well, since so many impressive knights get to show off their skills… Young women especially tend to be enthusiastic. The knights in the Imperial Guard are particularly popular.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes. Some knights who are handsome or exceptionally skilled have women who follow them around.”

 

Follow them? Grace’s expression twisted in shock.

 

“Some obsessed women even try to woo married knights.”

 

That next sentence hit even harder.

 

‘Would Frederick be like that too…?’

 

Grace fell into thought.

 

Frederick was strong—perhaps stronger than anyone—and undeniably handsome. Even though he was rumored to be the “Monster Duke,” the Crown Prince’s favor meant people couldn’t treat him lightly.

 

Above all, he was charming. Grace remembered how, the moment he entered the ballroom, the eyes of many young women had followed him.

 

‘It’s not a pleasant thought…’

 

The idea of another woman approaching Frederick made her feel distinctly uncomfortable. Frederick didn’t seem like the type to fall for flirtation, but even just imagining it was unpleasant.

 

“…And the match ends with Victor Gordion’s victory!”

 

“Woooooaaaahhh!”

 

The first jousting match didn’t take long to decide. In less than two minutes, Loren Oppert had conceded defeat.

 

The matches continued one after another, most ending within minutes. Grace watched intently, waiting for Frederick’s turn.

 

“Now entering, Duke Frederick Winstaine, Commander of the Imperial Knights.”

 

‘It’s Frederick.’

 

Grace straightened her back. Although his face was hidden beneath a helmet, she could tell from his build alone that it was him.

 

“His opponent is Marquis Reminin, a new member of the Imperial Knights, who’s already being hailed as the next Swordmaster. Let’s see if he can defeat the current Swordmaster.”

 

At the sound of the whistle, the match began.

 

Frederick and his opponent charged toward each other, lances raised. Grace watched nervously; eyes locked on Frederick’s movements.

 

Frederick was fast—but so was his opponent. As rumored, the potential Swordmaster responded swiftly, expertly countering Frederick’s attacks.

 

The match dragged on for several minutes before it was decided. Cornered by Frederick’s relentless assault, the opponent nearly fell off his horse and stepped back, raising a hand in surrender.

 

“Victory goes to Duke Winstaine!”

 

Grace clenched her fists in triumph. She had believed he would win, but her nerves had been tied in knots the entire time.

 

“Huh? What’s that?”

 

Someone shouted loudly.

 

Everyone turned their gaze skyward. A black dot had appeared in the sky, growing larger as it flickered and moved. People stared up, mouths agape.

 

Soon, the black dot revealed its true form. A swarm of black-winged, monstrous creatures was flying straight into the arena.

 

“W-what are those monsters?!”

 

“Ahhh! Run!”

 

Screams of terror erupted from all sides. People scrambled to their feet and began fleeing en masse. The arena descended into chaos.

 

“Ahhh! No!”

 

One of the monsters lunged with its claws, snatching a man into the air.

 

“Help me!”

 

Many unprepared people were attacked by the monsters. In the blink of an eye, arms were severed, bellies slashed open, and entrails spilled onto the ground.

 

“Kyahhhh!”

 

The horrifying scene caused the screams to grow even louder. The knights who had participated in the jousting drew their swords to face the monsters.

 

Some audience members also unleashed magical attacks—mages and Armento among them.

 

‘What is this…?’

 

The thought passed through Grace’s stunned mind as she stood frozen. Beside her, she saw Aris and Seri conjuring water and fire in their hands.