I Was the Hero, But She Turned Me Into the Villain
Chapter 19 - 18 : The Duel – Part 1

Chapter 19: Chapter 18 : The Duel – Part 1

The sky was clear. Not a single cloud dared to spoil the event that was about to take place.

The sun shone directly down on the Riesenhart family’s private training ground, illuminating the level ground and the embroidered banners that hung proudly at either end of the field.

A light breeze rustled the fabrics, causing the colours of the house to flutter as if they too were awaiting the outcome of this story.

In front of me, one by one, the semi-circular stands began to fill up. High-ranking nobles, court officials, military commanders, distant relatives I had never seen before in my life... and, of course, her.

«Vivian.

The Marquess’s wife, Frederick’s mother.

Sitting with elegance, watching the scene as if the whole thing were a banquet prepared to glorify her son.

At either side of her sat her daughters: Marie and Lucia Riesenhart, both with perfectly styled hair and pretentious smiles on their lips.

The atmosphere wasn’t that of a duel.

There was nothing sacred about it.

It was merely a one-sided celebration.

A farce dressed in wine, fake smiles, and discreet wagers.

—Young master... —Alice whispered, interrupting my thoughts.

She placed her hands on my shoulders and carefully adjusted the black cloak I was wearing.

—Are you sure you want to go through with this?

I didn’t answer.

My gaze remained fixed ahead, where Frederick strutted under the sun.

His chestnut hair shimmered with an artificial shine.

He wore an ornate version of the ceremonial uniform, more tailored for show than skill.

The sword at his side hung as if he had already won the duel.

He smiled. He greeted the guests.

He looked like someone attending a ceremony held in his own honor.

—Is he playing knight...? —I muttered, bewildered.

—Did I hit him too hard with the tray?

—Ready to lose in front of everyone? —he shouted from the other end of the field.

—Don’t worry, I’ll try not to hurt you too much. After all... we’re "brothers," aren’t we?

A few forced chuckles broke out among the guests. The murmuring grew.

Frederick seemed delighted with himself.

But my eyes weren’t on him.

They were locked on the exact spot where he was directing his little performance.

—Alice... —I murmured, not looking away—. Who’s that girl?

The one making Frederick act even stupider than usual.

—Eh? Where...? —Alice looked around, then followed the direction I had gestured toward.

In the front row of the stands, standing out among dresses and uniforms, was a young woman with bright red hair and fair skin.

Her posture was elegant, chin slightly raised, lips serious.

But it was her eyes that drew the most attention: emerald green, observing with calm—not admiration—but a kind of indifference that felt devastating.

Our eyes met for a brief moment.

And she smiled, as if she had just discovered a new toy to amuse herself with.

I looked away, my brow subtly furrowed.

—Ah... you mean Lady Clarisse —Alice said, lowering her voice—. She’s not only beautiful. She’s the daughter of Duke Vaelgrand.

—Duke Vaelgrand...? —I asked, surprised.

—Yes. Her family has maintained a close alliance with the Riesenharts for generations.

I suppose she came out of courtesy.

—I know. But... do you really think she came just for that?

Alice hesitated a moment before answering, her voice dropping even lower.

—I can’t say for sure... but I’ve heard Lady Clarisse doesn’t usually attend events like these.

Perhaps... she has her own reasons.

She glanced at me sideways, as if sensing something.

—And if I may say... she didn’t seem to be looking at Master Frederick.

I fell silent for a moment before shaking my head lightly.

—Forget it —I said with a sigh.

Other people’s interest meant nothing right now.

I just walked toward the center of the field.

No smile.

No more words.

Just firm steps over dry earth.

Stopping in front of Frederick, the referee—a veteran knight with a face weathered by age and a pair of scars on his cheeks—stepped forward with a strong voice:

—The duel will continue until one of you yields or can no longer fight. Mortal blows are forbidden. Do you both understand?

Frederick nodded arrogantly.

I simply bowed my head.

The knight stepped back.

—Begin!