Why must the devil be Defeated?
Chapter 429 - 422 Change to a challenging position

Chapter 429: 422 Change to a challenging position

"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh——!"

When Harvis stepped onto the performance stage with that eye-catching wide-blade greatsword and appeared before everyone, all the audience members let out cheers.

The Kingdom’s nobles and the Imperial Prince from the Empire stood facing each other on the stage under everyone’s watchful eyes, exciting everyone who was present.

They couldn’t help it.

"It seems everyone is really looking forward to our performance," Harvis said without looking around, smiling at Shane standing opposite him.

"Performance?" Shane, no longer yawning, said with a nonchalant tone, "They just want to see what extent our duel can reach, right?"

That was exactly the case.

Before this, many people had used this performance stage.

They performed daily, showcasing their abilities in various ways, some astonishing the audience and some inviting disdain, but without exception, none of them achieved any result.

Princess Luosilusti had never given any of them a high score to become one of her suitor candidates, so the audience that came here had already lost much of their expectation.

Add to that the number of mediocrities and those seeking attention through noise, and the recent crowds around the performance stage had been dwindling.

But today was different.

Today, the two who stepped onto the stage were of incredibly high-interest topics.

One was a Viscount not to be underestimated, currently the First Priority Candidate of the suitor selection event.

The other was the Imperial Prince, an authentic Descendant of the Brave.

People were keen to know just how capable the former was and to what extent the latter could go.

Compared with these two who held numerous titles, those who had previously taken to this stage were mostly just actors.

Moreover, this time, there were many things that others wanted to know.

If Shane, the First Priority Candidate, were to be defeated, would the Kingdom lower his score and raise Harvis’s?

Does the Princess choose a suitor based on who has greater strength?

What exactly does Princess Luosilusti want in a partner?

Someone with background? Capability? Or strength?

These were the issues others were eager to learn about.

Under these circumstances, since the First Priority Candidate had appeared on stage, whether he was victorious or defeated, the subsequent handling of the result would reveal a great deal of information.

For example, if Shane were to be defeated but his score wasn’t lowered, remaining in the position of First Priority Candidate, then it would prove the Kingdom values something other than strength.

Conversely, if Shane were defeated and Harvis’s score increased, taking over Shane’s position, then it would show that the Kingdom does value strength.

That’s what people wanted to see.

After all, how the selection of the suitor would turn out completely depends on the Princess’s preferences.

Without a standard, people could only find the rules for themselves, striving to climb up and ultimately earn both reputation and beauty.

Given this, in many people’s eyes, whether Shane or Harvis won this duel, they had no interest.

Because both Shane and Harvis were their competitors, their rivals in love; naturally, they couldn’t support either one and even wished both would lose.

What they cared about was only the outcome of the duel.

Of course...

"As for the common people of the Kingdom, they do want to see what we’re capable of, or perhaps how much I’m capable of," Shane said with a smirk, "You, as a prince, are probably being evaluated too. You’d better make sure to perform well."

"That’s a given," Harvis replied calmly, "No matter what, this is a duel in the capital of the Kingdom, in front of all of its people, I can’t afford to lose face."

Otherwise, the Kingdom People would mercilessly ridicule an Imperial Prince from the Empire who was a friend yet also an enemy.

"You’re quite pragmatic," Shane chuckled, his face carrying an intriguing expression, "Alright then, let’s see how much the Imperial Prince can do compared to that neurotic Valkyrie."

This remark caused Harvis to narrow his eyes.

"Could it be that you..."

Harvis wanted to say something but didn’t succeed.

The reason was simple.

"Quick...look...!"

"It’s Princess Luoqi!"

"Princess Luoqi has come out!"

Accompanied by such an ecstatic shouting, the entire venue exploded like an Explosion, lifting a sky-high cheer.

There, on the open balcony above the main entrance of the Royal Palace, Princess Luoqi had appeared at some point, overlooking the stage below, her waterfall-like silver hair flowing in the wind, her crimson eyes shimmering with a beauty so breathtaking, her figure imposing, her demeanor outstanding, giving off the sensation of a Goddess descending, enrapturing onlookers.

"Is that...Luosilusti Mitra?"

William, who had been watching the stage with a playful expression, found his breath catch at the sight of the stunningly beautiful Princess suddenly appearing, his gaze showing a trace of awe and passion.

"What terrifying Magic Power..."

Rocque, standing beside him, couldn’t help but stare intensely at Luoqi, exclaiming in amazement.

"Although she is a human, she seems more like a Goddess than most Goddesses."

Even Nadura, who went unnoticed by others, was captivated by Luoqi at this moment, her eyes brimming with admiration.

"She truly is the Kingdom Treasure."

Harvis could not help himself; upon beholding Luoqi, there was a flash of brilliance in his eyes, and his heart stirred a little.

And if even these people were so moved, then the nobles and ordinary citizens were beside themselves, each one dumbstruck, some even cheering aloud. Most of the profligate sons could hardly conceal their possessive expressions, revealing their greed, fervor, and intoxication.

"Why can’t such a beautiful woman be mine?"

Edel, who appeared out of nowhere, was filled with lustful flames and desire as he gazed at Luoqi.

Among everyone, only Shane maintained his composure while watching Luoqi, though he couldn’t help but internally comment,

(This girl, putting on her Princess act again.)

However, with such beauty and such aura, she truly was beyond perfect.

Initially, Shane had thought himself immune to Luoqi’s charm. Yet, despite having done all things necessary and unnecessary, the sight of Luoqi still managed to make his heart inevitably heat up.

This showed just how otherworldly Luoqi’s beauty had become.

(I’ve decided, tonight I’ll try a more challenging position.)

Shane couldn’t help but make this decision.

Unaware that she had caught a particular wolf’s eye, Luoqi slipped entirely into princess mode, gazing down from her high position toward the stage with a voice as enchanting and ethereal as celestial music.

"I’m just here to observe; you don’t need to mind me."

As she spoke these indifferent words, Luoqi secretly gave Shane a glance, as if to prompt him to perform well.

Shane returned the look to Luoqi, as if to say, I’ll perform well now, and tonight it will be your turn.

Luoqi seemed to get the message, and gave him an imperceptible eye roll, followed by an equally subtle nod.

Satisfied, Shane smiled but didn’t retract his gaze, instead looking past Luoqi.

There, more individuals were slowly making their way out of the Royal Palace.

"Ha-ha, today’s duel is certainly worth looking forward to."

Anxi laughed heartily and freely.

"Truth be told, I’m somewhat expectant as well."

Liya smiled sweetly.

Shanai watched the scene below, her face serious.

Aridia stood behind Anxi, expressionless.

The arrival of the Royal Family raised the atmosphere to a climax.

"Are they really all that interested in this battle?"

William was astonished, then became somewhat exhilarated.

Clearly, this fellow wasn’t just a simpleton; he loved chaos.

On the other hand, Rocque’s gaze fixated on Aridia Elbein.

"Aridia Elbein..."

Rocque’s eyes were filled with battle lust as he looked at Aridia.

In the corner, Edel’s gaze landed on Liya, who was whispering with Luoqi, his desire becoming increasingly evident.

"Even if I can’t have the Kingdom Treasure, I must have this First Princess."

The wicked flame in Edel’s heart soared.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Shane and Harvis on stage.

"I hadn’t expected the entire Mitra Royal Family to show up," Harvis said, turning to Shane with a smile. "We must take this duel seriously, Lord Bezut."

"Perhaps." Shane didn’t deny, replying nonchalantly, "By the way, you haven’t mentioned how we’re going to compete. Is it a loss if one falls from the stage, or if one is knocked down?"

"Falling from the stage, or one side admitting defeat, will count as a loss," Harvis said without hesitation. "I believe you’re a reasonable man, and wouldn’t go so far as to not admit defeat until death. So, when one side has exhausted all their strength, and has no means left, yet still cannot overcome the other, that side should admit defeat immediately."

"Oh?" Shane expressed his surprise. "That’s a quite refreshing way to determine a winner."

Harvis’s straightforward and agreeable manner indeed garnered a bit of Shane’s favor.

Compared to the neurotic, stubborn, heavy-handed style of Cappelen, this Imperial Prince seemed more worthy of association.

He then added,

"Besides, let’s not use magic in this duel," Harvis glanced around and shrugged, "Using magic could harm the innocent spectators nearby. Let’s just compare swordsmanship."

"Fine by me." Shane had no objections. Seeing that the other was decisive, he too didn’t hesitate, saying, "Shall we start?"

"Sure." Harvis smiled slightly. "Let’s begin."

As their words concluded, they fell silent.

"Clang!"

"Clang!"

Only the clear sound of swords being drawn echoed around them.