The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 58
Chapter 58
“I’ve never seen the Second Commander’s swordsmanship in person before.”
Naturally, everyone’s gaze focused on one place. Even from a distance, it looked like a blooming flower. Every move of the sword extended like a stem.
Despite being a training match, everyone watched Erina’s serious swordsmanship with bated breath. It wasn’t difficult for her to gain the upper hand.
“Erina Netri, Second Commander, victory!”
As the victory was declared for her, applause erupted from all around. Erina wiped away sweat with a lovely smile, as if to say,
“When did this become such a big deal? Just keep training.”
“Wow, as expected of the Commander. Isn’t she the first from the Southern region?”
“What do you mean the first…?”
Erina put the sword away, seemingly embarrassed. But the praise was genuine. The knights pushed her forward, constantly praising her.
“Commander Zelos also learned swordsmanship in Blenga, right? It’s impressive even as the next Supreme Commander.”
Impressive it was. So, she was the heroine. Normally, the family’s skill would naturally be passed down to the firstborn. Eventually, she swallowed up the North.
“If Zelos is pushed aside, there’s no one left in the center who’s a supporter of Raygrain.”
“It feels like we’re being openly isolated in the North….”
Although protecting the North was undoubtedly Blenga’s duty, the reality was that it couldn’t be separated from the center.
Scheuer stared at the training ground with a clenched fist.
“But, how did she know that the second-born could also cultivate a family skill?”
It was an unprecedented event in the history of Nettri. Even though she had taken over the family skill in place of her deceased brother.
“I should find out.”
While Erina chatted and received cheers from the surrounding knights, she suddenly made eye contact with Scheuer. Erina, with her ever-charming smile, confidently walked over and stood in front of them.
She asked Raygrain,
“What do you think about it, Your Grace?”
“About what?”
“Do you think I’m suitable for the position of Supreme Commander?”
Regardless of the answer, it was an unfavorable outcome. If he agreed, it would be granting her a title, and if he disagreed, it could escalate into a power struggle within the family.
Knowing this or not, Raygrain didn’t answer and just silently stared at her.
This in itself didn’t please her.
“Don’t look, don’t look! Don’t make eye contact with His Grace!”
Scheuer suddenly thrust a bouquet of chamomiles in front of Raygrain’s eyes. As he silently stared at the flowers, Erina urged for a response.
“It seems that you’re not pleased. Judging by your lack of response.”
Scheuer, smiling broadly, handed another chamomile to Erina.
“Your Grace, you must be tired after watching so many knights today. Please take this single flower.”
“I don’t need it.”
When Raygrain accepted the flower with an expressionless face, Scheuer gave Erina a chamomile as well.
“Thank you.”
Scheuer, still smiling, said to Erina,
“Oh, wait a moment. Give it to me. It’s a gift from His Grace.”
Erina’s face stiffened at the blunt request.
Scheuer, on the contrary, continued to smile and said,
“Erina, you seem unsure of your skills, so I offered it for a moment. You should rest; it seems like a good idea.”
“It seems like Lady Scheuer has misunderstood.”
Making an effort to squeeze out words, Erina’s face remained stiff. Scheuer, pretending not to notice, blinked and said,
“Oh, really? Then please give it back.”
Scheuer swiftly took the chamomile from Erina’s hand, who was trying to awkwardly laugh it off.
“I have other duties, so I’ll excuse myself for now.”
Even while politely bidding farewell, she walked towards her group of knights. Scheuer quietly spoke to Raygrain.
“Your Grace, we’re short on flowers.”
“As usual.”
“Today, His Grace put down and picked up his sword 65 times. The bouquet is far from enough.”
“Did you count that?”
Raygrain looked at the bouquet she held as if demanding more chamomiles despite receiving them continuously recently.
Scheuer grinned widely at him.
“Please give me more chamomiles; it’s not enough.”
“Provide them for the banquet.”
“Thank you!”
Scheuer promptly extended her hand towards him. While Raygrain silently stared at her hand, seemingly contemplating, he finally took it.
The knights nearby held their breath when he quietly took her hand. As if biting into something tough, Raygrain’s face wrinkled slightly.
When he firmly held her hand, Scheuer smiled widely and said,
“Please give me more chamomiles. To perfectly preserve what His Grace has given.”
“…”
Raygrain’s eyelids shook slightly. Scheuer, facing him, continued to smile as she took back the bouquet from his hand and placed it back in its original position.
After looking at the bouquet for a while, Raygrain turned without saying anything and returned to the group of knights.
Due to the slight crack between the temple and the central regions, most knights were called away, making their numbers appear much smaller. Zelos, who used to greet them every morning with a bright smile, was nowhere to be seen after the banquet.
Perhaps because of this, Raygrain seemed to be in better spirits than usual. Without the bustling Imperial Knights sticking around like mosquitoes, there was a clear view.
Standing side by side, Scheuer asked Jess, who was beside her,
“Jess, you know.”
“…Yes.”
“Why isn’t Jess sparring with His Grace today?”
Jess, who usually occupied a spot on the training ground, strangely did not leave her side.
Jess responded with a pale face, as if drained of vitality, even in the shade.
“Starting today… I’ve been assigned… to be Your Majesty’s… escort.”
His answer came out as if squeezed out. Although he looked as if he might vomit blood at any moment just to be able to say that to Raygrain.
Feeling that he wanted to express how much he wanted to go to Raygrain, Scheuer handed him a chamomile, treating it as if it was nothing.
Although Jess himself looked displeased, Scheuer shrugged indifferently and replied,
“What could happen in the central region? Lately, everyone has been on edge.”
“Normally, when it’s like this, something… usually happens.”
Suddenly, her field of vision shook violently. Simultaneously, before she could recognize the body floating up, she grasped, understood, and something black passed over her head.
It happened in the blink of an eye.
The cries of horses echoed from all directions. Jess, still carrying her next to him, drew his sword.
Thud, a violent sound was heard.
It wasn’t just one; through the hazy dust, a large black object menacingly passed by on both sides.
Jess carried her like a sack of potatoes, holding a drawn sword. The dizziness seemed imminent.
She couldn’t see what was in front of her.
Suddenly, the sound of a raging beast’s violent cries mixed with someone’s voice.
“It’s the Imperial horses!”
“Commander, there are people!”
“Capture them alive!”
Faint figures moved swiftly, prepared for battle.
And just when there were the fewest people on the training ground.
As Erina parted the dust, the ground was scattered with lantana flowers.
Thunk, a loud sound echoed. The dust parted, and a large formation was prepared.
Jess, unable to hold back his nausea, seemed to be ready to vomit any moment.
The moment Erina cleared the dust, they could see figures charging towards them.
Jess shouted with all his might, “It’s an attack! Protect Lady Blen!”
Scheuer felt her heart pounding as she clung to Jess.
“Smile Love”