The guests in the hall remained unusually silent, as if everyone had forgotten how to breathe after the order for the duel was given.
Until Doyle suddenly reached out and snatched up Tales's wineglass!
Under everyone's astonished gaze, he brazenly and capriciously drained more than half the glass.
D.D casually tossed aside the wineglass and took a deep breath amid the sound of shattering glass.
Gradually coming to his senses, he glanced at Anke's formal attire.
The next second, Doyle expressionlessly but methodically removed the leather armor and protective gear belonging to the Royal Guard.
"Old Pi, my sword."
Piloga hesitated, then, under Marius's gaze, retrieved the confiscated weapon.
"This won't be a straightforward duel—both sides seek defeat, not victory; death, not life."
Marius walked over to D.D and watched him make his final preparations before speaking softly:
"Are you ready?"
Seated in his place, Tales clenched his fists.
Both sides were seeking death...
Why?
Why!
Doyle removed his bracers and glanced indifferently at his superior.
"Lord, Captain, or perhaps Little Tomond."
Perhaps taking advantage of the alcohol, or perhaps because he had nothing left to fear, he addressed the other man casually:
"You know, you're a real bastard."
Little Tomond—Marius frowned.
"That smug, holier-than-thou attitude, like you don't even give His Highness the time of day, is really asking for a beating." As D.D spoke, he began laughing himself.
But no one else in the Guard laughed.
The Watchman sighed.
"Among the 'Rose' school, the counterthrust is a fundamental skill that everyone must learn. It's renowned for its simplicity, ferocity, and unpredictability, and it's very difficult for practitioners to break the habit."
"If you find the right moment... it may hurt less."
Doyle's smile froze.
He straightened and looked toward Gollor, his most frequent partner on the Guard, his