Dark smiled. "I'm just concerned about you, aren't I?"
Jeffrey said, "Well, thank you very much!"
In fact, judging by the strength Dark had displayed in the last competition he participated in at the academy, Jeffrey was confident he could win.
Just as Dark had said, he was, after all, a fourth-year student.
Even if he did not specialize in dueling, with the resources of the Noble History Research Club at his disposal, there was no way he could be too weak.
Moreover, he was to duel Dark in this venue under the Eldest Prince Charles's instructions. If he really lost, word would inevitably spread through the entire noble circle at astonishing speed.
Thus, he had entered with the firm belief that he would win.
Though the Eldest Prince had not demanded that he secure victory in the duel.
So what exactly was the Eldest Prince trying to accomplish?
Jeffrey had grievances he could not voice.
He was not someone willing to charge into battle.
Inside a secret private room in the venue.
The Eldest Prince Charles was drinking potent liquor acquired from a Dwarf tribe, his mood sour.
The Holy Church's upcoming execution ceremony for the Demon King was beyond his control.
When the Holy Church had discussed the matter, they had even excluded him.
This gave him a much clearer understanding of the true depth of the alliance between himself and the Holy Church.
The two sides were ultimately only cooperating for mutual benefit; they were not of one mind.
Nor could they ever be of one mind.
And since he could not rely entirely on the Holy Church, he had to find someone more trustworthy.
But to stand on equal footing with the Valkyrie...
They would need to be at least on the level of Court