Chapter 41

In a room of the castle, Jeffrey was meeting with Duke Cedric.

"Hey, Jeff. It's been five years. I'm glad you look well. How was Shen? I heard the medicine arrangement went well."

Duke Cedric is twenty-six years old and now a father of two.

He is famously affectionate with Lady Beatrice, and his former mischievous ways have given way to a serious management of his duchy. However, among the nobility, it is believed that "the diligent Lady Beatrice is the one holding the reins of the duchy."

"So, how's Victoria?"

"Huh?"

Jeffrey was taken aback by the sudden mention of Victoria's name.

Seeing Jeffrey's stunned and speechless expression, Cedric, known as 'Sparkle,' burst into laughter.

"Did you think I wouldn't find out? The estate manager, Hams, said, 'Lord Jeffrey was living in Cadiz with a woman and a blonde girl.' I assume it was Victoria and that girl."

"Your Grace, about that, that matter—"

"To your father and brother? I haven't told them. There's no point in me blabbering on if they don't ask. It wouldn't do me any good."

"Your Grace, you've really grown up—"

"I'll keep it from your father and brother if you let me train with Victoria in hand-to-hand combat while I'm in the capital. Five times, no, three times will do, okay?"

"Your Grace... you really haven't changed at all."

"Don't say that. It's a very simple condition, isn't it?"

"Then how about a sword training session with me?"

"That, ah, maybe not today. Beatrice will be back from her mother's soon."

Jeffrey realized he had no choice but to go along with Cedric and decided to use the strategy he had prepared.

"Your Grace, actually, my daughter is twelve years old and has been learning martial arts in Shen."

"Hmm?"

"She has become incredibly strong. When I told her how strong you are as a warrior, she said she would like to spar with you."

"No, that's fine. I want to train with Victoria. I have enough of dealing with children, my own included."

"Is that so? What a pity. My daughter has even bested Mike of the Third Knight Regiment in hand-to-hand combat, but I'll tell her to give up. I'll inform my wife of your wishes."

With that, Jeffrey made a show of leaving, saying, "Excuse me."

"Wait. Wait, wait. Beat a member of the Third Knight Regiment? A twelve-year-old girl? You must be joking. They are exceptionally skilled in hand-to-hand combat."

"She did win. My wife isn't keen on training with you, but my daughter is eager. She boasts that she can win even if she avoids targeting your face and neck. How about a match with my daughter instead of my wife?"

"Ah, that's fine. That's fine. I'll let you know the date later."

"Understood."

Jeffrey smiled calmly and left Cedric's room. After closing the door, he clenched his fists.

Ignoring the guards' puzzled looks, Jeffrey left with a smile.

※...※...※

"Welcome back, Jeff. How did it go? Your face suggests it went as planned?"

"I've been dealing with the Duke since he was a child. I know exactly how to get him to agree, hehehe."

Nona approached us with a bouncing step.

"When? Dad, when is the match?"

"The Duke will let us know."

"Mmm. I'm looking forward to it."

"Nona, be careful not to hurt him, okay?"

"I'll try."

"No, I mean—!"

"Well, it's not like he'll just stand still, so I can't promise anything."

We looked at each other.

"Nona, if you hurt the Duke, our family will be investigated. That would be a problem."

"That's tough. I have to win, but I can't hurt him. Hmm, I'll do my best."

I, who had previously broken the Duke's ribs, not just one but two or three, found this particularly painful to hear.

"Nona, let's practice not breaking bones."

"That's the opposite of normal."

"True. Will you help me? For my sake?"

"Got it, got it."

Nona agreed with a wry smile.

Two days later, a messenger came to our house to set the date for the match between the Duke and Nona. We practiced repeatedly to avoid causing serious injury.

※...※...※

"I'm here, Lady Victoria."

"It's been a while, Your Grace."

"Today I'll be sparring with your daughter. Beatrice has repeatedly reminded me to be careful not to hurt the girl. I'll be careful, but you should be too. What's her name again?"

"Nona Asher. Thank you for sparing time with her today. I'll be careful not to get hurt."

Nona correctly said, "I'll be careful not to get hurt," instead of "I'll be careful not to hurt you," as instructed.

She was probably trying not to laugh, her lips twitching.

The match was held in the largest room of our house to avoid prying eyes. The furniture was moved, and the central area was spacious enough for the match.

"Shall we begin?"

"Please, I'm ready."

Nona wore the training clothes she received in Shen, a blue top and bottom.

The Duke wore a white shirt and black pants, both loose for ease of movement.

They stood a certain distance apart, in a fighting stance, and began to circle each other.

Nona made the first move.

The Duke was surprised by Nona's speed.

She quickly approached, jumped, and kicked with her right foot. The Duke tried to block with his forearm, but Nona deliberately hit his forearm with her right foot and then, while twisting her body in mid-air, kicked his left shoulder with the heel of her left foot.

This was likely aimed at his temple, but she targeted his shoulder because I had warned her not to target the face and head.

Despite the powerful kick to his shoulder, the Duke managed to maintain his balance. However, as soon as Nona landed, she sprang up like a spring and used the momentum to elbow the Duke's right arm.

I was so worried about his bones that I broke out in a cold sweat. Glancing at Jeffrey, I saw he was also tense.

Nona seemed to be enjoying herself and changed positions with a beautiful backflip, then delivered a roundhouse kick to the Duke's back.

"Enough! Nona, that's enough!"

"Aw—"

"Jeffrey, I'm still fine."

"Your Grace, if Nona had a knife, you would already be dead."

The Duke is quite skilled, so he must have understood this. He might have even realized that Nona was holding back.

After a moment, the Duke smiled beautifully.

"You're right. I lose. To be defeated even with the girl holding back, she's a formidable opponent, Victoria."

"Yes, Your Grace. I might be surpassed soon."

"I'm disappointed, but I'll keep my word. I won't tell your father or brother about Victoria, even if they ask. To be honest, I had no intention of telling them anyway. I want to protect the woman Jeffrey values so much."

"Your Grace."

Jeffrey looked moved. Nona looked disappointed, and I was relieved.

Afterward, the four of us had tea and chatted, but the Duke's interest was in Shen martial arts. He asked Nona detailed questions about her training in Shen.

"I see. Shen martial arts. Could we invite a teacher from there?"

"People from Shen love their country, so it's uncertain if they would come to such a distant land."

Nona was handling the conversation with the Duke like an adult.

The Duke left with a smile.

"Well, now that the secret of Anna being Victoria is safe, I think you'll still attend the ball."

"Yes. I'm prepared for that. I'll try not to draw attention."

"What about me? Do I have to go?"

"You're twelve, so you're fine. The ball is for those fifteen and older."

"Great!"

Thus, one of our family's worries was resolved.

The only thing left is the ball itself.