“The provided transcript is the result of intelligence operations utilizing all the information resources of our South Korea, and the reason for making this transcript public right here is for the security of the entire free world in the First World.”
At that moment.
The President stepped forward and began to speak with a serious expression.
He declared to all the guests gathered in the chapel with his piercing gaze.
“As the President of South Korea, I guarantee that the contents of the obtained transcript are the absolute truth without a single lie.”
“This is ridiculous. How can such a small country from the Far East… Your Majesty, Father. Surely you aren’t falling for the nonsense of such a country’s leader?”
“That… is…”
The British King looked perplexed at William’s desperate outburst.
[This is the promised timing, partner.]
The voice of the Black Prince urged me on.
I stepped forward.
“Hey, William.”
I called out to him.
William’s twisted face turned my way.
“What did you say?”
“This bastard… Using such vulgar language as if he isn’t from a common background…”
“Fine, let’s settle this with a duel.”
Thud.
I took off my black leather glove and threw it at William’s face.
It was a challenge to a duel.
William’s face twisted coldly after being slapped by the glove.
Swish.
I drew Durandal.
The blade of Durandal sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the broken ceiling.
“Let’s say the winner takes everything. The fiancé, the truth. Everything.”
Crunch.
My teeth clenched.
Who dares to provoke me?
It’s one thing if it were someone else, but this bastard William will definitely learn his lesson by my hands.
I won’t let this go easily.
You’re done for.
Come on, partner!
William’s face hardened at the duel challenge.
“Is that transcript true?”
“It seems real. It sounds just like Prince William.”
“I can’t believe it. The distinguished Prince William would never say such things…”
“Is that title of ‘Prince of Slaughter’ also a lie…?”
The murmurs of the extras spread in the chapel.
The expressions of the British King and Queen, as well as the French Emperor and Empress, also twisted coldly at the series of shocking declarations.
William rubbed his forehead.
He leaned back.
“Huh, hehehehe, Kha-hahaha!!”
That guy laughed wildly like a Japanese anime villain.
My stomach churned.
Why is he acting like that? Doesn’t he feel embarrassed?
It’s not like only the guests are watching this situation; it’s not that either.
This engagement ceremony is a national event for both France and Britain.
Naturally, it’s being broadcast live around the world through television and YouTube.
And in such a situation, he’s laughing like that.
Is he really insane?
I was wrong to expect normalcy in this crazy light novel world.
“Why should I, a noble member of the British royal family, have to accept a reckless duel challenge from someone like you? I just don’t understand.”
William scoffed and looked at me with an arrogant prince’s face.
His nauseating voice slipped from his mouth.
Even his face is annoying, but when he does such a disgusting light novel reaction, it’s even more irritating.
[Ew, partner. Can’t you just punch him once?]
“Partner. Can’t we just give him a good smack?”
Even the Black Prince finds it disgusting.
“Are you scared? Why is your tongue so long? As expected, I shouldn’t be surprised coming from a drug dealer. And I’m not just a commoner; I’m the rightful owner of Durandal.”
The “rightful owner of Durandal” was a phrase recommended by the Black Prince.
It means to take advantage of one’s status as the great hero of France.
“What?! Hey, a drug dealer?! Don’t spout such nonsense! You filthy commoner! And the rightful owner of Durandal? Do you think I wouldn’t know you deceived Olivia and snatched Durandal away? I’ve said all that needs to be said…”
Seeing William get all worked up, it seems to be quite an effective jab.
[So, the story about snatching Durandal turned into a mess between France and Britain. Or maybe that guy meddled somewhere in between.]
The Black Prince mutters in distaste in his head.
[Not cool. Partner. Aren’t you angry?]
‘He’s going to be sorted out soon anyway.’
I don’t feel like wasting my emotions.
While I was exchanging words with the Black Prince, just when William was about to babble on some more, the French Emperor finally spoke.
[There’s some merit to the accusation that boy raised. A true hero speaks with his sword. William, if you are indeed innocent, then, as a prince of a knightly nation, accept the duel and prove your skill. If you don’t, then the engagement shall be considered null and void from the start.]
The Black Prince translates the Emperor’s words in his head.
Seeing that he understood, William manages to regroup and bows before the Emperor.
“…Fine. Your Majesty.”
Swish.
He draws his bastard sword, Ascalon, from his waist.
The multicolored sunlight filtering through the stained glass reflects off Ascalon’s cold blade.
“If Your Majesty wishes for me to prove my innocence through a duel, I, William, the ‘Prince of Dragon Slayers’, shall gladly comply.”
Flash.
A golden light envelops William’s entire body.
Clank, clank.
With the sound of metal, golden gauntlets are enveloped around him.
The battle mode of the transcendent weapon Ascalon activates.
“Olivia. My fiancée. Please wait just a moment. I shall surely reclaim you after winning the duel…”
“Shut your mouth?!”
Olivia screams at William.
Having stepped forward slightly after separating from me, she glares at William.
With a look of genuine disdain, unlike her usual tsundere mode towards me, Olivia points her finger at William and yells.
“I won’t accept the outcome of this duel. No matter if you win or lose, I will never be the fiancée of scum like you. So wake up from your dream, got it?”
William’s face freezes at her remark.
Stammering in confusion, William responds.
“My Olivia… Why do you say such…”
“Why do you think? Do you really not know? Are you stupid, or do you just not want to believe reality? And who says you’re my Olivia?”
“…”
Lost for words at Olivia’s harsh retort, William is rendered speechless.
Olivia, decisively cutting off his words, dramatically places her hand over her heart.
“Then let me teach you. No, William. Not just you, but also your dear mama, your papa, all the esteemed guests present here, and the citizens around the world watching through the broadcast, I will declare this right here and now. I! I, Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, am…!”
Olivia’s face turns beet red.
This feels distressingly ominous.
She clenches her eyes shut and yells.
“Just like before, now, and forever, I will be the personal maid of that man, Kim Deok-Sung! Not your Olivia! Not your fiancée! Even if I die, there’s no way I’ll ever be your fiancée! So drop it! Do you understand?!”
Pointing at William, Olivia boldly proclaims.
Honestly, I’ve gotten used to this whole personal maid thing coming from Japan by now.
What the hell is this direct maid declaration nonsense? I’ve gotten used to it by now.
So, I can just roll with it.
But this isn’t Japan; it’s Europe.
And it’s live-streamed around the whole world!
And now, a direct maid declaration?
This ridiculous light novel line is being broadcast globally?
‘No way, this has to be a dream. Damn it! It absolutely must be a dream!’
This kind of reality shouldn’t exist.
I pinch my cheek.
It’s not a dream. It’s the cruel reality of the light novel world.
A worldwide direct maid declaration, seriously.
I’m going to lose my mind, for real.
It’s ridiculously embarrassing. My face is heating up.
[“A dream? Partner. Are you feeling so good that you’re saying that? If so, you should be proud because it’s clearly reality. My lovely little sister is completely on your side now.”]
I’m already pissed off, and the Black Prince throws fuel on the fire.
Is this guy really crazy?
Proud? What’s so great about it?
Like anyone is a light novel character,
Anyway, I’m the one losing my mind. Seriously.
“Did you just hear what the princess said?”
“A direct maid declaration…?”
“Could that rumor actually be true? That the princess has become the slave of the Black Beast and howls like a beast on the bed every night…?”
“They say just making eye contact makes you go crazy?!”
“The Black Beast… It’s scary… Eek! Don’t look this way! I just made eye contact! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”
And of course, extra characters fly in with dizzying comments like a cheap comedy routine.
It’s utterly chaotic.
My head hurts.
The atmosphere was definitely serious just a moment ago.
“······.”
The expressions of the French Emperor and Empress, Olivia’s parents, turned as pale as a blank canvas.
I want to apologize on their behalf.
Mom, Dad. I’m sorry.
The person directly involved, William, is biting his lip.
“Olivia. If you’re going to act like that… Fine.”
Pretend.
William points his sword, Ascalon, at me.
“There’s only one way to prove who’s below and who’s above… through a duel. Step forward, commoner. How will you…?”
Hearing his lines ignites the frustration that already had me embarrassed, turning it into anger.
“Oh, just shut up.”
Why do I have to listen to such typical light novel villain dialogue?
He’s not even a beautiful girl, just some annoying punk looking like a parasite.
I’m already mad; why the hell does he keep running his mouth?
[“Partner, let’s show him what we’re made of.”]
For once, I agree with the Black Prince.
Yeah, Olivia might be like that. I get it. Even if it’s embarrassing, she’s just trying to shield me.
But I cannot understand, forgive, or tolerate that damn butter prince.
I draw Durandal and infuse it with mana.
[Durandal Online]
With a flat notification sound, a black flash erupts from the blade.
Clang, clang.
With a metallic sound, my entire body is covered in black full-body armor, layered with a mana barrier.
Thrum.
Durandal trembles as it welcomes the mana.
I point Durandal at William as I say,
“Shut up and come at me, you druggie punk.”
William raises Ascalon and takes a defensive stance.
Swish.
The guests naturally retreat from around William, forming a temporary arena.
I hear murmurs in French from the guests.
[Is he really the owner of Durandal? He looks just like the Black Prince… At least on the outside. I need to see if he dares to imitate His Highness the Black Prince. Let’s observe his true abilities.]
Once again, the Black Prince translation machine kicks in.
[Hwahaha! Of course, it’s me! I’m still loved by the people! You can be proud!]
The Black Prince boasts about himself.
I’ve gotten used to this level of fuss. After all, he’s an impressive figure.
Anyway, from the moment I decided to use Durandal, I was prepared for such conversations.
A certain situation.
[Let’s do our best so I’m not ashamed of my name. Partner.]
‘Of course.’
This time, I agree to the Black Prince’s cheesy words and look around.
The only ones left are the members of the cooking club who came down with me, Olivia, and Bella, who appeared from the shadows and has already started assisting Olivia from behind.
This atmosphere. Feels familiar.
“Junior! Hang in there. I believe in you. You’re a bad Black Beast, but you won’t lose to someone like that. So, fighting!”
Hoshino Kasumi is the first to whisper, stepping back a bit.
Right. The sweet encouragement from comrades just before a battle is essential in a light novel.
I was wondering when it would come.
“Hyung! You have to win, no matter what!”
“Kim, I believe you will definitely win. Make sure to save Lady Bonaparte!”
Ishihara speaks seriously, while Yuji smiles and pats my shoulder.
Why has Yuji been acting like this since earlier?
“Master… Hang in there.”
Makoto follows up with a timid voice, her face turning red.
“Makoto, it’s okay to cheer a bit louder. Eri’s right here!”
Eri nudges Makoto lightly from behind.
Being pushed towards me, Makoto squeezes her eyes shut and says,
“Master! Hang in there! You have to win for sure!”
“Got it.”
“Hehe…”
Makoto retreats with her face still flushed and a silly grin.
Next comes Rin.
Unlike her usual clumsy self during a direct attack, Rin looks at me with serious eyes.
“Kim Deok-Sung, I believe in you. The person who will become my future husband won’t lose to someone like that. You’re the one who defeated me, so you can’t lose to anyone else. So…”
Her face gets red.
“…you must win, Kim Deok-Sung.”
I nod at Rin’s serious encouragement.
Honestly, I have no intention of losing.
She places her hand on her chest and slowly steps back.
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung. Now that you’ve come this far, losing is unacceptable. For the honor of Shuo, you must win. This is an order from your Student Council President. Do you understand?”
Following Rin, the baton is passed to Aris.
She touches her red Student Council President armband as she declares to me in a stern voice.
“Understood.”
“Good! Then I will trust you, Kim Deok-Sung.”
Aris glances at me with a slightly flushed face as she steps back.
“Master! Get rid of that annoying parasite! Your number one slave! The galaxy’s number one beautiful girl, Eri, is cheering for you!”
Eri makes a peace sign with her hand and smiles.
The collar around her neck shines silver.
Can you not talk about ‘the galaxy’s number one beauty’ or slave for once?
Not like that obnoxious collar isn’t enough of a lure…
Ugh, maybe I shouldn’t say anything.
“Fighting! Eri’s Master!”
Eri clenches her fist and steps back.
Now only Olivia and Bella standing behind her remain.
Bella whispers to Olivia, dressed in a gown.
“Miss. You should say a word to your Master’s Master too.”
Olivia’s face turns red upon hearing this.
“Ughhh…”
Olivia lets out a groan.
“Go on, Miss.”
Bella gently pushes Olivia’s back.
Pretending not to be able to resist, she slowly approaches me.
As Olivia draws near, a faint fragrance fills the air.
Dressed in pure white, Olivia looks at me.
“Hey, you!”
Olivia calls out to me.
“As the Noble French Princess, I, Princess Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte, a knight in platinum, expect you to be responsible for me for life now that you’ve taken me as your maid! Do you understand?!”
Her voice fills the chapel.
Her face turns a deep shade of red.
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