Livia maintained the proper bearing of a fiancée, but the corner of her eye kept drifting toward Marianne, who followed quietly behind.
Marianne sensed her gaze, and even her calm heart could not help but ripple.
Of course she had many things she wished to say to Livia, but in this current setting, she could not respond to her.
Aside from Allen and Friedrich, who were chatting enthusiastically, the atmosphere within the entire group was rather restrained—almost oppressive.
“The Kingdom is truly blessed to have such a wise young man as you!” Friedrich patted Allen on the shoulder, his tone filled with admiration. “Are you interested in becoming a great commander in the future, my dear Future Son-in-law?”
“No, no, sir, you praise me too much.” Allen hurriedly waved his hands in modesty.
“Your opinions are the truly wise ones. The achievements of you personally leading your army to defeat the pirates are genuine, whereas mine are merely theories on paper—lacking in practice. I fear I am unworthy of such a heavy responsibility.”
“No need to be so humble!” said the Count of the Borderlands, dismissively. “If you submitted these insights to Your Majesty, His Majesty would surely summon you in earnest!”
Allen’s ability to say what people wanted to hear was truly peerless; within a short distance, he had already won over his future father-in-law with his “advanced” military knowledge and personal charm.
When everyone arrived at the refined small salon reserved for receiving distinguished guests, Friedrich suddenly realized—his daughter had yet to officially marry! His attitude was far too close!
Though he was reluctant to end the military discussion, the official engagement procedures still needed to be completed!
Regretfully, he brought the conversation to a close, and the members of the Stern and Laval Houses sat on either side.
The Royal Notary, who had come with them, stepped forward to solemnly read aloud the thick Engagement Contract.
The contents included: a detailed list of the enormous dowry, explicit clauses about renouncing inheritance rights (read with special clarity), the Widow’s Portion (ensuring a wife’s financial security should her husband die), and a host of other important provisions.
After the long recitation of terms, and under the watchful gaze of all, Livia rose gracefully and lightly, personally handing Allen a letter sealed with the Royal Seal.
Such a seal signified that the letter’s contents were guaranteed and witnessed by the royal family.
“Mr. Laval, please review it.” Livia’s demeanor was flawless and impeccable.
This was the first time Allen, at such close range and on near equal footing, interacted with this “Feng Aotian” heroine.
He could clearly see the calm in Livia’s deep blue eyes, and inhale the faint, serene fragrance on her—like an orchid blooming quietly in a secluded valley.
All of it filled him with a surreal sense of disconnection.
The beautiful girl he used to call “wife” across a computer screen was actually about to become his real-life fiancée?!
Was this a dream fulfilled, or was he still lost in a dream?
Livia… you truly are the perfect heroine…
It’s just… your acting skills could use a bit more practice!
In full view of everyone—Friedrich, who looked gratified, and Bernard, who was visibly nervous included—Allen did something that left every single person dumbfounded and completely unable to react.
Allen took the letter that symbolized the engagement and royal witness.
Then, gripping both sides of the letter with both hands, he cleanly and without hesitation tore it in two!
Screee—
The crisp sound of paper tearing was especially jarring in the quiet salon.
The envelope, torn in half, slipped lightly from his hands, tumbling a few times in the air before slowly landing on the carpet.
Whoosh—
Just then, a gust of wind blew in from the open window, sending the two halves of the torn paper tumbling away.
Livia watched expressionlessly as the shredded letter of “engagement” rolled on the ground, an inexpressible surge of emotion rising within her.
Allen walked straight past her, speaking coldly into her ear:
“I’m going to kill you.”
Livia’s gaze suddenly sharpened; those eyes, vast as the stars and sea, locked instantly on Allen.
Allen, unconcerned by the almost murderous look in her eyes, continued businesslike:
“The date.”
“July 10th.” Livia’s reply was brief and clear.
“The location.”
“Upper City, Knights’ Arena.”
“The stakes?”
“If I win, I take Marianne with me. If you win, I am at your disposal.”
“Fine.” Allen nodded. “But I have one condition. You’re not allowed to use the Engraved Mark.”
“Agreed.” Livia accepted readily. “Since you don’t have an Engraved Mark, it would be dishonorable to use mine.”
“It’s settled, then.” Allen’s tone was flat. “Let’s look forward to a spectacular fight when the day comes.”
“You’ll get your wish.” Livia’s voice was icy. “Allen de Laval.”
This abrupt turn of events left everyone stunned, except for Marianne— who was mentally prepared— and Anna, who, though she didn’t understand, firmly stood on Allen’s side.
Huh?! What just happened? Wasn’t everyone chatting happily, the engagement going smoothly? How did things suddenly flip into a bloody Duel?! Did someone grab the wrong script?!
“S-son? Wh-what is the meaning of this?!” Bernard Viscount felt his heart nearly stop, his voice trembling, cold sweat soaking his back.
They were about to tear off all pretenses and go to war!
“What do you mean?” Allen turned with an innocent face. “Do you mean Miss Livia challenging me to a Duel, or something else?”
“Letter of Challenge?! What Letter of Challenge?!” Bernard Viscount was utterly confused.
Friedrich, whose face had turned ashen at Allen’s extremely rude action, now looked at his daughter in shock. “Livia? This…?”
Facing her father’s questioning, Livia nodded calmly, confirming the Duel’s authenticity: “This is a Formal Duel Permit, confirmed in person by Your Majesty and granted legal effect.”
“Wh-why…?” Friedrich felt his brain could not keep up, his words stumbling. “Didn’t you always… want to maintain this engagement?! How could it…”
“I’m sorry, Father.” Livia bowed her head slightly, her voice both sincerely apologetic and decisively firm. “Please forgive my willfulness. This time, I wish to decide my own life.”
Friedrich felt as if his head was splitting, his blood pressure soaring.
He had never imagined his daughter’s real goal was to use the engagement as a pretext for a long-planned Duel!
Sigh… It’s over… all over… What should he do now?
Allen de Laval, that boy, was the perfect candidate for a son-in-law. Capable, insightful, got along so well with himself…
Were you planning to kill him from the start?
Just what grudge or hatred lies between you two… Wait?!
Recalling some of Livia’s strange behaviors and the occasional complex emotions she had shown before, a wild and chilling thought suddenly shot through Friedrich’s mind.
He swung his head to glare at Allen, his voice strained with rage:
“You, you brat! What did you do to my daughter before?!”
“Eh???”
Allen was stunned by the sudden accusation, completely unable to keep up with the Count of the Borderlands’ bizarre train of thought.
But after all the bizarre logic Marianne had shown in daily life, Allen’s imagination was already well-trained.
He realized instantly—this doting father must have misunderstood in some extremely cruel and preposterous way!
He thought Allen had already met Livia in secret, defiled her purity, and now Livia wanted to Duel Allen to redeem her honor.
No!
Uncle! That’s not it!
Heaven and earth can testify! Your daughter is a complete Battle Maniac! She’s just coming after me for a fight, wanting to take me down!
I defiled her? Would I even have the ability? If anything, it’s more likely she’d defile me!
Allen raged inwardly, but for a moment was at a loss for words.
“You scoundrel!” Friedrich, seeing Allen speechless, was all the more convinced of his suspicions, trembling with fury as he jabbed a finger at Allen’s nose. “You… you must take responsibility for my daughter for the rest of your life!”
“My lord! Please calm down! Listen to me explain! This really is a huge misunderstanding!” Allen tried desperately to salvage the situation.
“Misunderstanding?! What misunderstanding?!” Friedrich was heartbroken, on the verge of tears. “My daughter… wu wu wu… Livia, my poor child… You should have told your father earlier! No! I can’t bear this! I’ll kill this bastard! My sword! Where’s my sword?!”
The Count of the Borderlands, agitated, began searching everywhere for his sword, and his guards hurried to restrain him. “My lord! Please, calm yourself! Consider your status and the occasion!”
“How can I be calm! My beloved daughter’s purity was stolen by this bastard!!” The Count had completely lost all noble composure.
Allen’s mouth twitched uncontrollably as he listened, screaming inside: Your daughter is the ultimate abstinent character—she’s never even had a single romantic tryst! Her purity is perfectly preserved by her 999-point chastity! What was supposedly lost?! Can’t you make it clear?! No matter your status, you can’t just accuse people out of thin air!
Bernard Viscount was also rendered completely helpless and blank by the sudden and dog-blooded turn of events.
In the end, this farce concluded when Livia delivered a clean karate chop to her overwrought father’s neck, rendering him temporarily silent.
Friedrich slumped over, caught by his flustered guards.
Livia took a deep breath, turned to Allen, and her eyes returned to that icy, resolute state: “Next time we meet, we’ll be enemies.”
Looking at this “Feng Aotian” heroine who ceaselessly tried to send him to a bad end, Allen’s inner villainous amusement bubbled up. With a touch of smugness, he said:
“You said ‘at my disposal,’ remember~”
“I will win.” Livia replied, nailing down a classic death flag.
Hearing this flag, Allen finally revealed a true villain’s confident smile.
“Livia, ‘long time no see.’ To be honest, setting aside the grudges between us, I actually don’t dislike our engagement.”
“Of course, I’m dispensable in this engagement, not important.” His tone shifted, his gaze softening as it drifted to Marianne. “What matters is that you and Marianne can be happy together.”
These nearly forthright words sent an uncontrollable, complicated ripple through Livia’s eyes.
Instinctively, she glanced toward Marianne—not far off—who watched her with a mixture of worry, nervousness, and anticipation, as if making up her mind.
In the end, this “Feng Aotian” heroine merely offered her usual, icy farewell:
“We’ll meet on the Duel grounds.”