I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 85

The Count’s eyes were filled with interest, and I bent down and slowly picked up the sword. It definitely weighed more than I usually use, but it wasn’t the kind that I couldn’t wield.

When a woman lifted up what the two men had struggled to carry, the reaction from the people around me was unusual.

I turned a blind eye to the Count.

“What about the referee?”

“I’m going to ask for two to be fair. Ruby and Lord Bonart. How is it?”

Rather, the Count looked calm and at the same time seemed to be having fun.

“Does Lady Daidi also know how to use a sword?”

“It’s not bad.”

“Very well.”

Regardless of who the referee was, the outcome would be the same anyway, so I readily agreed.

“Start!”

With Ethyl’s shout, the Count quickly attempted an attack. It was a kind of declaration of war that he would not treat the opponent as a woman or child.

The Count’s sword couldn’t do any damage to me.

I wanted to finish it all at once, but I was curious about the Count’s swordsmanship. I also needed to show people what I was truly capable of.

Surely, there must be others who think like Count Daidi.

“Oh, the handicap application wasn’t a problem.”

The onlookers, including the Count, exclaimed in admiration at my movement that was no different than holding a normal sword. As I deliberately moved as exaggeratedly as possible, the sound grew louder and louder.

“Of course. It is the arrogance of the able-bodied.”

Although provoked, the Count didn’t buy it.

Ethyl’s eyes met mine. Knowing me, who usually moves without unnecessary movements, he looked at me in surprise.

It would look like I’m playing.

Wrinkles formed on the Count’s forehead as I moved gracefully with the heavy sword, like drawing flower petals. It seems to him that suppressing with skill is more effective than flirtatious provocation.

Kkaang!

“Kyaaak!”

Occasionally I could hear someone screaming at the bursting sparks, but I know everyone is having fun.

When the Count’s sword nearly cut my ponytail tied hair, I heard a sound that I couldn’t tell whether it was cheers or screams.

When I grinned, the Count’s face twisted even more. He must have noticed that I did it on purpose.

“Great!”

He thrust his sword forward like a penetrating blow.

As we crossed swords, I realized that Count Daidi was doing his best in every moment.

It wasn’t that he looked down on Aurin and I because we were young, but rather because he thought we didn’t have the ability to do this. So he increasingly ignored us.

Kkaang!

In an instant.

Leaning to my left, I dodged the straightly oncoming sword, then folded my right arm to strike the sword that threatened me.

It was a very simple move.

People who are ignorant of swordsmanship may have been fascinated by the flashy movements from earlier, but those who have wielded a sword will know. How hard is the action I have been taking now.

Tang.

The sound of the Count’s sword being thrust into the floor came behind my back, and the Count blankly looked at his empty hand. In the meantime, I drew my sword.

It was quiet all around.

With a relaxed mind, I gave the Count time to digest the situation.

I would have the Count show whether he values ability as he says, or whether he was weak to the strong but strong to the weak.

Before Ethyl and Lady Daidi declared, the Count shouted first.

“I lost.”

He clearly declared surrender.

“I didn’t notice the claws Lady had hidden. I apologize for the rudeness I have caused so far.”

After speaking, Count Daidi bowed.

“Raise your head, Count.”

The Count laughed as if he had read my intention to actually get along well. He asked, holding my outstretched hand.

“May I ask you a few questions in exchange for forgiving the Count?”

“Puhaha.”

The Count laughed out loud and nodded his head.

“Ask me. I will answer anything.”

“First, please resume the party for those who are waiting, then I will ask you later.”

He nodded his head and clapped his big, thick hands.

“Well, did you enjoy the splendid performance! Let the real party begin!”

Like the previous event had been a dream, the people who had blinked their eyes started to move.

When I came out after wearing the dress again, the party looked more lively than at any gathering I had ever attended. It would be like getting proper gossip.

“Lady Hardland.”

Count Daidi approached me, calling me in a much friendlier tone than before.

“Would you like a drink?”

In the Count’s hand was a goblet filled with red wine.

“This wine was made during the reign of Lexis III.”

It was a fairly famous wine, but I was not willing to accept it. The Count chuckled as he tried to stay still.

“I have offered it to Marquis Xuen, Sir Bonart, and Lady’s partner, so don’t feel pressured.”

“Thank you.”

When I took a sip, it tasted heavy yet sweet. The feeling of the wine going down my neck is soft.

“So, what are you curious about?”

“Is my father, Millen Hardland, incompetent by the Count’s standards?”

I wondered if the name Hardland was being taken lightly.

The Count shook his head and answered in a low voice.

“No, he is first class. Even though he has been rotting in the outskirts for over 10 years, he is still sharp. He deserves an exclamation.”

The slightest suspicion that Tess had forced my father to take the place of Minister disappeared with this.

I’m sorry, Father. It’s not that I doubted Father’s ability, but it’s been a long time since he’s been away from politics.

“I thought Lady was an ignorant person who believed in her father’s prestige and ran amok.”

The Count chuckled.

“Is there anything else you want to ask?”

“Do you think His Majesty is incompetent?”

I was nervous because I didn’t want to make Tess an incompetent Emperor.

“No.”

The Count clearly denied my concerns.

“I support His Majesty. Sometimes he does things that are hard to understand, but in the end, it’s the most correct way. Besides, he often shows a violent side, but there are some people that should not be talked about.”

It was a relief.

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