I’m Looking for the Male Lead for the Ending - Chapter 30

Chapter 16.1

“That… I think I saw Lady Perideline at the stadium.”

Estieren’s brows narrowed at Ban’s words. The look on his face as if he was asking if that was the only reason he had called him was pricking his conscience.

‘…I’m dying too, Captain.’

In fact, the reason he was there was to monitor Estieren’s condition, following the Emperor’s strict order that he must not escape or withdraw from the competition now. So, the excuse he had come up with was Perideline.

“O-of course, it’s not certain. It’s been over five years since I last saw her.”

Ban lowered his eyes to avoid Estieren’s gaze as he silently looked at him. Of course, since there was no way to call his superior, he had mentioned Perideline in his haste, but it wasn’t a complete lie. He had actually seen someone who looked similar to her, though she wasn’t wearing a dress but rather something resembling a knight’s uniform.

However, it seemed that the excuse wasn’t good enough. Seeing no sign of improvement in Estieren’s crumpled face, Ban hastily added.

“A-anyway, don’t worry about anything, Captain! I’m just here to tell you that, yes! Of course.”

“….”

“I’ll look into it further, and if it’s true, I’ll provide her an escort! It would be dangerous for a lady to wander alone in a place where there are a lot of men.”

“Who is in danger? The men?”

“Yes?”

Turning away from Ban, who was asking with a puzzled expression, Estieren grabbed the doorknob of the waiting room before he glanced back at Ban and spoke.

“Anyway, regardless of whether that’s true or not, you can take care of the matter. I don’t care.”

“….”

“And tell His Majesty to please rest assured that I have no intention of running away as long as I’m participating.”

‘As expected, he knew.’

“…I’ll do so.”

With that brief reply, Estieren disappeared into the waiting room. At that moment, the sound of trumpets signaling the start of the match resonated from the stage once again.

̊ · : * ✧* : · ̊

〈 The Young Lady of Aidelis has visited. 〉

Heron adjusted his sword and faced the man standing in front of him. In his mind, the young knight’s words replayed over and over in his mind just before he went on the stage.

〈 Although she didn’t mention coming to see someone, it seemed like she came to see Young Lord Aidelis. However, it seems she coincidentally collided with the Grand Duke at that time, so she just left. 〉

There was no need to ask who it was. There was only one Grand Duke in Arbonis.

Estieren Kaisian.

〈 Well… There was a brief altercation over the brooch the Young Lady was carrying. When I heard what was being said, it sounded as if Young Lady Aidelis had stolen property in her possession. 〉

The young knight circled around his expression, fearing that he would be angry, but Heron wasn’t so foolish as to not grasp the hidden implication behind those words.

‘He must have been saying that she stole it.’

Heron’s hand, gripping the sword, tightened and his veins bulged. The moment he heard those words, he felt as if he had been doused in ice water. To be honest, there was no insult, and he harbored no ill feelings toward that man, but now that he knew about this incident, he couldn’t just let it slide.

He ascended the stage, vowing to return the insult that man dared to give Aidelis in equal measure.

However, contrary to his firm resolution, there was neither a determination nor eagerness for victory from the man in front of him. He simply had a relaxed expression, like someone who was just taking a leisurely stroll.

‘…There’s no such thing as respect.’

So, Estieren’s demeanor stimulated Heron’s desire to win.

Brrr-brrr.

As the trumpet sounded, Heron rushed towards him. The auras enveloped over their swords clashed, and the resounding impact, as if tearing through eardrums, echoed through the arena. Estieren narrowed his eyebrows and blocked his sword.

Still, as though he had had expected it, Heron continued to wield his sword relentlessly towards him.

The cheers of the spectators intensified with each rapid exchange. Heron gritted his teeth and relentlessly swung his sword. However, it was less than ten exchanges before he realized something was wrong.

‘What the hell…’

He had no intention of underestimating him, who was bearing the title of ‘Guardian of Arbonis’ while defending the borders, so Heron threw himself at Estieren with all his might. And as he exerted his full strength, he believed that this match would come to an end before long.

However, Estieren took the full blow aimed at the loophole without any hesitation.

The moment Heron felt the sword shake with embarrassment, a glint of amusement flickered in Estieren’s blue eyes.

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