The startled coachman soothed the rearing horse, which neighed in panic, and looked at her in bewilderment.
Her long hair streamed behind her as she approached, her momentum so fierce it felt almost like that of a reaper.
It was enough to make one’s knees weaken.
Overwhelmed by her presence, the coachman’s gaze dropped downward.
Step, step!
She passed him without hesitation and opened the carriage door.
“Adis… Sir… how could you come without any notice….”
Seeing the startled face of Count Meiyant, disgust churned in her stomach.
“You were supposed to organize and send the documents regarding the Elbash Forest development rights within a few days. So why is it so late?”
Everyone had been thrown into confusion because Serdel had not yet awakened.
So even though they knew Count Meiyant was stalling, no one had pressed him.
But now that her younger sibling had regained consciousness…
She did not want even the slightest connection left between that filthy man and her sibling.
She didn’t want that child to have to deal with this matter any longer.
“Sorry, but I’m a bit busy right now. So—”
Srrrng.
Adis slightly drew her sword.
“Do not test my patience. Surely you haven’t forgotten that I have that written agreement from that day?”
“……”
Count Meiyant’s face stiffened in an instant.
“Are you threatening me right now?”
“Yes, I am. Show some proper conduct while I’m speaking politely. Just as my younger sibling said, stop acting so vile and petty.”
“……For now, I am busy—”
Clang!
Adis threw down the glove she was wearing onto the carriage floor.
At the same time, she fully drew her sword and placed it at the Count’s throat.
“What is this rudeness—”
“I, Adis Lovesta, Deputy Commander of the Golden Hawk Knights, hereby challenge Count Heirsch Meiyant to a duel.”
“……!”
“Then it won’t be considered rudeness anymore, will it?”
Adis curled her lips into a crooked smile.
Once a duel was declared, it was no longer treated as simple misconduct.
Especially in this situation, where Count Meiyant had failed to keep his promise and was behaving dishonorably.
Grit.
The Count ground his teeth.
In terms of swordsmanship, he was no pushover either. But if they fought, one of them would undoubtedly be seriously injured.
And before the genius knight of the Golden Hawk, he would most likely be the one forced to his knees.
On top of that, more and more onlookers were stopping to watch.
“Let’s calm down first—”
“I cannot calm down. My younger sibling collapsed. I had to watch that child’s pale face for days, wondering if she might stop breathing at any moment. And you expect me to calm down?”
As a knight, she had saved so many people.
And yet she had failed to protect her own sibling.
She had saved countless fragile people who desperately waited for salvation—but when it came to her sibling’s weakness, it felt like a blade piercing her heart without mercy.
Ever since their mother, who had been so kind and beautiful, met a cruel death, seeing Serdel—who resembled her most—struggle in weakness had always been unbearable.
Stupidly.
She should have protected her.
So that no one could lay a finger on her, even out of sight.
She should have become stronger than she was now.
“I suggest you finish your business properly.”
“……”
“My sword knows no mercy. I could sever your arm in an instant, Count.”
At her final warning, Count Meiyant had no choice but to raise both hands in surrender.
Knock knock.
At the sound of knocking, Serdel opened her eyes.
It was the butler.
“Sir Damon said he will meet you tomorrow afternoon, as stated in the letter.”
“Good work.”
“Yes, young lady. Please rest.”
As soon as the butler left, someone else entered.
It was Adis.
What is it now?
As Serdel stared blankly, Adis quietly handed over a document envelope.
“These are the finalized documents regarding the forest development rights.”
Ah, so Count Meiyant sent them.
Even though he had already signed the agreement, she had expected him to act petty and drag things out like before.
‘What’s gotten into him? Did the sun rise from the west today?’
Serdel took out the documents and skimmed them.
They were a mess—papers they had exchanged regarding the forest were hastily stuffed together without order.
“That means there is nothing left between you and that Count Meiyant bastard.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
Serdel replied flatly without even looking up from the documents.
The long, exhausting connection had finally been neatly severed.
‘As expected, things really do go smoothly in my second run.’
At this rate, maybe she could finish things quickly and return to her original life.
“……Take this.”
Just as she was holding back a hum of satisfaction, Adis suddenly handed her something else.
Inside the box was chocolate.
“It’s popular these days.”
“……Ah, thank you.”
“Rest well then……”
Adis left awkwardly.
Watching her go, Serdel tilted her head.
She had no idea what had prompted her to bring something like this, but after tasting a piece, the chocolate was bittersweet, with a gentle sweetness layered within.
It washed away the lingering bitterness in her mouth.
The flavor was surprisingly strong.
“How unusual.”
It really was unusual.
