章節 112: [Chapter 112] Don't you like me even a little bit?
It was the fourth day of the tournament main event.
Initially, there were dozens of matches per day, but as time went on, the number of matches per day decreased. With only skilled participants remaining, each match became important, and the audience wanted to watch every single one.
People who were initially unfamiliar with the tournament were now curious about everything related to their favorite participants, and regions with outstanding participants garnered attention.
"Odvil is the best! They have the most participants in the main event, right?"
"What are you talking about? Have you not seen the young bear from Ridolen single-handedly taking on the work of ten people? He's definitely going to the semi-finals!"
The vassal lords who had previously felt that their regions were too small or too far from the center to receive enough attention were now excited. Even the lords of skilled knights were excited.
Neris noticed that not only were the vassal lords under Maindland paying attention to each other, but they were also being courteous to the central officials.
"Did you say Lord O'Connor? Ahem, ahem. Thank you for guiding me so carefully."
"You want to change the order? Well, that's not a problem."
The lower-ranking officials found it difficult to adapt to the kind attitude of the usually arrogant lords. However, this change was natural.
Since the ascension of the new Grand Duke, the status of the vassal lords had gradually declined in their own eyes. They were now trying to save face by banding together, but who knew what the future held?
For these lords, the hosting of this tournament felt like a signal from the central authority that even under the current reign of the Grand Duke, they could continue to showcase their abilities. Moreover, the fact that they could bring honor to their regions based on their skills as individuals resonated well with the Maindland's love for the strong.
With this newfound sense of ease, they became more lenient towards the current system where power was consolidating among the officials. Not everyone was willingly compliant, but it was a significant change.
'That's why.'
Cledwyn suddenly started the tournament. Neris thought his approach was very clever and admired it.
Competition between officials and lords was useful. However, it had to be healthy competition; if it turned into mutual hatred and plotting, it would be troublesome.
The tournament served as a good mood changer for the vassal lords who had been relatively downcast after the recent Fechernon incident.
Of course, the benefits of this event were not limited to that alone.
Wow!
Once again, only a single swing was needed for Cledwyn to defeat his opponent.
With only a few matches taking place each day, there was now only one arena set up in the palace courtyard. It was a proper stage with a high platform and guest seats prepared.
Sitting among important people in the guest seats, Neris looked down at the victorious Cledwyn. The defeated opponent, who sat down with a gaping mouth, bowed deeply.
An overwhelming cheer erupted unlike when watching any other match. Cledwyn looked towards the guest seats without any particular reaction.
Perhaps due to her mood, it felt like their eyes met.
Neris subtly averted her gaze. The official in charge of the proceedings shouted for everyone to hear.
"Victory for the Grand Duke!"
Wow! The crowd went wild. Not just the commoners, but also the officials and even the young noble boys in the guest seats.
Neris understood their hearts. Cledwyn was truly shining.
She didn't know how to evaluate swordsmanship skills, but those who remained in the main event until the fourth day were skilled individuals gathered from all over Maindland. If such individuals faced Cledwyn, they would fall in an instant.
The strength that the people of Maindland admired. Could anyone fail to see it in his absolute skill?
"The Grand Duke is truly amazing."
Lady Denver, one of the vassal lords, spoke with an admiring look in her eyes. It seemed she had a reputation as a skilled knight in her youth.
The nobles, young and old, all agreed. One person, with a twinkle in their eye, asked Neris.
"Advisor, do you also think the Grand Duke will win?"
"Yes, probably."
As Cledwyn overwhelmingly won, people were curious about who would be the runner-up rather than the winner. So, Neris nodded without much thought.
A mischievous glint appeared on Lady Denver's face.
"Advisor, do you plan to offer a handkerchief to the Grand Duke as well?"
She was talking about an old tradition commonly observed by nobles at this kind of event. It involved giving a handkerchief to the person they considered a potential winner to show support and reveal their foresight.
Neris casually shook her head.
"The Grand Duke has likely received many handkerchiefs from others, so I don't think I need to add mine."
The nobles looked unimpressed. As the gazes gathered on her seemed to expect a longer answer, Neris blinked as if waiting.
"It is a good thing for the Grand Duke to showcase his excellent swordsmanship. However, as you know, the Grand Duke did not host the tournament to seek attention for himself but to ensure that his people always strive for excellence. Therefore, I would rather send handkerchiefs to others to show my support and encouragement."
"For example?"
Not giving up, another noble asked. Neris waited as if prompting a response.
"Alby Dorian, Lordney Hilbrin, Sheldon Ridolen..."
Not only were the names of the highly acclaimed skilled participants mentioned, but also those who were actually considered skilled but unfortunately eliminated early due to having a strong opponent.
Every time the names of participants she had been watching or had an interest in were mentioned, the nobles' faces turned serious.
The purpose of the tournament, as Neris had mentioned, had already been stated by the announcer during the opening ceremony. However, as Cledwyn's victory became too certain from the beginning, the significance of the event somewhat faded.
People from regions with popular participants felt good, and there was a growing trust in the current Grand Duke's 'meritocracy'. It was clear that everyone admired the Grand Duke's skill.
However, those from regions who had purposely come a long way but were eliminated early on felt uneasy. Did they come all this way just for others to enjoy, spending money and time?
'At least.'
'It doesn't seem like just an event for entertainment.'
Since the previous Grand Duke's reign, or perhaps more recently, the vassal lords had exchanged glances, feeling excluded whether knowingly or unknowingly. Some even felt a sense of resentment.
The next match was scheduled for the afternoon. The commoners dispersed for meals, and the nobles also slowly got up.
❖ ❖ ❖
After serving lunch to the nobles, Neris briefly visited her study. Working alone, she quietly immersed herself in thought.
A handkerchief... she couldn't possibly offer such a thing. She...
Lately, she had been avoiding Cledwyn.
It wasn't particularly difficult. Normally, she would have to see him every few days, even dining with her mother, but lately, they had both been so busy that staying in the study late into the night didn't seem strange.
She felt restless. Realizing that she harbored unnecessary feelings for him made her feel foolish. And she didn't know how to handle Cledwyn.
'It's still okay.'
Her belief that love held no significance remained unchanged. She found it much easier to become enemies with someone rather than fall in love. Knowing what she had to do was straightforward.
Neris's future plans were clear.
To seek revenge on those who tormented her in her previous life and ensure they couldn't harm her this time.
Then, to work under Cledwyn, repay her debt to him, and quietly live with her mother.
There was no room for a man to interfere. It wasn't good for either him or her.
Even if she could find a man who didn't want children, the problem remained. She never thought her life would involve ordinary and healthy relationships and marriage.
What kind of sincere love exchange was she talking about?
Fortunately, her current emotions weren't deep. Unlike in her previous life where there was only one person she loved, Neris now had her mother. Petty feelings couldn't dictate the course of her life.
Moreover, she had experience in turning a blind eye to her feelings even when faced with someone she liked.
However, it was still uncomfortable to hear people mentioning handkerchiefs and Cledwyn's name around her. Losing composure in front of others seemed irreversible.
'I need to get used to it.'
So, she had to become numb. Until her drawn feelings became so natural and familiar that she could dull her own heartache, there shouldn't be any changes around her.
The sound of people buzzing outside indicated that the afternoon matches were about to begin. Neris sighed and got up, leaving her study.
There was no one on the shortcut from her study to the palace courtyard. The path was rarely frequented, and those who needed to go that way were either busy working or watching the tournament.
Exiting the building, the outside was darker than before. The sky had been cloudy for days, hinting at rain. A moist autumn breeze brushed her cheek.
Neris realized that Cledwyn was standing at the corner she was about to pass.
His attire was the same as when he went for the match earlier. Neris thought he hadn't eaten lunch. Her heart raced on its own.
She was glad to see him.
But the fact that she shouldn't be happy occupied her mind.
"What are you doing there?"
It was a secluded spot. Just around the corner was a courtyard where many people gathered, but as she hadn't turned that corner yet, they were still alone.
Neris stopped about five steps away, and Cledwyn approached her. There was no usual smile on his face.
His expression was unfamiliar to Neris. She felt breathless. Standing bewildered, she looked up at Cledwyn, who had come right in front of her.
Her heart screamed.
"Why are you avoiding me?"
"When did I?"
"You haven't come to me directly for days. You've sent your subordinates instead."
"I've been busy. If anyone heard, they'd think we haven't seen each other for days."
"You didn't even look at me during dinner. You didn't even make eye contact when we sat together."
"I didn't."
"Lies."
Yes, it was a lie.
Why did this conversation have to happen now?
Before she could become shameless enough to lie so blatantly.
Tap. Something cold fell on Neris's forehead.
"Why are you avoiding me?"
Cledwyn asked again. Neris thought his face seemed slightly distorted.
Was that... impatience?
She didn't answer. This time, Cledwyn's face definitely, perhaps even contained 'sadness' and was distorted.
Drip, tap. The cold raindrops fell on Cledwyn's eyelashes and brushed Neris's shoulder.
The short summer had ended, and now they would welcome autumn, and then a long winter.
The cold rain seemed to announce it.
"Did I do something wrong that night? Is that why you dislike me?"
Her heart throbbed with unease. Neris spoke cruelly on purpose.
"Dislike is a strange word. Are we at that point?"
Raindrops trickled down Cledwyn's white cheek. He asked with trembling eyes.
"Are we at that point where we dislike each other?"
"No."
"You, do you have no feelings for me at all? Not even a little bit, don't you like me?"
Yes... she already knew.
The fact that he treated her differently.
While she didn't know how much this heartache she felt resembled his, she also knew that his heart might be swayed a bit by matters related to her.
But she knew too much more than that.
So, she responded to him in a straightforward manner, almost as if she were teasing him.
"I like you as a person. But that's all."
Wow! People on the other side of the corner cheered joyfully.
Neris forced a smile.
"It looks like the match has started. We should go and sit."
Cledwyn understood her reluctance to go with him, so he turned around and started walking alone.
Even after he disappeared, Neris stood alone in that spot for a while. And as the rain fell on her shoulders, she muttered to herself.
"If only I hadn't been so broken..."
...So that I wouldn't be ashamed to like you."
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