The carriage rolled down the familiar path to the academy, just as it always had. Suddenly, the three occupants inside heard the cries of a news vendor.
"Extra, extra! Today's morning report: Rien Stan of the Stan family and Damon Mick of the Mick family duel for love!"
Hearing the shout, Rien opened the carriage window and glanced outside, seeing the bustling crowd outside the newsstand. He was puzzled.
"Just an honor duel, not a life-and-death one. Why is there so much excitement about it?" Rien mused.
Honor duels occurred regularly—dozens each year—so why was this one generating so much attention?
What Rien didn't know was that the Mick family was behind the commotion. They wanted to use this duel to raise Damon's reputation to the highest point, paving the way for him to propose to Sophia after the victory. Even if a marriage wasn't immediately possible, an engagement could still be arranged.
"Drake, buy a morning report for me to have a look."
"Yes, young master."
Drake slowed the carriage to a stop, dismounted, and walked towards the newsstand. The crowd parted to make way for the impressive carriage and Drake's noble attire, allowing him to easily purchase a copy of the morning report.
Drake handed the paper through the window to Rien and resumed driving. Rien opened it and, along with Emily and Roland, began reading.
The report was filled with glowing accounts of Damon's heroic deeds—leading the knights to eradicate monsters near the capital, training with commoners, and other noble-sounding feats. Any commoner reading would think Damon a humble and approachable noble.
Rien's portrayal, however, was far less flattering: accounts of him fighting with other nobles, secretly watching the grand princess bathe, oppressing commoners, and even having romantic entanglements with teaching assistants at the academy.
In stark contrast, the two figures were clearly placed in different lights.
Seeing the report, Rien understood why the duel had caused such a stir. It was all part of the Mick family's scheme.
Emily and Roland frowned as they read the report, clearly displeased by the way the news vendor had maligned Rien.
"Young master, the news vendor dares to slander you like this. We must go and demand an explanation."
Rien smiled and shook his head, consoling them as he wrapped an arm around each of their waists.
"Alright, alright, let them say whatever they like. I don't care about reputation. As long as you both know who I truly am, that's enough."
"Besides, they aren't entirely wrong. I, Rien, am indeed a rogue."
He actually found the term "rogue" rather amusing.
First, it meant he didn't have to adhere to all the tedious noble rituals.
Second... well, if he was already labeled a rogue, wasn't it entirely reasonable that he was a bit lustful and domineering?
"You've arrived, young master."
Drake stopped the carriage, set down a small stool, and knocked on the door.
As the carriage arrived, it immediately drew the attention of many students and commoners alike, eager to see the main character of today's duel.
Rien was the first to disembark, with Emily and Roland following closely behind, supported by his hands. The three of them walked towards the academy with their arms around each other's waists, the onlookers unable to contain their whispers.
"Master Rien still has his charm, always surrounded by beauties."
"Indeed, I hear that all the maids in the Stan family are his personal attendants. Personal attendants, if you know what I mean."
"Shh, keep it down. Didn't you see the coachman is still here?"
...
Rien led Emily and Roland into the Mage Tower, where they were both in awe of the magical and magnificent décor.
"Wow, is this really the most luxurious Mage Tower in the Empire? It's amazing."
"Mm-hmm. Emily, look! That rotating thing looks like a magic cube. It must be ancient."
The two girls gazed around curiously, like little explorers. The mages in the tower were all focused on their research, so the two had no interest in touching any of the strange magical devices. Rien didn't stop them from admiring the place.
After a while, seeing that they had seen enough, Rien led them to his personal room in the Mage Tower.
Entering the room, they were immediately struck by the grandeur and elegance on display. The floor was covered with soft, fragrant grass-scented fur from the幻香怪 beast. The walls were adorned with constantly glowing magical crystal lamps, casting a radiant glow throughout the room.
Aside from various magical devices used for research, there was every kind of furniture one could desire.
Rien removed his shoes and invited the two girls to make themselves comfortable. He needed to rest for a moment and gather his energy.
The two nodded and sat down quietly, whispering amongst themselves. Roland, curious, asked Emily about what happened between her and Rien the previous afternoon.
Emily's face turned crimson at the question. Glancing at Rien, who was meditating with his eyes closed, she leaned in close to Roland and quietly described what had happened, leaving Roland blushing deeply, her legs crossed in embarrassment.
Before long, the morning passed quickly, and the sun was high in the sky. Rien, with Emily and Roland in tow, left the Mage Tower and slowly walked towards the duel arena, completely unconcerned with the whispers around them.
Emily and Roland had never been to the academy, so Rien took them on a tour of the campus, showing them the sights. He didn't seem to care at all about Damon or the duel.
...
The Duel Arena
The academy's duel arena was not unlike a football field on Earth. The center was a raised platform for the duelists, surrounded by a large space for spectators.
Due to the Mick family's efforts to promote the duel, the enthusiasm of the commoners was sky-high. The academy had no choice but to open up some of the viewing sections for the public to attend.
Damon stood in the center of the platform, chest puffed out, not for the duel, but in hopes that Sophia, watching from the sidelines, might glance at him.
As time ticked by, the excitement began to wane.
"Where's Rien? Is he afraid of fighting?"
"Impossible. If he were afraid, his father would beat him to death. Losing on the platform is just embarrassing, but refusing to fight? With his combative nature, Anason would beat him senseless."
"Where is Rien? Didn't he say he'd be here by noon? What time is it now?"
"He said noon, but didn't specify the exact hour."
"Ah? Playing with words?"
Some of the newer students explained, "I saw Rien. He's showing two girls around the academy."
"What? They're about to start the duel and he's still flirting? Unbelievable."
This duel, with the Mick family's strong backing, had drawn in many influential figures from major families, all eager to witness the event.
Among the audience were the academy's dean, Tangwood Ever; the head of the Stan family, Anason Stan; the head of the Mick family, Brant Mick; the head of the Sidiya family, Fabian Sidiya; and even several dukes from the royal family, including the Ashen Dukes.
Even some mages from the Mage Tower, who rarely left, had come to watch. They wanted to see how the young mages of the academy had progressed.
The prominent figures in the stands were already beginning to murmur.
"Anason, when will your son arrive? Could he be too scared to show up?"
Brant Mick took a puff from his cigar, his voice tinged with impatience.
Anason, dark-faced, was unsure. Given Rien's erratic behavior, he wouldn't be surprised if his son had made some ridiculous excuse to avoid the duel.
Ignoring Brant's words, Anason whispered to Panteston, "Old Joe, go find that rascal. It's almost noon—where is he?"
Panteston nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly heard the crowd's noise grow louder.
"Look, Rien's here!"
"Where? Where?"
"Over there on the east side!"
Sure enough, everyone's eyes turned to where Rien appeared, walking confidently with the two women by his side, looking every bit the charming playboy.
After guiding Emily and Roland to his bodyguard Jonathan's side, Rien exchanged a few words with him and prepared to step onto the platform.