96 Carry away, next!

"The arrival of the Grand Duke marked the beginning of the entire celebration.

For the first time, Allen saw Archduke Lane up close, the only dragon knight in the entire principality. Just getting close, Allen felt a terrifying pressure.

Was this the power of a sanctuary-level powerhouse? Just one inadvertent move was enough to make the golden knight feel the pressure.

But there was one thing to note, Grand Duke Ryan was quite handsome, Allen thought to himself. Maybe the dragon knights were all as handsome as he was.

As Allen pondered this, he suddenly caught a glimpse of the little princess, Leslie , making a face at him. The little girl looked quite mischievous.

Allen remembered that he had promised Leslie to send her a Silver Moon Wolf, and he hadn't forgotten. He had brought a Silver Moon Wolf with him this time, but he hadn't found a chance to give it to Leslie yet.

"Let's begin the celebration."

After Archduke Ryan took his seat on the throne, several princes and princesses sat on the right side below him, while several marquis of the duchy sat on the left side of the archduke. The rest of the nobles also took their seats further back.

Immediately after the nobles had seated themselves, groups of dancers began to perform continuously. That's how the celebration started, with everyone whispering their admiration for the dancers.

Allen lowered his head to eat the barbecue in front of him and drank wine.

"Cough, Allen, why do I feel that the atmosphere is not quite right?" Albert suddenly coughed twice and said to Allen.

Allen raised his head and saw the young nobles seated opposite him staring at him.

"Also around," Albert reminded. Allen turned his head to look, and indeed, many people around him were giving him hostile looks.

"It seems that many people are jealous of my excellence," Allen said calmly and took another sip of wine.

Sure enough, shortly after the dancer performance ended, a group of knights that had been performing court swordsmanship stood up. A few young nobles stepped forward and addressed Grand Duke Ryan, "Grand Duke, I have a proposal!"

One of the young nobles was Andrew of the Tomahawk family, the son of a senior earl with a heritage and status surpassing that of the Thorns Flower Family.

"Tomahawk family Andrew, I remember you as a young genius and a pillar of the principality. Please, go on and tell us your proposal," Archduke Ryan replied from his high throne, radiating an air of calm authority.

"Grand Duke, there have been rumors circulating throughout the country that the second son of Earl of Thorns, Baron Allen, is the invincible Lord of the Silver Wolf. I heard that even His Royal Highness the First Prince went out of the city to personally receive the baron."

Andrew, at only 26 years old, was recently promoted to the seventh level, becoming a Golden Knight. Due to this, he missed the national war.

Originally, missing the war was not a concern, given that he was the eldest son of Earl Tomahawk, guaranteed to inherit the title of Earl without having to fight. Andrew had a perfect life, great talent, and bright prospects.

However, Andrew's life took an unexpected turn when rumors of the invincible Lord of the Silver Wolf began to circulate. Even though he was the eldest son of an earl and a 26-year-old seventh-level knight, one of the brightest geniuses in the duchy, he found himself scorned by many, especially the noble ladies who seemed enchanted by the Silver Wolf.

This situation left the young and spirited golden knight deeply frustrated and unhappy. The noble ladies' fascination with Allen and their apparent indifference to him stung his pride.

Moreover, Andrew had heard that Allen would be coming to the capital and felt a growing sense of competition. He believed that the only difference between himself and Allen was his absence from the war. In his eyes, if he had participated, he would surely surpass Allen.

Motivated by his own experiences and joined by many young nobles who felt similarly, Andrew decided to challenge Allen publicly.

He wanted to prove to everyone that he was the most exceptional genius in the Principality of Ryan. He wanted Grand Duke Ryan and all the noble ladies to notice him, to acknowledge him as the one they should pay attention to.

"Since Baron Allen, known as the invincible Lord of the Silver Wolf, is so powerful, and since I recently achieved the seventh level and heard that Allen is also about to break through, I propose a friendly duel with Lord Allen. This will not only test our strengths but also provide an impromptu entertainment for the Grand Duke and everyone in attendance. What do you all think?"

"Instead of merely watching the palace swordsmanship show, wouldn't it be more enjoyable to witness a real battle? I believe many of you share this sentiment," Andrew declared, scanning the room and casting a challenging look toward Allen.

"Oh? An interesting proposal, Baron Allen, what do you say?" Archduke Ryan inquired without rejecting Andrew's suggestion.

"Since Viscount Andrew is interested, I am willing to accept his challenge," Allen replied impassively and continued to enjoy his barbecue.

"Very well, let the competition begin right here. I will have the area blessed with a magical barrier to ensure that your battle does not disrupt the festivities for others," Archduke Ryan declared.

A group of magicians in black robes appeared and cast protective magic around the designated area, ensuring that the battle would remain contained.

"Now, please proceed, Baron Allen," Archduke Ryan said, giving his approval.

"Before we begin, I have one more thing to say," Andrew added, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Since this is a real battle, I hope Baron Allen will not hold back, as I certainly won't. In addition, considering the nature of battle, injuries are inevitable. If you are wounded, as long as you do not meet your demise, I won't hold it against you. I hope you will extend the same courtesy."

Allen glanced at Archduke Ryan, who remained silent, indicating his consent.

"Very well," Allen agreed.

With that, the two opponents faced each other with swords drawn, and the room fell silent, anticipating the clash.