Chapter 2: The Duel and the Crown Prince's Curiosity

The morning sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of Crimson Imperial Academy, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the grand dining hall. Nobles chatted over plates of exotic fruits and pastries, their laughter echoing off the vaulted ceilings. I stood at the edge of the room, blending into the shadows as I observed the scene.

Seraphine sat at the head of the Valois table, her silver hair shimmering like molten metal. She sipped tea with the elegance of a predator toying with its prey, her violet eyes scanning the room for any sign of weakness. I had learned quickly that her sharp tongue and even sharper mind made her a force to be reckoned with.

My role as her butler was simple: stay invisible, anticipate her needs, and avoid drawing attention. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

"You there!" A voice boomed across the hall, silencing the chatter.

I turned to see Lord Edric Renault striding toward me, his face flushed with anger. Behind him trailed a group of snickering nobles, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Yes, my lord?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

Edric stopped a few feet away, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "You think you can humiliate me in front of the entire academy and get away with it?"

I sighed inwardly. Of course, he'd hold a grudge.

"I merely sought to prevent a scene, my lord," I replied, bowing slightly. "Surely, a noble of your standing wouldn't want to be seen bullying a commoner."

His face turned crimson. "You insolent cur! I challenge you to a duel!"

The hall erupted in murmurs. Duels were a common way for nobles to settle disputes, but they were almost always fought between equals. A noble challenging a commoner was unheard of—and a clear attempt to humiliate me further.

Seraphine's voice cut through the noise like a whip. "Lord Edric, are you so desperate for attention that you'd stoop to dueling a servant?"

Edric flinched but quickly recovered. "Lady Seraphine, this… creature insulted me. I demand satisfaction."

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "Very well. But if you lose, you'll owe me a favor."

He hesitated, clearly weighing the risks. "And if I win?"

"You won't," she said simply, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The crowd buzzed with excitement as we moved to the academy's dueling grounds—a circular arena surrounded by stone benches. Nobles filled the seats, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Even the professors had come to watch, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disapproval.

I stood in the center of the arena, my borrowed sword feeling heavy in my hand. Edric faced me, his blade gleaming in the sunlight.

"This will be over quickly," he sneered.

Game Knowledge Activated:

Edric Renault: Fire magic affinity. Relies on brute strength and intimidation. Weakness: Water magic and precise strikes.

I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. In the game, Edric was a minor antagonist, easily defeated by the protagonist's allies. But this wasn't a game anymore. One wrong move, and I'd be skewered.

The duel began with a blast of fire. Edric's sword ignited, flames licking the air as he charged. I sidestepped, feeling the heat singe my uniform.

"Stand still, you coward!" he roared, swinging wildly.

I dodged again, my movements calculated. Wait for an opening.

He lunged, his blade aimed at my chest. I parried, the clash of steel ringing through the arena. The force of his strike sent a jolt through my arms, but I held my ground.

"Is that all you've got?" I taunted, smirking.

His face twisted in rage. "You'll regret that!"

He unleashed a torrent of fire, the flames engulfing the arena. The crowd gasped, shielding their faces from the heat. I rolled to the side, my mind racing.

Water magic. I need water.

But I was a commoner. Magic was beyond my reach—or so they thought.

Hidden Mechanic Unlocked:

Arcane Crest Mimicry: As a reincarnated player, you can temporarily mimic the abilities of those around you.

I focused on the memory of Seraphine's magic, her violet aura swirling in my mind. My hand tingled as a faint blue light enveloped my sword.

Edric's eyes widened. "Impossible!"

I swung, a wave of water extinguishing his flames. He stumbled back, his confidence faltering.

"How—?"

I didn't give him time to recover. My blade struck his wrist, disarming him in one fluid motion. He fell to his knees, clutching his hand.

The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps. I stood over him, my sword pointed at his throat.

"Yield," I said quietly.

He glared up at me, his pride warring with fear. Finally, he nodded.

The arena fell silent as Seraphine approached, her smirk widening. "Well done, Lockhart. It seems even a commoner can outshine a noble."

Her words were a dagger to Edric's pride. He stood, his face burning with humiliation, and stormed off without a word.

As the crowd dispersed, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I turned to see Crown Prince Cedric watching from the stands, his expression unreadable.

Crown Prince Cedric's Interest: +10

Great. Just what I needed.

That evening, as I polished Seraphine's armor in the Valois suite, she leaned against the doorway, her arms crossed.

"You're full of surprises, Lockhart," she said, her tone laced with amusement.

"I aim to please, my lady," I replied, not looking up.

She stepped closer, her shadow falling over me. "Tell me, how did a commoner like you learn to mimic magic?"

I hesitated, my mind racing for an excuse. "I… observed you, my lady. Your techniques are… inspiring."

She laughed, a sound both beautiful and chilling. "Flattery won't save you if you're hiding something."

Before I could respond, a knock interrupted us. A servant entered, bowing deeply.

"Lady Seraphine, the Crown Prince requests your presence—and that of your butler."

Her eyes narrowed. "Cedric? What does he want?"

The servant shook his head. "He didn't say, my lady."

She sighed, turning to me. "It seems your little performance has caught his attention. Let's not keep him waiting."

As we walked to the prince's chambers, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to get even more complicated.

End of Chapter 2