Chapter 55 

“Oh, so that’s why everyone’s running.”

Crowds flooding the tournament grounds this early? Unusual.

Then again, it wasn’t just any duel—it was between siblings.

A brother-sister sword fight for the championship? Far more entertaining than two knights clashing.

Family drama is everyone’s favorite kind of spectacle.

The Beatrice household was already infamous: the eldest daughter, Adonis, an imperial guard with unmatched skill; and the younger son, Adolf, who had noble blood but lacked his sister’s talent.

It was the perfect scandal-in-the-making.

“I mean, now that we’re here, wouldn’t it be a shame to leave?” I said with a grin.

Both Perfoné and Damian looked at me.

They were probably just as curious.

“I say we go watch.”

Besides, it would help the rumors—being seen with Perfoné in public again.

⸻

At the Arena…

“Woooooo!!”

Thunderous cheers erupted as we entered the arena.

Because of Perfoné’s presence, Damian led us to a private VIP section—far removed from the crowd.

It was quiet, exclusive. The perfect place to observe without being observed.

Watching the spectacle, I finally understood why gladiators were once so revered.

“Beatrice is entering,” Damian said.

Which one? I wasn’t sure—Adonis or Adolf?

“Your Highness,” I said playfully, “I’m assuming you’re cheering for Adonis?”

“Obviously,” Perfoné replied with a smirk. “She promised she’d win for me.”

He sounded surprised that she even participated.

“She never seemed interested in tournaments.”

Indeed, she hadn’t joined one since becoming a royal guard.

Why now?

Perfoné’s gaze shifted to me.

As if he knew I had visited her. As if he suspected I was the reason she entered.

I looked away.

“Whoever arranged this match is quite the sadist,” he added.

“Pairing siblings? Certainly grabs attention,” Damian agreed.

Just then, the match began.

Adolf rushed forward, sword raised.

“So impatient,” Damian murmured, shaking his head.

I watched closely.

I didn’t know much about swordplay, but even I could tell—Adonis was in a different league.

Despite being physically smaller, she deflected Adolf’s wild attacks with graceful ease.

She wasn’t just stronger—she was toying with him.

This wouldn’t last long.

Sure enough, with a loud clang, Adolf’s sword went flying.

It hit the ground with a thud. Adonis’s blade hovered at his neck.

“Adonis Beatrice—victory!”

The arena fell silent before erupting in cheers.

Adonis turned her head, wiping sweat from her brow.

Our eyes met.

“Adonis!” I called.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

Quickly, she jogged over to our box.

“Lady April? And… Your Highness?”

“I asked to see the match,” I said simply.

I pulled out a handkerchief—hers, actually—and handed it back.

She accepted it carefully.

“I didn’t know Lord Damian would be here as well.”

“I’m here escorting His Highness,” Damian replied.

“My apologies if I caused trouble,” Adonis said, bowing to Perfoné.

“No need for that,” he said, smiling proudly.

He clearly expected her to win—but seeing it live brought an added sense of pride.

“I had hoped to see Valstein swordsmanship today,” he added, glancing at Damian.

“Our style doesn’t suit festivals,” Damian replied coolly.

That was true.

If Beatrice swordplay was noble and elegant, Valstein’s was savage and precise—meant for survival, not ceremony.

It had even frightened students at the Academy.

“Is that your only match today?” I asked Adonis.

“Yes. We wait for the next bracket.”

I wondered who her next opponent would be—and what wish she’d make if she won the tournament.

At Beatrice estate, she had once mentioned receiving a new family name.

Was that her goal?

I looked at her again.

“Congratulations,” I said softly.

She wiped her brow with the handkerchief I’d returned.

With beads of sweat glistening at her temples, her green eyes reminded me of raindrops on leaves.

She seemed… puzzled.

Had I said something wrong?

“Why congratulate me?”

“You won.”

“No, I mean… I defeated my brother.”

I laughed.

“What does that matter? Everyone entered for their own reasons.”

Adonis had even let Adolf land a few hits. Adolf hadn’t returned the courtesy.

“He gave it his all,” I said.

“Exactly,” Perfoné added. “Congratulations, Adonis.”

Her cheeks flushed—not from exertion, but from praise.

“I’ll return to my post now,” she said.

“I’ll escort you both back to the palace,” Damian offered.

“Let’s take the carriage.”

⸻

Outside…

“Need a ride?” I asked casually as Damian tried to walk past me.

“Don’t think we’re close enough to ride together.”

“Why not? We used to be good friends—before the rumors.”

He winced at the word friends.

“You want to finish our earlier conversation, don’t you?”

He didn’t answer.

But he didn’t leave, either.

“If you really want to find the real April Hill Rise…” I said slowly.

He stared at me.

“The one who saved me… you think you’re her?”

I smiled faintly.

“Let’s go.”

He climbed into the carriage with a scowl. I followed.

“Take us to House Valstein.”