Chapter 55: Chloe’s Defeat is Sealed

Meanwhile, the audience below the stage was sweating for Chloe, especially Silia, who had watched her pour so much effort into growing stronger over the past week.

Sure, Silia had lifted Chloe’s skirt a few times, but that was just playful teasing. In serious matters like this, she was firmly on Chloe’s side, even against her mother.

Larvia’s strength was no secret in the palace. Everyone knew her terrifying prowess.

So, aside from those like Silia, who genuinely rooted for Chloe, many spectators were here just to watch the fight itself.

After all, Larvia’s strength was formidable, and her duels were spectacular. She had never lost, even when, like now, she made concessions in the rules.

Watching Chloe wield the heavy black sword like a whirlwind, even the stoic Reginald nodded in approval.

But as the crimson swordlight faded, Larvia stood calmly, positioned just outside Chloe’s maximum attack range.

“Ugh…”

Chloe gritted her teeth.

The potions’ effects wouldn’t last long. Once they wore off, she’d be at an even greater disadvantage. She needed to end this quickly.

To that end, she poured more blood mana into Flux, boosting its speed and power, which drained her mana heavily in her earlier flurry of attacks.

Yet, despite her efforts, not a single strike touched Larvia. Instead, she got carried away.

The more she attacked, the less she hit; the less she hit, the more anxious she became; the more anxious, the more she missed, until she was dizzy and making reckless moves.

‘Calm down.’

‘Dammit… I need to think this through.’

Chloe withdrew her blood mana, and Flux’s red glow dimmed.

Blood mana, converted from regular mana with some loss, consumed more than standard magic at the same level.

While strategizing, she halted the mana flow.

In a real battle, she’d keep some mana active to guard against sudden attacks.

But this was a duel, and Larvia had promised not to attack, so Chloe could safely stop.

Still, the potions’ effects were fading. She had little time to think.

With Silia watching, Chloe didn’t dare use her Sword Saint techniques, fearing recognition.

Deep down, she knew even those wouldn’t likely touch Larvia.

“Chloe’s moves are so fast.”

“Yeah, she’s only third-tier, but her swordsmanship’s stunning. I’m fourth-tier and probably couldn’t beat her.”

“True. But defeating Her Majesty? That’s tough, even with her not attacking.”

“Her Majesty’s strength is unreal. Just dodging, she’s evaded all of Chloe’s attacks.”

“And she doesn’t even look flustered.”

Hearing the crowd’s whispers, Chloe bit her lip.

“She stopped suddenly. Is she giving up?”

“Nah, I think she’s rethinking her strategy.”

Chloe’s lips curved slightly.

‘See? Someone gets me.’

“Really? After that fall before the fight, I thought she’d just charge in without thinking.”

Her smile vanished.

‘Tch, think I’m an idiot?’

‘Someone saw my strategy, so why don’t you look at yourself?’

“Don’t say that. When is Chloe not a bit silly?”

“…”

‘Stay calm, Chloe.’

The priority was winning this duel.

She took a deep breath, refocusing on Larvia.

After that brief distraction, an idea struck her.

“Pause! Referee, I call a pause!”

She waved at Reginald.

“Chloe, what’s the issue?”

“I think Her Majesty shouldn’t just dodge. In real combat, would an enemy only evade?”

“Your point?”

“I want Her Majesty to attack too!”

The crowd gasped.

“She’s asking Her Majesty to attack? Chloe, you…”

“Silence!”

Reginald’s shout quieted the chatter.

“True, real enemies don’t just dodge.”

He nodded, then added, “But this isn’t real combat, just a duel.”

“Yes, but training is for real combat.”

“Hm…”

Reginald glanced at Larvia, seeking her input.

“…Hmph.”

Larvia shot Chloe a resentful glance.

She’d avoided attacking to prevent Chloe from sneaking a touch for victory.

Now, Chloe was changing the rules mid-duel—and to a rule typically against her.

‘If I, a queen, refuse, it’ll look cowardly…’

‘Trying to corner me like this?’

‘Fine, whatever.’

‘I was going to do it anyway.’

‘She’s stealing the spotlight, making me lose face…’

‘No big deal. Let her have her moment~’

“Very well. If little Chloe insists, I’ll comply.”

Larvia smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, I’ll hold back.”

“Agreed.”

Reginald approved.

“Just dodging was hard enough. Why’d Chloe ask Her Majesty to attack?”

A confused voice rose from the crowd.

Neither the speaker nor the audience could fathom Chloe’s intent.

Under their gazes, Larvia flicked her hand, conjuring an ice scythe identical to her Black Moon Scythe.

“Here I come, little Chloe~”

The ice scythe swung down heavily at Chloe’s head.

Chloe raised her sword to block.

Clang!

A crisp sound echoed as the black sword met the ice scythe, sparks flying.

Before Chloe could recover, the scythe twisted, sweeping back from behind.

Unable to block, she leapt, barely dodging with a flip.

The crowd buzzed again.

“Didn’t Her Majesty say she’d hold back? Why’s her attack so fierce?”

“No idea, but at this rate, Chloe’s defeat is sealed.”

With time passing, the effects of Chloe’s potions were nearly gone.