Chapter 56: Chloe’s Victory Speech

His words were spot-on.

So much time had passed; the potions Chloe drank were nearly spent.

Once their effects faded, her disadvantage would only grow.

“Come on, little Chloe!”

Silia waved both arms from below, cheering loudly.

She adored her mother, but she didn’t want Chloe to waste her week of effort.

Hearing Silia’s shout warmed Chloe’s heart.

She gripped her sword tightly, crimson light flaring as she charged.

Clang, clang, clang!

Blades clashed in rapid succession, and the two exchanged several more rounds.

Gradually, the fight shifted from evenly matched to Chloe struggling.

In an instant, another clash erupted.

This time, Chloe made a critical mistake.

After a diagonal slash, Larvia spun the ice scythe, thrusting its handle into Chloe’s stomach.

The move wasn’t new, but Chloe failed to react.

Thud!

Chloe grunted, stumbling back several steps.

Larvia seized the chance, pursuing with the scythe raised.

“The outcome is clear.”

Reginald nodded, preparing to declare the victor.

But as Larvia swung for the strike, Chloe suddenly tossed her black sword aside and raised her fists at Larvia!

It happened too fast for anyone to process.

By the time the crowd registered it, Chloe had poured her remaining mana into one desperate punch!

With the potions nearly expired, this was her last shot!

“What?!”

Someone in the crowd gasped.

Thud!

Her fist didn’t land.

The ice scythe blocked between her knuckles and Larvia’s chest.

“As expected.”

Reginald shook his head regretfully.

He saw it—Chloe’s final gamble left her spent, unable to continue.

“Then, this duel—”

Crack…

Reginald’s words halted.

Crack… crack… snap!

The impenetrable ice scythe suddenly shattered.

Silence fell over the field until Larvia broke it:

“Didn’t expect little Chloe to be so sneaky~”

Reginald snapped awake.

“This duel’s winner—Chloe!”

The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. Even Reginald’s voice carried excitement.

He hadn’t imagined Chloe would win.

“Little Chloe—you’re amazing!”

Silia rushed to the edge of the stage.

“No wonder she asked Her Majesty to attack—she planned it all! Worthy of defeating the Queen!”

Everyone buzzed with excitement; no one expected such a thrilling fight.

Except one person.

On the stage.

Chloe stood frozen, staring at the floor.

Chloe in trouble → reckless moves → struggling → cornered → desperate → collapse → defeat sealed → victory speech.

It clicked.

She knew she should have lost.

She’d baited a flaw for a surprise attack, but Larvia blocked it.

Larvia had likely seen through her plan.

If Larvia hadn’t shattered the scythe herself, creating the illusion of Chloe’s victory, Chloe would’ve collapsed from mana depletion.

Even at full strength, she couldn’t beat her nemesis.

And her nemesis pity-gifted her the win.

Even at the cost of 6 gold coins, you had to humiliate me?

Chloe’s legs gave out. She sat, hugging her knees, staring at Flux on the ground.

You tried so hard, old friend.

Larvia… you win…

“Come on, little Chloe. It’s been a month. Per our bet, let’s settle last month’s wages.”

Larvia was suddenly beside her.

Chloe clenched her fists.

This charity… I, Chloe…

“Ugh…”

I… I…

“Fine.”

A Sword Saint’s pride wouldn’t let her accept pity.

But…

She gave too much…

Six gold coins!

Enough to clear out a high-end dessert shop!

Soon, Chloe followed Larvia to her study.

When she emerged, she held a small cloth pouch.

Though small, the 6 gold coins inside were heavy.

She shuffled along, the coins clinking, her heart restless.

She stopped, turned to the study, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.

Larvia signaled Sheffield to leave.

“Larvia.”

“Back already?”

“Why… did you throw the fight?”

“Throw it? No, I underestimated you and slipped~” Larvia said with a beaming smile.

“Liar.” Chloe pouted.

“You let me win.”

“Fine, fine, I did.” Larvia shrugged helplessly. “So, what now?”

“I don’t accept this victory. So…”

Chloe’s cheeks flushed. She gritted her teeth, forcing out through clenched lips:

“Personal… maid…”

Larvia burst out laughing.

“What’re you laughing at!”

“Didn’t expect little Chloe to want to be my personal maid.”

“I never said that! I just don’t accept a pity win! What kind of victory is that?!”

“I lost fair and square. A bet’s a bet.”

“Then give the coins back?”

“No way. Um… outwardly, I won, but others might suspect otherwise. To prove I won, I need to splurge and show off the prize.” Chloe argued righteously.

“Oh~ I see~”

Larvia nodded sagely.

“Others might think little Chloe just wanted the 6 coins to raid the capital’s dessert shops and devour every cake!”

“Ugh…”

Chloe stammered, changing the subject:

“When do I start?”

“Tomorrow. Looking forward to you dressing me~”

“Got it!”

Chloe bolted out.

Sheffield returned.

“Your Majesty, why fake a loss today? It harms your dignity.”

As someone who’d served Larvia for over 200 years, Sheffield alone saw the truth.

“No big deal.”

Larvia smiled.

“If it’s for her, I don’t care how much dignity I lose.”

“Your Majesty… understood.”

Sheffield bowed silently.

Quite the doting mother.