Overpowered Extra Noble in a Novel

15.

“Your Majesty. As you can see, the evaluators’ records are here. If either of you have any questions, please ask.”

A deep, resonant voice echoed through the Empress’s Audience Chamber.

The two dukes quickly scanned through the evaluators’ records after receiving the papers from the Chamberlain.

As the two men, standing a respectful distance apart, skimmed through their papers, the Chamberlain’s voice inserted itself between them.

“The key evaluation criteria for the first task in the Inner Palace were adaptability, problem identification and resolution, and contribution.”

Though the dukes’ expressions remained calm as they read the Inner Palace’s evaluation criteria, their thoughts were turbulent.

‘Considering the duration of the poison administration, he should have died long ago, yet he’s still alive. Did Schrantz or the Chamberlain send an antidote?’

‘Despite the Chamberlain’s involvement, the Inner Palace task concluded without any interference. The Lucanov family must have had a hand in it.’

Unaware of the mutual silent accusations coursing through the dukes’ minds, the old man continued his explanation.

“The candidate resolved the backlog at the Southern Administrative Bureau and doubled its operational capacity. In fact, the Southern Administrative Office significantly reduced its processing times. Even Baron Hoswynd expressed satisfaction.”

After the Chamberlain finished speaking, the two dukes simultaneously lowered their evaluation sheets.

They briefly glanced at each other before refocusing their attention on the documents.

Naturally, they reached for the evaluation reports from the Foreign Palace, prompting the old man to speak again.

“The results from the Foreign Palace, concluded two days ago. The key evaluation criteria here were leadership, operation planning and execution, as well as situation analysis and response.”

As the two men quickly reviewed the Foreign Palace’s evaluation report, the Chamberlain’s voice interjected once more.

“We assigned a situation involving suppressing a criminal organization, and the candidate successfully completed the operation. Leading from the front under adverse weather conditions in an unfamiliar lower district, there were no casualties on the guards’ side.”

Pausing briefly, the Chamberlain cleared his throat and continued.

“Both of you, please report the results of the investigations from each institution.”

Having also finished reviewing the Foreign Palace’s evaluation report, the two dukes picked up another set of documents compiled by the respective institutions.

“The candidate’s background… has been officially recognized by the Hassen Baron of the northeast and the local nobles. I confirmed the official documents that arrived two days ago. As far as I can ascertain through various merchants in the area, Ruben is an ordinary village, with no disqualifying factors such as ties to the Dark Cultists.”

After Kiersen Lucanov finished speaking, Vanell Schrantz continued.

“The public records of the previous head of the house, Carlos, are also without issue. Until his death, he contributed to the Northern Front. He also established achievements during the Silvestrian war… According to Central Intelligence Department reports, there were no indications of rebellious or anti-imperial sentiments or suspicions. The candidate’s loyalty to the Empire is beyond doubt.”

Additional reports were presented, including the relationship with Grand Baron Hassen of the northeastern region and neighboring nobles, as well as religious views, kinship relations, assets, romantic entanglements, and reputation.

The Chamberlain then addressed the two dukes.

“Then, do either of you have any objections to the candidate’s evaluation?”

“…Hmm. None.”

“…Agreed.”

With an air of dissatisfaction, the answers were tersely spit out, prompting the Chamberlain to turn around.

“Your Majesty. The interim review of the candidate is complete. May we proceed with the final evaluation?”

At his question, Empress Iris silently nodded.

***

Four days had passed since the suppression operation in the lower district.

After Alberto praised us for enduring the rain, the task concluded. I spent my days helping Rani formalize her exercise plan as she gained weight every day, and last night, I received notice of the final evaluation: a duel of honor.

After finishing the still-poisonous yet spicy lunch, Rani and I made our way to the Training Grounds located between the Imperial Palace and the Foreign Palace.

“Master! Do your best! I’ll cheer for you!”

Rani swung her fists into the air.

She had initially followed me quietly, but soon grew restless and reverted to her usual self.

Swinging her fists with the maid’s attire flapping in the wind, she had presence. Who taught her this? Her stances were starting to feel familiar.

“Thank you. There’s no one better than Rani.”

“Isn’t that right? Only me… uh! Aaaaahh!”

When I saw some other maids pass by laughing, I grabbed Rani’s cheeks.

Her soft cheeks pulled, I tamed her momentarily. Keeping her cheeks in my hands, her pout made us hurry toward the grounds.

‘Duel… wonder who our opponent will be.’

The final test of the Noble Selection was the duel of honor.

It seemed odd at a glance, but there was a reason.

A founding myth of the aristocracy.

The Founding Festival, where Empress Irisri and her protector knight Siegfried shared a childhood friendship that lasted until death.

Siegfried lived as both the Empress’s husband and knight. Always guarding the Empress like an impenetrable fortress, he naturally held the position of Royal Knight Commander.

This tradition carried forward—Royal Knight Commanders were usually taken by the Emperor’s spouse or consort.

And Empress Iris currently has no husband.

Meaning, the position of Royal Knight Commander is vacant.

In other words, it is a test to see if the contender qualifies to assist the Empress.

‘Or so they told me.’

Last night, Alberto visited and regaled Rani with stories like an old grandfather.

‘Fairly interesting.’

With impressive storytelling skills, time passed without my notice.

Alberto, despite his gentlemanly exterior, loved talking and didn’t stop during the three cups of tea.

By the time he started talking about his travels in the Eastern Continent during his youth, I nearly spent the whole night listening.

‘Maybe I’ll set up another meeting after the selection is over.’

While I have some knowledge about Silvestria from novels, details on other regions are limited.

Discussing with Alberto could help fill in these gaps.

I finished my musings and turned my head.

Rani followed with a sulky face, fully embodying her annoyance.

Upon hearing the promise of snacks later, she quickly regained her energy and chatted excitedly about what she wanted to eat.

Fortunately, we arrived at the Training Grounds without delay.

“Master! This is huge! I’ve never seen such a vast mud ground!”

Taking in Rani’s enthusiastic shout, I looked around the training grounds.

A peculiar musty smell of aged mud mixed with moisture lingered faintly.

Despite the torrential rain from a few days ago, the Training Grounds’ mud surface was relatively firm.

Despite small puddles and muddy areas scattered around, it seemed suitable for a battle.

‘Look at their faces. They’re ready to size things up.’

People were gathered in the center of the training grounds.

They clustered in small and large groups, all glaring at me and muttering to themselves.

‘I can glare too.’

I shot them a fierce stare. Those who met my gaze quickly turned away.

As I approached, they instinctively moved further away, which naturally cleared my path to where Empress Iris, Alberto, and a young man I hadn’t seen before stood.

I sent Rani to be near the other maids and crossed through the central group of nobles.

‘These must be their leaders.’

While everyone else averted their gaze, feigning discomfort with nervous coughs, a few continued to scrutinize my appearance.

At the edge of each faction, two figures with emblems of black-inked tigers on their collars stood out.

A white snake coiled around thorny roses. A roaring silver lion.

‘Kiersen Lucanov. And… Vanell Schrantz.’

The heads of the two great factions divided east and west.

Alberto and they were the power of Altaen Empire’s duopoly.

‘Nice to meet you. And…’

A middle-aged nobleman was glaring at me beside Lucanov Duke with a stern expression.

The emblem on his collar looked familiar. Where have I seen it?

‘Ah, Bradden.’

I sneered at Lord Bradden and walked past him. A strange noise followed from behind, but I ignored it. Finally, I reached the large sword embedded in the rock in the center.

I glanced at Empress Iris veiled and saw Alberto whisper to her.

“The candidate has arrived. We shall begin.”

The veil on Empress Iris’s face flickered. Witnessing the movement, Alberto bowed and turned, shouting.

“Baron Cain MacBilian, candidate for the National Order, and Sir Eidan Bradden, please pay homage to Her Majesty Empress Iris and swear before the sword of the protector knight!”

Eidan Bradden.

Now it all clicked—this was the eldest son of Lord Bradden, resembling Arthur but more mature.

After kneeling before Iris and saluting, Eidan and I approached where the sword was embedded in the rock and placed our right fists over our hearts.

“In front of the sacred sword of Lord Siegfried. We, as duelists, commit to conduct this duel justly and righteously. Empress Iris and all present here are the mediators of this duel.”

Alberto’s statement was met with the lowering of our heads while observing the sacred sword.

‘Sacred sword indeed. And it’s genuine.’

The sacred sword Calion. It’s not an exaggeration when they call it ‘sacred’. It’s said that after the protector knight Siegfried plunged this sword onto the training ground before he passed, no one has been able to draw it for five hundred years.

Though palace staff must manage it to some extent…

The sacred sword exuded a weighty presence as if untouched by time.

‘What’s this sensation?’

Focusing on the sacred sword closely, I felt something peculiar, as if something was connecting.

Before I could explore the unfamiliar sensation, Alberto’s voice urged us to change positions.

“We shall now proceed with the final evaluation of the National Order candidates. Baron MacBilian and Sir Bradden, step forward! Everyone except the duelists, please retreat to where the Royal Knights are stationed!”

Everyone followed Alberto’s instructions and moved to where the armed knights stood, leaving the center of the Training Grounds open except for me and Eidan.

“Sir Eidan is a prominent talent in the Empire, known for striking down several Silvesian superhumans. With him as an opponent, the candidate should sufficiently prove his martial prowess.”

Slowly, we distanced ourselves, drawing our training blades as Alberto continued.

“This is purely a demonstration of martial skill. As the duel will be fought with training blades, the use of mana is prohibited. The duel will end immediately once either party concedes or is deemed unable to continue. Remember this.”

Solemnly nodding at Alberto’s explanation, so did Eidan. Seeing this, Alberto drew a handkerchief from his pocket, threw it, and retreated.

“The duel begins now!”

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