The Crazy Villainess in This Area Is Me

“Yo-Your Grace.” He stuttered without realizing it, his shoulders hunched like a rabbit before a tiger, pitifully.

Duke Gracie gently lifted one corner of his mouth, speaking as if to comfort a child. “Wouldn’t it have been better not to enter the swordsmanship competition?”

“I naturally participated as a high-ranking noble…!”

“Right, well said. ‘High nobles’ should indeed know what honor is. And to surrender?

…”

He openly clicked his tongue, causing Endimion’s face to flush like an apple. Amidst the silent crowd, it seemed as if even snickers could be heard.

“… Isn’t the old rule quite barbaric…! That victory isn’t declared until one side faints…!”

Trying to turn the atmosphere around, he continued to make excuses. But such cowardly excuses would not fly with Duke Gracie.

“If you thought there was a problem with the rules, you shouldn’t have participated in the first place!” He scolded as if reprimanding his son, though his rebuke contained anger, not affection.

A greater sword aura than before unintentionally flowed from Duke Gracie, leaving the noble audience agape in astonishment. Especially the nobles who followed the empress and Duke Bonitare. They felt cold sweat running down their backs, swallowing nervously.

Even in his old age, a tiger remained a tiger, and time had not dulled his sharp edges.

“Your Grace, it is cowardly for you to come forward…!”

“Cowardice seems to suit you more. For someone who ruined the first match so splendidly…” With his gaze sharpening, Duke Gracie gripped his sword. “I’ll teach you a lesson.”

“Begin the match!”

With his words, the referee shouted, and Duke Gracie immediately closed the distance to Endimion. They were so close that extending a hand would touch the other.

“

!”

Unable to even properly grip his sword, Endimion stumbled backward. But fleeing from Duke Gracie was impossible. A flash of brilliance crossed his eyes.

“

!”

Feeling a murderous intent as if he was about to be killed, Endimion turned his back and ran. Duke Gracie launched a relentless attack without even needing to draw his blade. He struck precisely at the most painful pressure points with just the flat of his blade.

“

!”

Overwhelmed by pain beyond screaming, Endimion finally gathered his senses, desperately trying to block, but Duke Gracie’s assault was relentless.

“P-please stop…!”

His pleas fell on deaf ears as Duke Gracie pressed on aggressively, ignoring him. Eventually, Endimion turned his back and fled.

“I’ll die at this rate!”

“Are you planning to run away again!”

With a booming command that filled the arena, Duke Gracie delivered the final blow. No need for a sword; his heavy hand struck Endimion’s nape with precision.

“

…!” With a cry, Endimion, fleeing for his life, collapsed with a thud.

“

!”

“What a fool!”

“Wonderful, Your Grace!”

His pathetic show of honor till the end was evident.

Duke Gracie, not even out of breath, raised his fist towards the cheering crowd.  Roars of applause filled the arena.

His gaze slowly turned towards me. His proud face seemed to be asking for my praise. Although I couldn’t openly express my joy due to the surrounding gaze, I sent a small applause to Duke Gracie. But in truth,

! I was already cheering jubilantly inside. Seeing Endimion get what he deserved was like gulping down icy carbonated water on a hot, humid summer day – utterly refreshing. I wished I could stand up and shout for an encore.

While violence should not be condoned against people, it was different for less than animals. He deserved every hit he got.

I softly lifted the corners of my mouth, glancing at Bella sitting next to me, who was also sending standing ovations toward Duke Gracie.

“Awesome, Grandpa!

!”

Thus, Duke Gracie, ever so valiant, returned beside the emperor, who stood up to commend Duke Gracie’s efforts.

“Well done. Your skills remain sharp, not dulled in the slightest.”

“It wasn’t much of a display of skill. He’s so pathetic for a high noble.”

“That’s what I’m saying. My face is burning with embarrassment. Isn’t that right, Empress?” The emperor casually questioned Patricia, who forced a smile, swallowing her anger.

“…Not all high nobles are masters of swordsmanship.”

“If he was unsure about his swordsmanship, he shouldn’t have participated. It’s disappointing for the spectators, isn’t it?”

“…Your Majesty. Marquis Hamilton is—”

She attempted to explain he had always lacked skill in swordsmanship since childhood.  However, the emperor coldly cut her off.

“I know. He’s your very close friend’s son.”

“Your Majesty!”

“Then I shall hold my tongue for your friend’s sake.”

The emperor turned away sharply, Patricia’s fists clenched under her dress. She knew he had never cared for her, but he had never treated her so publicly before.

Patricia gritted her teeth, glancing at Duke Bonitare standing by her side. It no longer mattered how he treated her. Today, Frinel would die, and Lawrence would become the crown prince.

What came after was simple. The emperor would die soon, and her son would ascend the throne. No longer would she need to alternately cater to her loveless husband and her politically scheming father. It was a complete liberation.

“Let’s resume the match.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

At the emperor’s command, the match continued. Frinel and Lawrence, placed at opposite ends of the competition bracket, easily defeated their opponents, advancing to meet each other in the final match. They entered the arena, each holding a real sword.

“Older Brother.”

“Lawrence.”

Their eyes, alike yet unalike, met. Frinel still wore an easy smile.

Patricia stared intently at him. His days of smiling were numbered.

Lawrence slightly lifted his head to look towards the empress. Patricia nodded slightly with a gesture. He blinked slowly, understanding the implication.

“As a father, it’s overwhelming to see the First and Second Princes meet in the final match.” The emperor, genuinely proud, alternated his gaze between Frinel and Lawrence. “Show us a match without regrets.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, Father.”

After his blessing, the two men bowed and took their places.

“Then, stand ready…” The noble referee, nervously trailing off, finally gathered his courage. “Let’s beg—”

“Teach me, Older Brother!”

Before the referee could finish, Lawrence charged at Frinel. Their sword auras immediately clashed. He attacked fiercely, eyes narrowed. Sharp assaults followed one after another.

Frinel agilely moved, blocking all of Lawrence’s attacks. It felt entirely different from his duels with other nobles. It was clear why the empress had spread such rumors.

“

!”

Unfortunately,

“I’m sorry, Lawrence.”

Between someone who learned swordsmanship for survival and someone who learned it as part of their education, there was bound to be a difference.

“Your skills are commendable, but you’re not yet a match for me.”

Frinel suddenly unleashed his sword aura. It was so powerful that it created gusts even outside the arena. He concentrated his sword aura and struck down on Lawrence’s head.

“

…!”

With pain as if thousands of blades were slicing him, Lawrence collapsed instantly. It all happened in a blink of an eye. Neither the referee nor the spectators could utter a word. For a moment, silence pervaded the crowded arena.

“The First Prince…” Struggling to regain composure, the referee announced with a clear voice. “Is the winner…!”

“

!”

“Long live the First Prince! Long live the First Prince!”

Slowly catching his breath, Frinel swept his gaze over the cheering crowd. He had never been acknowledged by anyone. He had to hide his desires and skills, pretending to be a fool. But now, everyone in the arena acknowledged and cheered for him. His face flushed with excitement and emotion.

Yet, among them all, there was only one person he clearly saw. Lobelia. Looking directly at her, he smiled as widely as he could.