# 48
---
Xing!
A sharp explosion sound rang out.
It seemed that the sound of swords clashing was heard several times.
When Elinor spotted Tidian again after his disappearance, he had already pointed his sword at the neck of his opponent who had fallen to the ground.
"wow!"
“Young master has won!”
When the match was decided in an instant, the excited crowd exploded in shouts.
Elinor, stunned, could not close her mouth.
Matthias laughed lightly.
“The Arctin surname was originally my surname.”
“If you wanted to regain your title, you should have participated in the tournament, brother.”
“It's time to pass these places to you.”
Tidian, the winner, waved to the crowd with a broad smile.
As the youngest in the duke's family, he was viewed as a child, but his skill, as suggested by his nickname given by Cornelia, was exceptional.
'However, how could someone take down an opponent in an instant?'
While Elinor looked at the ring in amazement, unable to hide her astonishment.
She saw a familiar person on the other side of the runway.
* * *
Half of the dueling tournament schedule has passed.
Tidian confidently qualified for the finals.
In the betting market, Tidian was considered a strong favorite to win the tournament this year.
"Eleanor, bet my name! I'll make you rich!"
“Don't talk nonsense.”
"Ugh! Why are you hitting me!"
Once the names of the eight finalists were confirmed, the Duke's family hosted a banquet for the finalists.
It was essentially a social event for duelists.
For acquaintance, and if a relationship arises, contracts can be concluded on good terms.
“Previously, there were those who were specially recruited into the Imperial Knights.”
Matthias said as he arranged his clothes in front of the mirror.
“But lately, knights seem to prefer money over honor, and they no longer choose the empire.”
“There seem to be more attractive places.”
“There are a lot of places that are full of money. Having an excellent knight is a kind of pride for the nobles. The only places that don't care are the Sorcerers' Tower and the Temple.”
After he finished preparing, Matthias turned around.
As the Master of the Duke's Palace, he was looking particularly resplendent today as he prepared to lead the banquet.
He was elegant and sophisticated in his blue uniform.
His pure blonde hair made him look even more sophisticated.
However, there was something exciting about his appearance, was it because he was so handsome?
'It looks like a demon seducing people would be like this.'
It was an undeniable appearance.
Elinor stared at Matthias for a moment, fascinated.
Then Matthias asked her in a sorry tone.
“You really won't attend the banquet?”
Elinor regained her composure.
"You have a dress you bought. The one you didn't wear because the tea party was cancelled."
“I don't want to attract attention.”
She said, lowering her gaze quickly.
"Moreover, today's banquet is not just for the fiefdom's residents. There are people from all over the country. What if there is someone who knows me?"
In the ring, the large canopy somewhat protected her appearance, but the banquet hall was different.
There was no need to show her face with the child in front of people.
Especially since she's trying to lure Charlotte here.
“I'll stay out and wait for any news on Charlotte.”
"Good."
Matthias stopped suddenly as he left the room.
“Do you know the greenhouse on the west side of the castle?”
“Yes, I know her.”
“There will be a lot of strangers in the castle today, but the greenhouse will be quiet. It is a special place that Cornelia cherishes. So, if you feel upset, you can visit her.”
“Will the princess allow this?”
“She gave you the silver plate, won’t she let you into the greenhouse? I’ll tell Cornelia. I’ll go now.”
“Daddy, daddy.”
He said goodbye to the child instead of Elinor.
Elinor murmured as she approached the window.
“Glass greenhouse...”
Since it was the private place that the princess cherished, it seemed appropriate to meet someone quietly without disturbance.
Elinor waited quietly.
Until the banquet atmosphere becomes mature and no one cares about it.
* * *
“Miss Elinor said she wouldn’t attend the banquet?”
“Yes, she said she didn’t want to attract attention.”
In the banquet hall lit by luxurious chandeliers.
Once he sees Cornelia, Matthias tells her that Elinor might use the greenhouse.
Of course, with the news of Elinor not attending the banquet.
Upon hearing the news of Elinor's absence, Cornelia relaxed her shoulders.
“I wanted to introduce Miss Elinor to my friends.”
“Is this an offer with pure intentions?”
“With pure intentions, of course.”
Cornelia raised her eyebrows.
“We apologized to each other for the previous incident and ended the matter. Why are you asking like that? Do you now want to quarrel with me?”
“I just asked to make sure.”
“I apologized to Miss Elinor directly, and I once again showed my remorse through you. What do you think of me… Oh, hello, Mr. Dyke.”
Their conversation stopped for a moment as people approached to greet the Duke and the Lord Steward.
whispered Cornelia, who received the guests skillfully.
“If you had acted correctly from the beginning, there would have been no problem.”
“Ha, suddenly you blame me?”
“Why do you think I want to introduce Miss Elinor to people?”
Elinor's being an outsider makes her vulnerable to ostracism.
But what if Cornelia Hilliard, the daughter of the Duke family, included it?
"I'm trying to help her settle into the fiefdom. Having someone she knows, even just one, will be helpful in a strange place."
“Before that, let me ask one thing, Corey.”
Matthias whispered after shaking hands with one of the finalists.
“Why did you suddenly change your attitude? You were originally dissatisfied with Miss Elinor and the child.”
The change was too drastic to be just because she felt sorry for the child.
Cornelia suddenly stopped and stared at Matthias.
“Because she is a much kinder, more worthy person.”
"What?"
“How can men be so dull? You and my little brother are uess.”
"What are you saying? Why are you saying that?"
"It doesn't matter. What would you do if you knew why now?"
Cornelia's right arm was completely healed.
Thanks to the ointment provided by Elinor.
“I still hate the idea of an illegitimate child.”
Cornelia murmured in a cold tone.
"I do not like the idea of having a child without marriage. I do not like inappropriate relationships. Anything that tarnishes the honor of the Duke's family I hate."
“Cornelia.”
“So, to solve this problem, you have to get married quickly.”
"……What?"
Matthias turned around, startled.
Cornelia crossed her arms with a smug attitude.
"Marry. Marry and make Miss Elinor your official wife, and register the child in the family registry. That way the dishonored honor can be restored."
“Cornelia, are you sane?”
"I am the one who wants to ask you if you are sensible. On an opportunity like today, you should have introduced Miss Elinor and the child to the people. Why did you leave them in the room?"
Cornelia narrowed her eyes.
“Don't tell me you locked them up? Tidian told me you did vile things in the past.”
“What are you talking about? Imprisonment? Impossible.”
“Then you should have brought them.”
“Miss Elinor was the one who refused to come.”
"Anyway! Since you didn't kick them out, it seems you intend to live with them. Since my mother didn't object, it seems you have her approval, so why don't you hold a wedding?"
Although Cornelia did not know about the problem of feudal pollution, this sudden and energetic change in her attitude made Matthias want to hit his forehead.
But this was nothing compared to the shock that followed.
“Since you are hesitating, strange rumors are spreading about Miss Elinor.”