Trying To Survive as the Main Antagonist by: BK1235

Chapter Fifteen:

"“Nice going, kid, but look down,” he said as his left sword pointed at his stomach.
“You have two swords, so it’s tied.”
“Guess you’re right, but you’re already catching up to the second prince. Although, in a real fight, an opponent won’t hold back,” he said while pulling the wooden swords back.
“In a real fight, I can use mana,” Mikail thought.
“I guess so,” Mikail said.
“It’s time for our lesson, right?” Mel asked.
“Yeah, I’ll try not to cause a scene this time,” Mikail said.

After a while...

They finished training with the sword for the day. Mikail decided he would practice mana control after. Valen however, went to search for Noril. He found him quite easily; Noril oversaw the knights' training in his duchy. He looked angry at himself.  

"I can't believe how easily I lost against that dragon while he was injured. I've become rusty. I'm growing old huh," Noril thought. 

Valen smirked.  Disregarding any formality, he sauntered up behind Noril and enveloped him in a sudden, tight hug.

"Noril~! You're looking sexy today," Valen whispered into his ear, his voice teasing and filled with playful affection.

Noril froze, caught completely off guard by Valen's bold move. His face flushed crimson, and he struggled to find words, a mix of surprise and embarrassment washing over him. The soldiers nearby glanced over; some stood in shock at the rare sight of their usually stoic duke being embraced so intimately.

"Valen, what are you doing...?" Noril managed to stutter, attempting to pry himself from Valen's grasp without causing a scene.

Valen's smile widened mischievously as he pressed a quick kiss on Noril's cheek, knowing full well the effect he had on him. "I couldn't resist," he murmured with a playful wink.

Noril cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Valen, this... isn't appropriate; let go, you, idiot," he finally managed to say, his voice betraying a mix of embarrassment and exasperation.

Valen chuckled softly, his tone teasing yet gentle. "Oh, Noril, you're too adorable when you pretend not to like it," he remarked.

Noril glared before trying to hit Valen with his sword. 

Valen swiftly dodged the swing, his reflexes honed from years of training. He stepped back with a laugh, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

"Easy there, Noril! No need to get violent. I was just having a bit of fun," Valen said, his tone still playful but with a hint of seriousness.

Noril, still flushed and visibly flustered, took a deep breath to calm himself. He sheathed his sword, trying to maintain his dignity in front of his men.

"Valen, you can't just do things like that. We're in the middle of training," Noril said, his voice regaining some of its usual firmness.

Valen shrugged, a grin still plastered on his face. "I know, I know. But you looked so tense; I thought I'd help you relax."

Noril sighed, shaking his head. "You're impossible," he muttered.

"Noril, you're so cute when you're all red," he said.

"Shut up you pervert."

He leaned in closer, teasingly whispering, "Oh, come on, Noril. Admit it, you secretly enjoy my company."

Noril's cheeks darkened even more, torn between irritation and a reluctant amusement at Valen's persistence. He crossed his arms, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

"That's not true, just go home, you per...

Valen kissed Noril before disappearing. Noril stood there, stunned and speechless, his cheeks aflame with embarrassment and anger as Valen's sudden kiss lingered on his lips. The soldiers nearby, witnessing the unexpected display, exchanged surprised glances, unsure how to react to their usually composed duke's outburst.