Chapter 33 Pre-Battle

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Agriche, an old duke family, has existed since the foundation of the Juniljus Kingdom. Through generations of war with other nations and monsters, this family has completely reshaped itself. From an honorable and noble family, it has transformed into one responsible for the criminal activities and dirty work of aristocratic society.

Human trafficking, drugs, gambling, loan sharking, even robbery—they would engage in any business that could harm decent people. Most of the victims are commoners, though a few unlucky nobles also fall prey. Thus, the Agriche family is deeply hated by the people of Juniljus. There's a saying among commoners: if someone could bring Agriche to justice, that person must be a hero sent by the gods.

Back at the banquet, in a private room...

Roxana: Father, there's something urgent.

Duke Agriche (Lant Agriche): Tsk What is it at this time?

Roxana: I have received a report from home. It seems that brother Fontaine has started a rebellion.

Lant Agriche: Fontaine! That fool? How does he have the wit to do that?

Roxana: Father, I suggest we go back now. We have no clear information on how many troops he holds.

Lant Agriche: Damn! That Pedelian brat was trouble enough, and now my own brat too? Prepare the carriage! We're going back!

Roxana: Understood. I shall call brother Dion and Jeremy now.

Flashback to a few days before the banquet, in a snowy forest...

Battle sounds Monster moaning

Fontaine: Take this! Strikes

Fontaine: Damn!

Footsteps approaching

Fontaine: Who's there?

Roxana: Hello, Brother Fontaine.

Fontaine: Oh, Roxana. Why are you out here in the middle of nowhere? It's dangerous, you know?

Roxana: My butterflies are hungry. I came to fetch them some wild ones. A red butterfly lands on her hand

Fontaine: Yes, you and your magic tamer stuff.

Roxana: What are you doing here?

Fontaine: Killing monsters. It gives me a thrill.

Roxana: Then why are you still angry?

Fontaine: ...

Roxana: Because of Brother Dion, right?

Fontaine's expression becomes angry

Roxana: I heard he won an award at the hunting festival. Father must have praised him a lot.

Fontaine: Shut up! He got lucky!

Roxana: He has great potential to be the next successor--

Fontaine: Don't you dare! I'm the oldest son! I'm the rightful one! He's just--

Roxana: He doesn't fit to be the successor.

Fontaine: Huh?

Roxana: Dion has embraced his own glory for a long time. If he becomes the successor, we will all just become his lapdogs.

Roxana: I want someone who could embrace me, look into me. You represent that figure, Fontaine.

Fontaine: Y-Yes, of course I am! I won't let that Dion become the next head.

Roxana: Thank you, brother. This year, I want to attend the banquet with you.

Fontaine looks at her face

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