Chapter 24: Duel (1)
“It is absolutely unacceptable, Your Majesty.”
“There is no such law in the kingdom. Please, I beg you to reconsider.”
“Even those ignorant of etiquette would find this an act of immorality.”
“Everyone is of the same mind.”
“Cease this baseless duel immediately.”
“Yes, that’s right, Father.”
“…”
“I won’t allow it.”
History repeats itself—even the most tragic histories eventually circle back.
Perhaps someone foresaw this moment, expecting that one day a challenger might arise against the usurper. Since the throne was taken by force, it would not be surprising if it were drenched in blood once again.
However, few would have predicted that the opponent in this duel would be another hero. And considering the hero’s well-known temperament, it was not just surprising but shocking.
Yet, the king declared the duel in front of all his retainers without hesitation. He showed no regard for the objections raised.
“Did I ask for permission when I announced this? Why is there so much noise?”
“Indeed, it is not a matter of seeking permission. It is something that must not happen under any circumstances.”
“This is a personal matter. You all should mind your own business and just watch.”
“How can you call it a personal matter when Your Majesty’s safety is at stake?”
“Good grief, you’re all so noisy.”
As the retainers continued their protests, the king shook his head in irritation and spoke in an exasperated tone.
“Fine. If you’re so fond of justification, I’ll give you one. Last night, I entered the princess’s chambers and found that man frolicking with my beloved queen.”
“That is…”
“And with our daughter, no less. Are you telling me I should endure this?”
“But Your Majesty, such matters are to be dealt with under the kingdom’s law, not through barbaric duels. Have his head taken and restore order and propriety.”
“That’s true, but the situation doesn’t lend itself to such resolution.”
The retainers fell silent, sensing an unsettling tension in his words. The king, utterly unperturbed, continued in a calm voice.
“You might recall that when I announced I would grant anything to the one who saved the princess, that rascal hero Alpheus asked for the queen. From that perspective, his actions aren’t entirely surprising.”
“Yes, we are aware, but at the time, it was considered a jest…”
“It should have ended as a jest. But the problem is, he’s never once withdrawn his statement. He still claims to want the queen.”
“…”
“Shall I ask him directly?”
At that moment, all eyes turned to me Alpheus. The gazes burned with expectation and desperate pleas. Before I could utter a word, the princess Mirian stepped forward. In an uncharacteristically solemn tone, she addressed the king.
“When did you start caring so much about Her Majesty the Queen?”
“Child, this is not the time.”
“Why not? The two people I love most in this world are about to point swords at each other.”
“This is not something you can interfere with.”
“Then when should I? At their funerals?”
Even the stubborn king could not find a retort to that. Silencing her father, the princess continued without hesitation.
“Not long ago, you said you wanted to bring joyful news to the people, who have suffered through hardships. And now? A duel with the hero who saved me—is that supposed to be for their benefit?”
“No, but it is unavoidable.”
“Why? Because he dishonored the queen? Then imprison him. Tie his hands and mete out punishment.”
“I can’t do that. As I said…”
“Then give her to him and keep your promise.”
“What…?”
The king froze as if time had stopped. After a moment, his stiff demeanor cracked as he replied in a hardened tone.
“Child, you are crossing the line.”
“The one crossing the line is you, Father. Honestly, you’ve never truly valued the queen, have you? Not when I was a child, nor even after her return. You act as if she doesn’t exist unless she’s convenient.”
“That may be true, but speaking of it like this is unforgivable.”
“Is telling the truth a crime? Father, you don’t need the queen to live, but I can’t live without Alpheus. Neither can you. Do you really believe you have the right to take them both from me? Even for your life, that is something I cannot allow.”
“…”
The princess’s impassioned outcry left the king surveying the room with a conflicted expression. Perhaps he wished he could simply dismiss everyone as usual, but this time, the circumstances would not allow it. In a low voice, he whispered to the princess.
“Even you… even you wish to shackle me now.”
“Is that how you see it?”
“I just want to live as I wish.”
“Then you should never have become my father.”
“…Good heavens.”
“You made your choice.”
Their clashing emotions inevitably led to tragedy. For a long while, father and daughter stared at each other, lost in their own thoughts. Of course, this could not last; the royal audience chamber was not a place for personal reflection.