The Sub Male Lead is Burning with Jealousy - Chapter 10 Part 2
‘…Is he really not that b@stard?’
Rahil tilted his head slightly, narrowing his gaze at the entrance where Kirthalros had disappeared. His strength and speed seemed oddly reminiscent of a dragon’s. In the meantime, Duke Odesa’s excited voice boomed from the front row, which was in stark contrast to Duke Noer, who appeared stunned by the defeat of his candidate.
“Duke Noer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
Rahil found it remarkable how well the Duke could hear him even amidst the commotion, despite being almost as old as Duke Odesa.
“You mentioned Emil Kirthalros is from one of your collateral lineages. Which branch exactly were you speaking of?”
“Ah… Y-Your Majesty, you likely wouldn’t know of it. It’s… well…”
Despite his flustered state, Duke Noer maintained a calm facade, weaving the excuse he had prepared in advance. The story was that Kirthalros was the child of a great-aunt who had eloped for love, later earning a title through valor on the battlefield.
Such tales were plausible; many had risen to nobility in that manner during the war a generation ago. Local lords could grant knighthood, and those who distinguished themselves further could sometimes rise to landless nobility.
However, unlike landed nobles, landless titles often didn’t last more than a generation. To avoid this, many lower nobles sought patronage from higher-ranking lords, such as counts, marquises, or dukes, to become their vassals.
“Although we hadn’t had contact with him until recently… he approached me seeking employment as a knight. His skills seemed promising enough that I recommended him for the Harvest Festival events.”
“Is that so?”
Rahil’s tone made his skepticism clear, prompting Duke Noer to bow his head deeply. If Kirthalros were exposed as a dragon, Duke Noer was prepared to claim that he was deceived.
In truth, he had no better excuse.
‘There’s no way he’s been discovered! Especially not after losing in the first round of the tournament. It’s impossible!’
“He seems to have potential, though it’s unfortunate he hasn’t been properly trained. We should arrange a meeting with him and the other candidates later.”
Rahil said, with a peculiar smile playing on his lips.
Duke Noer felt a wave of unease, but rejecting an invitation to an imperial banquet or ball was nearly impossible. With no choice, he replied that Kirthalros would surely consider it an honor and hastily ended the conversation.
‘To think he caught His Majesty’s attention instead of the Empress’s!’
Duke Noer wished he could refuse such scrutiny, but even glancing back at the Emperor filled him with dread. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he tried to focus on the mana stone mine.
The mine was said to contain a quantity so vast it could rival the wealth of several small kingdoms. If he could secure them for himself, even the Emperor wouldn’t be able to touch him.
‘…But with such an enormous amount, can I really keep it from being seized?’
Despite the dragon’s promise to him, Duke Noer found himself desperately wishing the creature would kill the Emperor. Then again, seeing how the young man praised by Duke Odesa had defeated the dragon in the tournament, such hopes seemed futile.
**
‘The Duke, Kirthalros… they’re all suspicious.’
The tournament had already moved past the second round, and the final match was underway, but Rahil found it difficult to focus. As he expected, the final was between Rudwain and Karel.
‘Come on, Rudwain, you’ve got this!’
Rahil cheered for Rudwain, wary of the possibility that Anais might support Karel. After all, the tournament champion would be granted the right to make one wish, and Rahil absolutely couldn’t stand the idea of Karel winning.
But perhaps it was because his support came from such impure intentions that the outcome seemed inevitable. Though Rudwain was skilled, he fell short against Karel, whose abilities were more than enough to warrant an immediate appointment as an imperial knight.
“Damn it.”
The match ended with Rudwain’s sword flying from his grip and Karel pointing his blade at Sir Rudwain’s throat. Rahil, muttering a curse under his breath, turned his head away, only to catch Duke Odesa wearing a similarly disapproving expression.
Meanwhile, Duke Noer, who had looked unwell ever since the Emperor questioned him earlier, had already left, following a scolding from the Duchess. Rahil discreetly summoned a servant and instructed him to pass a message to Sion: have someone keep a close watch on Duke Noer.
As for Kirthalros, Rahil intentionally refrained from assigning anyone to observe him. If Kirthalros truly was a dragon, he was far too dangerous. Any hasty provocation could lead to disaster, and a spy might fail to gather information and end up dead.
‘The person perfect for handling this kind of situation would be Marquis Ruol, but…I have once tried to threaten Anais with similar issues before our marriage.’
Rahil grimaced, recalling his earlier threat to Anais, saying he’d send Marquis Ruol and Francis to hunt the dragon unless she agreed to marry him. Given that, sending the Marquis or his heir to deal with the dragon was no longer an option.
Moreover, dragons were magical creatures, making Arken’s return all the more urgent.
Now the official overseeing the tournament turned his gaze to the Empress. Anais glanced at Rahil, who slowly rose from his seat.
It was now time to deliver the words of congratulations to the participants and the victor.
**
Karel chose one of the four young ladies adorned with autumn flowers and handed her a symbolic bouquet crafted from wheat stalks and reeds.
Amid the cheers, the most significant event of the evening came to an end. Holding the hand of the Maiden of Abundance, Karel bowed to the Emperor and Empress.
‘He can only make a wish after the harvest festival ends. So there’s no need to be upset just yet.’
Most of the wishes requested by victors were usually modest, like a generous reward, a knighthood, or a position in their desired workplace. It was customary not to make overly ambitious or morally questionable requests. Anyone who insisted on such wishes had been sent to prison in the past.
