<strong>Chapter 107: The Contest (1)</strong>
“A contest?”
“That’s right.”
Serena, resting her chin on her hand while staring intently at me, chuckled dismissively.
“Interesting. To invoke the word ‘contest’ before me. Your ignorance is intriguing to a point.”
“Ignorance? That’s problematic. Are you saying your desire for me was just a casual remark?”
Despite my attempt to appear nonchalant in the face of Serena, her response was cold and unemotional.
“Do you genuinely believe I need to struggle against you to have you?”
“Yes.”
From the moment I mentioned a contest, I had no intention of yielding to her.
Perhaps due to my prediction, so far, my words and actions hadn’t upset Serena.
“If that’s the case, I’ll hear you out. What do you propose we compete in?”
“Well, it’s more of a wager than a contest, I suppose.”
Just as I began to explain, Serena’s lips curled into a smirk again, locking eyes with me.
I barely managed to resist being captivated by that brief smile.
Just the slight curve of her lips was enough to marvel at the extent of her beauty.
“However, there’s a condition. Since I’m indulging your nonsense, it’s only fair I impose my own.”
“And what might that be?”
“Nothing much. Just one.”
Serena spoke as if delivering a verdict, her legs crossed elegantly.
“I have no intention of letting you go. Whether it’s a contest or a wager, we’ll settle it here and now.”
I maintained a facade of composure, as if to say, ‘I expected as much,’ but internally, I felt as if she had hit the nail on the head.
I had hoped to use some excuse to escape, but it seemed she wasn’t going to allow that.
However, this confirmed something for me—perhaps I was meant to stay with Serena’s forces.
My “predictions” inherently reflected the stance of my nation.
In other words, I was predicting the most efficient course of action from Yuri’s perspective.
But that didn’t mean my own stance was entirely disregarded.
At the very least, following the predictions meant I wouldn’t end up in danger, a fact proven on the day the meteor fell.
From there, I deduced:
From Yuri’s perspective, sending me instead of an entire estate to retrieve Anima… was that considered “efficient”?
Some might argue, “Isn’t a general with an IQ of 100 more valuable than any land?” But ultimately, a general shines only when trusted by their sovereign.
Aeshers Army, with its founding members’ influence stronger than any other nation’s, and from my extensive experience within its ranks, made it clear:
“She’s likely not to use me significantly.”
Even the highly reputed Jinor couldn’t contend with her.
Would Yuri easily heed my advice if my views diverged from Epinel’s? The answer came quickly.
Whether my IQ was 100 or any other number, unused talent is merely decorative.
Considering myself from a cold perspective, not being as important to Yuri as Anima seemed plausible—making the prediction somewhat understandable.
With the hypothesis set, it was time to act.
If I’m right, Serena would accept my proposal.
Looking up at her beautiful face, I spoke with more confidence than ever.
“Try negotiating with our sovereign.”
“Explain.”
“Propose that in exchange for releasing Anima Ingram, my custody be transferred to you.”
Hearing my suggestion, Serena looked down at me with a bored gaze.
“And how does that constitute a contest?”
“If our sovereign accepts your proposal, it’s your victory. Conversely, if she refuses, it’s my victory. This establishes the contest. If I win, you release me. If I lose—”
I paused, then slowly raised my head, locking eyes with her golden irises.
“I will serve you.”
Serena pondered for a moment before nodding.
“Indeed, this sounds more like a wager than a contest. Then, my next question: What’s the point? From what you’ve said, it seems like an unnecessarily complicated and meaningless contest. Why bother when I could simply imprison you and have you eventually become mine?”
“A meaningless contest? On the contrary, this contest offers you far more to gain.”
Her eyebrow twitched in curiosity.
“Let’s hear it.”
“Firstly, you said you wanted me. But imprisoning me as a prisoner of war gains you nothing. Not my loyalty, nor any moral high ground. Sure, you might break my spirit by confining me, but even before that—”
“I’d boldly say you’ll have trouble imprisoning me in the first place. Even if you succeed, it will cost you significantly.”
“Your bravado suggests desperation for survival rather than courage.”
“It’s not an act. My bodyguards are quite strong.”
“They’d be subdued by my men by now, so lower your expectations.”
“I’ll return the sentiment. They’re not the type to be easily subdued.”
“Interesting.”
Serena smiled again, her interest seemingly piqued as we stood our ground, neither willing to concede.
“I’ll acknowledge your boldness. Continue.”
“However, if you defeat me in this contest, you avoid wasting resources and manpower, dodge the scandal of capturing an envoy, and most importantly, win my loyalty with ease. I proposed the contest, and I set its terms, so losing means I’ll gladly serve you, having been fairly bested.”
“…”
“If you’ve heard rumors about me, you’ll understand why you want me. I can’t detail why, but earning my loyalty is the only way to fully utilize me.”
The implication that antagonizing the one who could summon meteors in the North would be unwise was something she’d likely grasp.
After a lengthy silence, Serena finally spoke.
“Fine. I’ll accept your challenge. It does seem like the quickest way to bring you to your knees.”
“Thank you for your wise decision.”
Then, a commotion outside began to reach us.
Seems like my bodyguards were causing a stir.
“Please, allow me to go. I’ll calm them down.”
Without responding, Serena watched as I stood to leave, making no move to stop me.
This sense of déjà vu… What was it about?
With that thought, I headed out to address the commotion, marking the beginning of our contest.
