Chapter 26

“What on earth are you doing?”c793df71b76b8775

A chilly voice cdb5cd7f5b descended beside me.6a0a437a6c8e832f

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I slowly raised my head, and the radiant sunset glow revealed a pitch-black hair that resembled Edwin’s.64eddad7f433b533

“Hmm, Milord…”9228f56d480e41e9

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The composed voice, tinged with c94823f877 coldness, reached me.25ca9135a2d2355f

In that moment, something warm 619031307f welled up within me, breaking 48cc369092 through the resistance of my dd8becb468 hardened heart.70814ed28ef30b1b

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I didn’t want to show this side of me.3fd0b44890f83364

Why does it seem 8178fa6e2c that only these unpleasant d7f8ce47dc scenes keep appearing?23508c7b3f825ea6

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“Gasp, Y-Your Grace…!”6d622c6459d5bc76

Similarly, the scumbag who had noticed the Duke fumbled and hastily released Edwin’s throat.bc4269bd70c8d978

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Thud!704a307e25611eb9

“Cough!”28313d1a98cf0d36

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Edwin, who had fallen 047d5ea483 to the ground, grasped a99b5a4a56 his throat and coughed 5536d09262 violently.d3a791aaa4b1e31d

“Are you alright, Young Mas…”9515b73257e2ed0f

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The guy, glancing at the Duke, belatedly pretended to check Edwin’s condition.afe0733758c0ba70

However…6bbf7319eb31922f

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Thunk!c97c9186356d9b76

“Ugh.”73bb1e0b7b90ea0c

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Edwin forcefully struck away the guy’s hand that was about to touch his shoulder.c9ab250e8bb21dcd

“Haha, even Young Master…!”4f39e83139fd537b

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The guy retreated with a d3add11230 reddish-blue face.0ff254e25fb12dfc

He seemed lacking the courage e787f4dd41 to be as brazen as b288a5cc8a before in front of the fbf4a0269b Duke.59e4e9fc23efb407

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“Gasp, huk…”eb80228198c2200b

Just as Edwin’s breath, which had been agitated, seemed to calm down.e37e4dc70219fcfc

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“Joliac Sven.”dd5299b81404478e

The Duke called c84cf9161b the scumbag with 236e952e9f a cold tone.23885ef58bd086f0

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“In my eyes, it looks like you were strangling my son just now. Is that correct?”d8282c8e539c098a

“Y-Yes?! N-No, Your Grace! How could that be possible!”f3995bc127c68594

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The guy shook his head 5a8df40bc0 frantically, denying vehemently.7e7db4a74e87a77d

“Then what were you doing?”5443bc5dfe3dee69

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“W-Well…”9614044374115da2

As if searching for an 6b05b1bb26 excuse, the guy rolled his 744392b5fd shifty eyes continuously.b69c68078bb87920

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“That was… Ah!”e8e5bfdd08759497

“…”01a89981d8b685ae

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“I was teaching Young Master self-defense, as Your Grace commanded!”f221fb351e8d0b8b

“Self-defense?”f31143080c26ed1e

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“Yes! self-defense! It’s a method to escape when caught by an opponent with a significant strength difference…”026a88b0c2586cc9

“Nonsense!”2307424f46259154

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I interrupted the guy’s explanation with a scream, looking directly at the Duke.f57c30dcfa1fe5f5

“Milord, it’s not self-defense! That wicked man hit Edwin!”4555f05944bccc40

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“You, watch your mouth!”eba90c1f90a59405

Sven, the scumbag, snapped b5feed2f2b at my accusation.e326368fe3d4788b

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However, as the Duke’s cold gaze turned towards him, he immediately stopped speaking and forced a forced smile.e1ce97a7b3b50be0

“Kid, you’re the one who’ll get into trouble if you lie. Suddenly jumping in and disrupting the class wasn’t enough, and now you’re making the situation weird?”0fb8ef17418aa68c

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“W-When did I? I didn’t lie!”fb813734d33d7eb7

“Milord, this child is talking nonsense.”b45c47a24ffa6917

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Ignoring my words, the guy quickly approached the Duke and said, “I’m not sure whose house she’s from, but why exaggerate such trivial matters at her age?”51bbe77a9cd8d771

“…”e5734743a551bfa1

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“I’m sure Your Grace knows that I would never lie to Young Master. This is all part of the training…”7e9ca27a58a66d77

“Why is your leg like that?”d1d42832dbdeb535

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The Duke suddenly tapped Sven’s right leg.35b8bec44cb58f46

The guy, who was 247ae01d71 approaching with a limp, fef513b4d7 looked awkward.f785b2d1753d9357

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“Oh. Th-This is…”396671cbe81f5ab7

“Belze did it!”24c08efd03d6ff51

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I replied promptly.93ac6230e64e4909

“Belze?”70d5fec69b0ca9f4

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“Yes! That wicked man was trying to hit Edwin, Your Grace! I swear.”32901480027cdec7

“T-That’s not true!”4bc108c0f1a809ab

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“Edwin’s calves are bruised! That man hit him with a stick!”2f9aaf7a95a84f97

“Hey! When did I ever… Your Grace, let me explain first…”1be38f35bf7e9865

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The guy hurriedly approached to 91afa27b5d silence me.0c2d490911461b0b

However, the Duke raised 7e805f9700 his hand, stopping him.f5abb3b73bb6f8d9

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“Continue speaking, Belze.”a0ed69752fb0471f

He urged me.73a47f751415141e

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Unlike before, the air e468541fed felt heavier.1e702655d2d6f920

A creepy aura emanated from the Duke’s entire being.379528015a02356d

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Despite having done nothing wrong, e1bf80c2cb I mumbled softly with a 3042bb819a sense of discomfort.09472dee5453e8ec

“When… when you hit, it’s not okay. It’s not okay to hit a child.”a1d5a30988f565fd

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At that moment, tears welled f0142957ce up as memories surfaced.7cea06abdf1bf49d

“Huhu… Why did you tell me that, Milord? Like that, like that…”d73497b05ff0106b

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“…”0ca856237b9b1cc0

“Like that, you saved me… Huhu.”431d3879a31182f0

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I couldn’t hold back and cried like a fool.66bc655e657284aa

I had no ce653747dc idea what I c35da6f9c9 was saying.e89e04c005795281

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Just.f1128ca94b3bab79

Perhaps I wanted to cbd0bed7ea say that I, too, 5159d865c9 wanted to save Edwin a090ca16c3 from danger like the dc4115dba7 Duke.5db9bbb3117df397

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Although I was not a9e9905c42 as strong, reckless, or 8df283a528 brave as the Duke.55d155452cf39b0b

Still…c8f048c1018e2842

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“Huhuh, huk.”2d6ef222c453994e

As the tears once shed didn’t easily subside.d2b353eb37a6bb10

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Sob.fa65337dfc960663

Suddenly, the Duke started walking.ce8496247143ae71

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“Y-Your Grace.”11fbc5c8e37eb6a7

He seemed to be heading 542418c356 towards the pale and shaken cd527e1599 Sven, but quickly passed by fbfbe49e02 him.edffbb4f8cd70517

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Standing in front of db173d545e the still prostrate Edwin, 29a979bc50 the Duke bent down 4f1ed8b7ff without saying a word d2852e42d5 and lifted his son 3aa02406c3 to his feet.88abaec25bc6b3eb

Then, he began examining the child’s pants.c8dcf1b0664adf74

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Edwin bit his lip.64fc8be37fde2ab2

“…Father.”f0a7d8f09ce228d1

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“Hush.”bf95d66b1e098c74

After inspecting the intact e085c64e15 left leg, moving on 091ce8aa8d to the right leg, 139d61ad4c the distinct bruise finally 1b0fa69445 revealed itself.0817f8b3c7b1c513

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Silence befell the Duke as be3b831a5b he witnessed the pitiful condition bc3ded6058 of the calf.dc287489af72385b

Soon, he lowered the b683cd798d lifted pants back down.73f039351a22ba0b

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Not only that, 71ec00ddd0 but he also 81e3a0e5a8 neatly arranged the 270f414da4 disheveled clothes messed b11ce87fdc up by Sven.65e121ca0b3a6197

Then, he turned around.135871dc2cd246ec

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Quickly returning, the Duke c8993bfcd3 stood in front of 4522da67bf Sven.8d6d7ea434cd6818

“Y-Your Grace! Please calm down and listen to me. That, that’s, let me explain.”8807e09b886646d1

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Sven desperately justified 4579ad3ecb himself with lively cbce3d5a76 eyes.12962d2a37a2df04

“That kid suddenly jumped out and bit my foot, and somehow, with the sword, I hit Your Grace’s son’s calf…”5fb9a587dbbf2449

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“That kid?”543c3ac1cdb5dff6

“Yes? Oh, no. I mean, that, the child…”a1bc6d1fa8e82b35

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Thud!cd4a2225a8a93978

In that moment, the Duke swiftly delivered a backhand slap to the man’s cheek without giving him a chance to react.ea6f6f642f9b1d4e

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“Ugh!”82f2f7d7f485337e

With a smack, the man’s head turned swiftly.bb911a72b5c9c4c2

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Looking at the swaying man ed67994ec7 as if about to collapse, 7f17a9b8ef I opened my eyes wide.9a93d5b2f552db17

‘…I-It was the back of his hand.’69b34e1caf24438a

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Not the palm of 5d7ca9c6d9 the hand, but the 1b51e76b1c back of the hand.c5b885f4b7250ff4

Moreover, it wasn’t swung with full force; rather, it was more like a gentle reminder…85dcff73bb76401e

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“Thud!”5d5f7ec255a8e422

The crying involuntarily stopped.eac8d92fd36b8918

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And a hiccup took 8a0c05a483 its place.d1977e53211ac534

“Y-Your Grace.”a7dd68404dd8acca

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Sven, who barely 56c51ffa4e regained his composure, 9216c05561 straightened himself.678f4d8f0c2e2040

The slap from the df6c4ad025 Duke had already started 0a46f6766e swelling into a deep 04ba6b93cb red.2f565511f0abbce5

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Realizing belatedly that he was hit with a gloved backhand, the man’s face contorted with shame.9960666f6f391b94

The Duke silently observed the man’s change for a while before finally speaking.840fdb795fb52176

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“Sven Joliac.”a8b278f3d52a8a29

“Yes, yes!”713df43cba8bfce4

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“Did I not instruct you to teach the basics of swordsmanship and simple self-defense techniques to protect your own body?”005a71f45ad37ae1

“Yes, you instructed me to teach basic swordsmanship and simple self-defense techniques, Your Grace.”fc9bd1eed2a25e02

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“That’s right. But why did you go ahead and do something I didn’t ask you to do?”7e6166b78541caa8

Thud!5d862b3cbcb60cba

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“Ouch!”6ee34e44f4c0a309

Once again, the 08e4338fd1 Duke delivered a 72d8e512fc backhand to the 02a57817c8 man, this time 2086ea26a4 on the opposite 9248190c24 cheek.9a324e5f4a9f0ea4

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The man, now 409e193f0f more visibly shaken 4966338f40 than before, struggled 49e86220e7 to stand upright cf9e921355 with his swollen 0413f2c346 face.fe0dd79488c3b5a3

“Give me your explanation.”d892e489694f58eb

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The Duke spoke in 84e92be076 a menacing tone that 5ca7c5c456 seemed to allow room 4f90ec4d96 for an explanation, but 24b7d7f06a in reality, it was d535c2dbd4 quite different.464cbc0d1d0b2c13

“W-What happened is something all apprentice knights go through!”b94bbd060a7acd23

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Realizing that further lies wouldn’t work, the man hastily responded.d1308c6cf19b6d81

“Even when I was an apprentice, I learned by taking hits from my mentor. That way, when I become a full-fledged knight, I’ll was able accustomed to the weight of armor, and I also learn how to handle myself in difficult situations when dealing with superiors…”08b95581bf878784

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“…”c482b498438e134d

“Your Grace, you, too, were raised strictly by the former Duke, were you not…?”e7961a7bfe09e2db

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“That’s right.”24e030e6305bdbca

The Duke nodded calmly.11bd184a1feb12a2

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“I, too, learned by being beaten like a beast under a strict father.”84c90eb2064becb9

“Y-Yes!”68f742d2ad1434c2

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A glimmer of hope flickered on Sven’s face.882ceb4feacf4f81

“That’s why! With the heart of a strict father, a strict mentor! Never harboring ill intentions…”73ed124aaca6ce36

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“So, I wanted my son to learn only the basics.”2514e9698272baf5

“Uh… Yes?”76f849d347618caa

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“If I wanted to make a knight, why would I take someone like you as a mentor? I would have taught him myself.”b7b1b4fb2c32e7f6

“Y-Your Grace!”c81e87dcea66fdaf

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Upon the Duke’s cutting words, the man’s pupils shook in bewilderment.1012b132ac9fb6a1

However, it didn’t end there.fd2ddb66589e5356

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“Discipline? Social skills when dealing with superiors? Why does the heir of a duke need such things?”475c7d715b8889a4

“…”bfc78324a1a14e53

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“With just a flick of a finger, those who will unsheathe their swords and strike the enemy are plenty.”b192172bf31e70ec

“…”6cd17dae39da54e8

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“Do you need only a sword? Of course, you would need a shield as well. Jumping in, wielding a sword in place of me, Joliac Sven, facing a sword on behalf of the Duke.”29bafcb5ca4dcacd

“Ugh…!”94b40acc678185b9

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In that moment of confusion, 40d2a3b60b Sven suddenly raised his head.2638323a6843dc40

Perhaps because his 287224d550 shortcomings were exposed.99f599613c49ce1e

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The man, who until 17dcd428f0 recently had a particularly bea9068cd4 abject expression, suddenly glared c73270d05b fiercely at the Duke.33fee043247f2f1f

“…So, that’s how it is.”0ea5d66c27eacc86

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Even though I couldn’t understand why such a despicable person became Edwin’s mentor.2d54ff2d1951fe81

There was a 7db5715a09 hidden story like 78db4afb9f this.2f64cbb3767c97bf

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“Your achievements, among what you’ve accomplished, that was the only thing worthwhile. It’s a pity.”efd94d4658e0e3fa

“Y-Your Grace!”6b07354650877764

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“A man who can’t teach even the basic swordsmanship doesn’t deserve a place in the Duke’s manor.”07401caa3474c8f0

The Duke concluded the discussion.5f35fa139115e436

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“I won’t put you in prison out of my last bit of mercy, so pack your things and leave.”e9a6b4df6cb396b3

“I-It cannot be like this, Your Grace!”cea5163d56d9c01a

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With bloodshot eyes, 202bf399c4 the man shouted f6b27ea148 vehemently.6a75bc9b8ef0e4dc

“Do you not know how loyal I have been to you! I lost my foot to save you and retired!”fe167ea8c6a5939d

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“That’s why I must have given you an opportunity.”43f926cc6624af5c

“Kicking me out just for practicing a little swordplay during class…!”9330143cb9e564bb

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“Then would you prefer being sent to the court as an accused child abuser and aristocrat assailant?”fcf9c167b31d649a

“…”a26acc2552a1ffa9

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The man, who had been 7fcd2f2413 shouting until now, finally shut 3f019c8a78 his mouth.cc4b209dce3a9165

Leaving the man who 58876d3389 stared defiantly at them, 6dbfdc9edb the Duke turned around 69ecc8929c without hesitation.64761b47c6069fe6

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“Edwin.”b5a5f9dc3e17fdbd

At the low call, Edwin 014a9e5935 immediately followed behind his father.36990b0f1593587d

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They walked towards 080f421e00 me, who was b73255d7cc still lying in b46ecb61d5 an unfortunate state.3f703a6399fd0c6c

“Belze.”b893cd7c41b7c642

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Without hesitation, the 3505f04aaa Duke bowed and 3182aea461 carefully lifted me 21f94d6d8a in his arms.01509031c5a4c49f

“Seeing such a sight as soon as I bring you home, it’s unbearable.”cd7286802a0c3b13

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I retorted to those words.a54f54b3847ae145

“Oh, no. I’m okay. Really…”d443a0b75fb048f7

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“Thank you.”aeb02d744d5abc4f

At the next words, b2cb0cb78e I held my breath.d8428abf773a1bce

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“Even though you recently went through a big ordeal and must have been terrified…”53b2b74eedd21506

“…”ca99d0f94c668447

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“Still, I’m thankful for saving Edwin.”2e6c25012cd45ea7

“…”8c0d3f9b8c71f19c

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“It’s strange. There always seems to be something to be thankful for to you. Like with Joshua’s matter.”c7b88414ee1ed888

“Your Grace…”f9cdc41cf591790b

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“Maybe you’re the blessing that the goddess granted our family.”91ddb0e799dd9487

With a faint smile, the 87bf794a04 Duke murmured like a joke.3505c05aa836fb13

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But to me, those words were something I couldn’t easily accept.f6601768eed27816

“Ugh…”33aeee0e53192b31

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The suppressed sob resurfaced a81c03c68d at his words.2b67aacfa8d500a2

‘Is that so? Do you really think 16750644ee that way?’18dce445a3f12f69

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In this life, 384b5fc2d9 am I really ffda0830d4 able to be 7889b4197a of help to f333a5fc67 these people, even d594e0fbf7 a little?2ea8c3be8205e5ba

“Oh, no. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”a31ae220f2936ee9

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The Duke looked 96eab6aa17 at me with eb1918062f a puzzled expression 7fbb4abf0b at my sobbing.e08b079ea4bf5697

At that moment,4da7b29889e074ae

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“Liam Kalios! I became a cripple because of you!”b6c77713899c84e7

Someone rushed quickly behind 49c7cb55c1 the Duke.dba214a533275500

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Flash.f0b9478e7f40ba45

A sharp blade gleamed like 50aa88961d a flash.6d061bdd6696ac8e

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“Die—!”b333fd6de51d49dd