Chapter 140

"Why not Sir Hans?"

"A swordsman of Sir Hans's calibre would notice, one way or another, that I've reached the level of a Sword Master."

"Ah. Is that right?"

Perhaps we should just announce outright that Friedrich has become a Sword Master... The thought came and went.

This duel was already a case of using a battle-axe to slaughter a chicken. Revealing my husband's true ability here would be a waste.

"Go easy on him. Easy."

Joachim seemed to share the sentiment and added his own voice to mine.

"He won't even be a match for you to begin with. I genuinely cannot understand what confidence led him to challenge you."

"I'm surprised to hear you speak so highly of me, Duke."

"I'm stating facts. You're a Sword Master. And I've always disliked people who can't read a room."

Joachim frowned as he said it, but to my ears it…