The Strongest Villain Sets Out: Reincarnated into a Merit-Based Clan, I Become the World's Strongest Swordsman - Chapter 14: I Challenge You to a Duel

Lucia Morgan, the youngest daughter of the Morgan ducal family who also appeared in the main story.

She had been depicted as a once-in-a-generation genius. It was said that her magical skills might even reach world-class levels.

“Good evening, Lucia-sama. I’m glad to see you.”

“Good evening. Are you Luka?”

Suddenly being called without honorifics. If that’s how you’re going to act, I won’t hold back either.

“Yeah. You knew about me, huh, Lucia.”

“! Show respect to your elders. I’m twelve. You’re still only eight.”

Glare, Lucia directed sharp eyes at me. The Duke Morgan standing beside her also glared at me.

Lucia aside, Duke Morgan had quite an imposing presence. But I had the Duke Salvatore by my side too. I lifted the corners of my mouth and smiled defiantly.

“We’re ducal houses of equal rank, right? There’s no need to show respect to someone who doesn’t show it.”

“How insolent. Getting cocky because you’re called a prodigy?”

“You’re the same. A magical genius, was it?”

“That’s right. I won’t lose to anyone. I’ll become strong and become the world’s strongest.”

“Hah. That’s too bad. The one who’ll become the world’s strongest is me.”

“…You’ve got nerve. I’ll acknowledge that fighting spirit at least.”

“Thanks. I’ll acknowledge your arrogance too.”

Crackle crackle crackle!

Intense sparks flew between Lucia and me. Then a new voice intruded.

“—As always, the two ducal houses don’t get along.”

A low voice, yet one that felt gentle.

I, Lucia, Lucius, and Duke Morgan all turned our gazes in the same direction. From the entrance of the inner palace, two short men walked toward us. I recognized their figures.

“Ymir…!”

I heard the sound of Duke Morgan grinding her back teeth. Her expression had become stern. She looked down at the two men with something like a glare.

They were indeed the last of the three great ducal houses, ‘Ymir.’ Descendants of dwarves who had once been skilled at crafting.

According to information from the original work, the Morgan and Ymir houses had apparently been on bad terms for a long time. Just like the Salvatore and Morgan houses.

“Good evening, Duke Morgan. Duke Salvatore. Are those your daughter and son?”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Luka, son of the Duke Salvatore.”

“Hmph. Good evening. I’m Lucia.”

Hmph, Lucia turned her gaze away from the Duke Ymir and greeted them with an insolent attitude.

But the Ymirs laughed without seeming particularly bothered.

“Just as I thought! The famous magical genius Lady Lucia and the prodigy Lord Luka! I wanted to meet you!”

Suddenly my hand was grasped. I was confused as it was shaken vigorously.

“This is my son Ignus. He has wonderful talent. Please get along well with him!”

“Y-yes.”

What a cheerful person. I wondered if he was like this as I searched through my previous life’s memories.

I think he was like this.

“I’m not interested in ordinary people. You just make weapons and armor, right? That’s not what I’d call talent.”

“Mm. What do you know about me? You seem to be able to use magic despite being a child yourself.”

“Huh? Are you mocking me? A mere underling who can’t even fight.”

Lucia and Ignus faced each other, creating a hostile atmosphere. The Morgan and Ymir houses really didn’t get along.

Even the children embodied the relationship between both houses.

“Now, now, Ignus. Stop that. Didn’t I teach you it’s pointless to do things that don’t make money?”

“Father… but this concerns the prestige of the Ymir house. I cannot forgive that person’s remarks!”

“That’s our line, child of Ymir. My daughter has the greatest talent. Unlike you.”

“Let them say what they want. It’s obvious which will bring more profit.”

“! You’re still as silver-tongued as ever, Ymir. Do you want to suffer from my magic again?”

“I wouldn’t mind if I could get compensation. Feel free to use violence as much as you like. That’s the Morgan way, isn’t it?”

It wasn’t just Lucia and Ignus. Duke Morgan and Ymir were also in a hair-trigger situation.

If you’re going to do it, do it outside. And I’d love for you to show me your strength.

I was thinking I might as well provoke them further—when suddenly I was grabbed by the shoulder from behind.

I had sensed the presence, but they came to me without hesitation.

When I turned my gaze back, a flaxen-haired girl was standing there. I recognized her. Far too well. Because she was…

“Yaho! You’re having fun making noise in a place like this, Luka.”

“Cornelia… Your Imperial Highness.”

Cornelia Zehabaruto.

The illustrious second princess of the Zehabaruto Empire. One of the important characters who appeared in the main story.

Why was royalty in a place like this? Normally, they should be gathered in the waiting room of the party venue or something.

To my surprise, she showed an innocent smile and said:

“You don’t need to address me so formally~ Luka is special. I’m interested in you.”

“I-interested?”

“Yeah. A talent holder the likes of which hasn’t been seen in all of history. Hehe. I’m curious.”

“In that case, I’m superior, Princess Cornelia.”

The one who cut into our conversation was Lucia, who had been fighting with Ignus until just now. With the appearance of a big shot, she’d apparently abandoned Ignus and come over here.

“You’re… the daughter of Duke Morgan, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I’m Lucia Morgan. We met at a party before.”

“Did we? Sorry, I don’t remember.”

“!”

For an instant, anger appeared in Lucia’s expression. But I had the feeling that anger was directed at me. Something like ‘I can’t forgive that only you are remembered’?

“I’m only interested in geniuses equal to or greater than myself. I don’t find Lady Lucia very appealing. If only you were as strong as Luka.”

“That is… even if you are a princess, I cannot overlook that. Are we Morgans inferior to the Salvatore house?!”

“Yeah. Actually, isn’t it true that no one can beat the Salvatore house in military might? Am I wrong?”

“Guh! Certainly the current head, Duke Lucius, holds the title of strongest. I’ll acknowledge that.”

Lucia continued with a frustrated expression.

“However! I cannot permit the evaluation that I’m inferior to Luka! Please retract that!”

“That’s what she says, Luka.”

“Why are you telling me?”

“It’s a matter between the parties involved, right?”

“…”

Doesn’t it look like you just poured oil on the fire?

But it’s not a bad situation. Since it’s a party, I thought it would be difficult to see Lucia’s true ability—to see her magic—but with this development, maybe?

With hope, yet I shook my head.

“Let’s stop the fighting. It’s in the middle of a party, right? We can’t test who’s superior here either.”

“Hehe. Then I’ll guide you to the training ground.”

Oh, she took the bait.

I grinned inwardly.

If she’s interested in me, I thought Cornelia would definitely jump on this. She intends to measure me with this opportunity, right? I’ll use that.

“Thank you, Princess Cornelia. This is perfect. Let’s make it clear once and for all who’s superior, Luka.”

She pointed sharply at my face. Both dukes were smiling as if to say “Interesting.”

And then Lucia declared:

“I challenge you to a duel.”

Here it comes.