As far back as I could recall, Reina had always possessed a tender, compassionate soul.
That softness had become her greatest burden. As the eldest daughter of the ducal line, she lacked the sharp cunning and merciless edge demanded by noble intrigue. She endured constant harassment from her siblings and distant kin, eventually losing her rightful claim as the primary heir to the next Duke title. Because of her gentle disposition, the First Wife's faction had steadily eroded over the years, relentlessly squeezed by the rival wives.
Just as those bitter recollections surged through my thoughts, one colossal red orc hurtled backward like a living projectile.
It smashed straight through the reinforced viewing glass with a thunderous **CRASH**, slamming into the opposite wall and carving a deep crater in the stone.
My eyes flew wide in stunned disbelief as I whipped my head around.
This time, unmistakable hesitation flickered across the remaining orcs' faces. They instinctively retreated several paces, weapons trembling.
Reina remained utterly serene in the heart of the arena, not a single bead of sweat on her brow.
A soothing, rosy radiance suddenly bathed my shredded knuckles.
I glanced downward.
Lady Akari had knelt gracefully beside me. With refined precision she channeled Cherry Blossom Restoration Magic — an exceptionally rare and potent healing art. Delicate pink petals shimmered into existence around my hand, gently knitting the jagged gashes while dulling the pain. Because of our massive height difference, even on her knees she still towered over me, her enormous breasts brushing lightly against my arm as she worked.
I stood utterly speechless.
Below in the arena, the battle turned into a one-sided slaughter.
Reina became a graceful storm of motion. Her wooden training katana blurred through the air, each precise swing carrying devastating force. Orc after orc was hurled backward like ragdolls — bodies crashing into one another, weapons flying from shattered grips, the entire frontline collapsing in a wave of broken armor and stunned roars. She never once raised her true blade. The wooden sword alone proved more than enough.
Within moments the thousand red orcs lay scattered across the floor in a perfect circle of defeat. The survivors dropped to their knees, heads bowed in total submission.
A low, unified chant rose from their throats:
"We surrender… to the Lady of the Blade."
Reina lowered her weapon, breathing steady, not a drop of sweat on her brow. She offered them a gentle nod of acknowledgment.
I watched it all in stunned silence.
My frown deepened.
Without a word, I turned, pressed the folded yukata into Lady Akari's hands, and walked out of the room. The door slid shut behind me with a soft click.
I left without saying anything at all.
Back inside the dimly lit Information Gathering Hall, I stormed through the corridors until I reached my grandfather's private office.
I slammed the door open with enough force to rattle the ancient maps on the walls.
Lord Valerian Nightshade looked up from his desk, one silver eyebrow arched in mild amusement. "What's gotten into you, boy?"
"It's the succession," I said, voice tight. "I've been pouring resources and intelligence into supporting the fourth wife's eldest son for the next Duke position. Everything was going smoothly — until the First Wife's faction started complicating things. And now my big sister's sudden display of power has thrown the entire balance into chaos."
The old spymaster leaned back, eyes narrowing. "And?"
Before I could answer, a crystal orb on the desk flared to life with an urgent red glow. A subordinate's voice crackled through it, strained and urgent.
"Young Master… urgent report. The Third Prince has just announced his arrival at the ducal estate tomorrow. He intends to formally break off the engagement with Lady Reina."