“Count Hatres?”

Eugene had never met Count Hatres. Back then, he immediately returned to Maren after hearing the news that Count Hatres had dramatically concluded his negotiations with Count Winslon. However, Eugene had heard rumors about the count. He knew that Count Hatres was a long-time loyalist of the Caylor Kingdom and was an excellent knight in charge of the capital’s defense.

‘He’s insisting on my participation, even though he should know me well?’

Eugene frowned. He had never encountered the count in person, he was a man regarded as highly resourceful by the nobles of the royal castle, as well as the holy knights. Such a man would understand Eugene to some extent, and that Eugene’s victory was guaranteed if he participated in the knight competition.

‘There’s no way he’s insisting just to try and make me look even better. Hmm, he’s up to something.’

“The count has crossed the line. Even if he is a renowned noble, how dare he meddle in the matter of Your Majesty the King? It’s not something an honorable man would do,” Madrica commented angrily. Although he was not yet comparable to Luke or Princess Lilisain, Madrica was quite a Eugenophile as well.

“There is no need for you to participate, Your Majesty. I will enter with Sir Madrica and engrave the fiery blade of Maren on everyone’s souls.” Edmund also burned fiercely with vigor.

Eugene knew that Edmund had prior experience battling against the soldiers of Count Hatres when...