The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

It seems they just want to know whether the facts of a certain matter are true or not.

It must be said that this is a rather good sign.

After all, compared to the duke's aggressive tone just now, these words were much more polite.

Of course, being polite is one thing.

You'd better be careful with your answers...

Kiana pondered for a moment, then slowly raised her head and looked at Felix, only to find him looking at her with a worried expression.

It seems like they're afraid of making themselves clear?

"This guy... was trying to claim credit?"

Looking at Felix's expression, Kiana roughly realized why he had specifically reminded her to show the letter to the Duke: he was preparing to explain the bloody battle with the Demon Whale from his own perspective.

But how does he intend to prove it?

"I don't intend to deny this."

Kiana chuckled softly.

After all, if Felix hadn't specifically come over to remind him, he really wouldn't have gone looking for trouble with that demonic whale.

"Hmm? She...could she be saying?"

Felix frowned, his eyes flickering as he stared intently into Kiana's eyes, seemingly trying to glean some clue from those beautiful blue eyes.

“Miss Kiana is right. Your Grace, Duke…”

After a moment of silence, Felix finally chose to agree.

"Oh, I see. That's good then."

Upon hearing Felix's words, the Duke smiled with satisfaction, seemingly pleased with Felix's supposed cooperation.

After all, no matter what, the battle to annihilate the Demon Whale was partly due to the efforts of our own people.

"Welcome to my mansion."

After a moment of silence, Karlsten finally released his hand and said gently:

"Miss Kiana, thank you again for your contributions to the kingdom. If possible, I hope you will continue to do so."

Upon hearing this, Kiana fell silent: "..."

Seeing that Kiana didn't answer the Duke's question but instead fell silent, Felix felt a surge of anxiety. He quickly tried to say something, but before he could speak, the Duke interrupted him:

"Felix, I understand the situation. Here's what we'll do. Go back and rest. I'll send someone to inform you at dinner time. Remember, you must deliver a detailed report to me as soon as possible."

Duke Karlsten said earnestly.

"Yes, Your Grace."

Despite having many doubts, Felix responded respectfully.

After watching Felix leave, Kiana finally turned her attention back to the Duke.

"What is the Duke's purpose in doing this?"

Kiana looked at the Duke in front of her with some confusion, her mind filled with countless questions.

"Don't worry too much, I just want to get to know you."

Duke Karlsten remained calm, showing no sign of smiling.

“Felix seems to have helped you, which is a bit of a surprise to me. However, I didn’t see the information we were expecting, so, Miss Kiana, could you repeat what you saw so that I can see clearly what’s going on?”

The duke's eyes suddenly hardened, as if he wanted to know the truth.

"Oh, I see..."

Kiana nodded.

She then recounted everything she had seen while hunting the demon whale outside the city.

After listening to her story, the Duke stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Is that all there is to it?"

After a moment, she began to think: "What a disappointment, but... it seems that what he's been bragging about lately isn't all lies?"

With this in mind, Duke Karlsten nodded and once again expressed his welcome to Kiana.

Of course, while welcoming him, the duke did not forget to raise questions about the doubts raised in the report.

The main focus, of course, is the demonic bear that appeared later.

Duke Karlsten claimed he had never seen a similar magical beast, but Felix brought back the remains of a magical bear.

This alone puzzled her: "Did that bear appear out of nowhere? Oh, please have a seat."

"That's right. What's wrong?"

Kiana lifted her skirt and then gracefully sat down opposite the Duke, facing him directly.

"The appearance of this giant bear is quite unbelievable? I don't think it's particularly strange to find a few magical beasts in the wild..."

Hearing her succinct judgment, Duke Karlsten simply smiled, and then began to explain to this outsider of unknown origin but with formidable strength:

"Heh, the Demon Whale is no gentle kitten. If you've been paying attention, you'll remember there weren't any magical beasts around it, right?"

"Huh? Hmm..." Kiana pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Indeed, no."

Do you know why?

Duke Karlsten stood up, went to the French windows, and looked around at the city she had always dreamed of: "The way of survival among monsters is the most bloody law of the jungle."

As a beast created by the Gluttonous Witch, the Demon Whale would not allow humans, demi-humans, or even wild beasts to roam around it.

To put it simply, if any living thing gets close, its ultimate fate is death, without exception.

It's a bit cruel, but it also conforms to the law of the jungle.

This was Kiana's first thought, but a moment later she saw a hint of displeasure in Duke Karlsten's eyes.

"The Duke seems quite dissatisfied with their way of life?"

Upon hearing Kiana's question, Duke Karlsten slowly turned around, his white-gloved hand resting on the hilt of his sword: "I simply have a natural hostility toward the kingdom's enemies."

Anyone who stands in my way or attempts to harm this country is my enemy and must be eliminated.

If Kiana does the same, then I will take corresponding measures as well.

"But if you choose to help me, then...we'll be comrades in the same front. Do you understand what I mean?"

As soon as he finished speaking, an invisible sense of oppression came over him.

Kiana gradually realized that the reason the other party had been so tough earlier was so that it would be easier to poach her now?

So here comes the question...

"So, does that mean I have to give you an answer?" Kiana released her grip and asked coldly.

If Miracles Had Colors (re0): Chapter 47 - Unable to Defeat the Allied Duke

Duke Crusch Karsten, a dignified woman dressed as a man with long, dark green hair and slender, amber eyes.

In order to avoid being a mere mediocre noblewoman or swordsman, she decided to abandon her female identity and vowed to live her whole life dressed as a man.

He usually wears military uniforms, with a long sword at his waist, and his long green hair is tied into a butterfly with a white ribbon, giving him a sharp impression of being like a blade and awe-inspiring righteousness.

Although he has a gentle face, his temperament makes his lips and expressions mostly serious, thus giving people a capable impression.

Upon first seeing this person, Kiana realized that he was a strong-willed individual with a strong sense of self and a deep-seated obsession with certain things.

I remember hearing Felix's assessment of the Duke when we spoke before.

She is the head of the Karlsten family, which has long supported the royal family of Lugnica. She is a talented heroine who inherited the family business at the young age of seventeen. She is also the most powerful candidate among the five candidates for the throne of the 42nd king, who will determine the future of the kingdom.

A leader born into a position of power and prestige is highly respected in the kingdom.

The Karlsten family has been loyal to the Lugnica royal family for generations, and in a country where the royal bloodline has been severed, they are among the nobles closest to the royal class.

At the same time, she is also a strong competitor to Emilia.

After all, he is one of the five contestants.

So in the end, she can say that she will definitely have to compete with Emilia.

"If you choose to pledge allegiance to me, I can provide whatever you need, and perhaps even more."

Karlsten's gaze was firm and her tone was calm, perfectly embodying the image of a strong woman.

Although what he said wasn't exactly elegant or impressive.

However, the duke's words were extremely imposing due to his charismatic demeanor.

Kiana couldn't help but wonder if this was an innate habit of her status as a duke.

If it were an ordinary person, they would probably have succumbed to this carrot-and-stick invitation at this moment and obediently knelt down to become a loyal knight.

but...

"I do not need."

Kiana, dressed in a magnificent gown, shook her head and quite decisively declined the Duke's invitation.

A look of surprise appeared on Karlsten's face.

This method of rejection is almost nonexistent across the entire continent.

In most people's eyes, their invitation is nothing short of a golden medal, and anyone with a brain would know how to choose it.

Whether out of politeness or for any other reason, this gold medal should not be refused.

No nobleman is an exception.

but...

Kiana refused, and refused outright, which was simply incomprehensible. What was the reason behind this? Did this person have a mind far beyond that of an ordinary person, able to resist such temptation?

"Is this what you truly believe?"

"Yes."