The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

Kiana's answer was consistent with her personality.

Do you know what your answer means?

The Duke's questioning was similar.

However, Kiana shrugged and spoke in a nonchalant tone:

"What you're trying to say is that if I don't accept your invitation, it would be disrespectful to you, right?"

"Heh... I do hope you can respect me, but the reality is you're not willing to. So what can I do?"

Karlsten gave a wry smile and shook her head. She didn't know why, but she always felt that the girl in front of her was a bit strange. She seemed to have goodwill towards her, but also seemed to have hostility.

But there are plenty of people who are hostile to her, so where does her hostility come from?

"If you have nothing else to say, I'll take my leave now."

Are you just planning to leave like this?

Seeing Kiana stop and turn around, Duke Karlsten asked in a cold voice.

She is a proud person and never tolerates being looked down upon by others.

Now, she seems to be somewhat influenced by this girl named 'Kiana', and has even developed a slight sense of dissatisfaction, and even wants to defeat her. However, after thinking about it carefully, she suddenly feels that her thoughts are somewhat absurd and ridiculous.

With my current strength, how could I possibly be a match for this little girl?

Thinking about this, she couldn't help but feel a little ashamed and annoyed.

"What do you want to do?" Kiana raised an eyebrow and asked, not afraid of what the Duke might do.

This duke is the recognized heir to the throne and a duke with formidable fighting prowess.

Although she was not a member of the royal family, she believed that any duel should be conducted fairly and squarely, otherwise it would damage her prestige as a candidate for the throne.

As for a real, hard-fought battle...

That's nothing short of a fool's dream.

Therefore, her previous tough stance was merely a cover-up for her own weakness.

Fortunately, it's alright.

The ruler doesn't have time to fight a duke right now.

"I just want to remind you not to forget that the royal family is a powerful organization in the capital. I will remain vigilant towards you and other nobles. I hope you won't disappoint me. If you dare to do anything irrational, I will definitely not let you off the hook!"

Kiana curled her lip in disdain; that threat sounded really childish.

“I know, but I don’t think I need your warning, and I don’t want your words to affect my mood. You don’t need to waste your breath here. I just want to say that I’m not buying it, and I don’t think you have any ability to stop me.”

She retorted without backing down.

Duke Karlsten was speechless, unable to find any words to refute him.

Kiana's strength is indeed extraordinary, and her combat skills are superb. What she just said is quite troublesome.

"Um..."

Duke Karlsten hesitated for a moment, then seemed to relent as if in agreement: "You are indeed an interesting person, but unfortunately you cannot be of use to me. However, since you cannot be my subordinate, surely you can be my ally?"

Having said that, the duke slowly extended his hand, revealing a rather gentle smile...

...

At the banquet hosted by the Duke of Karlsten, people came and went.

The hall was packed with guests, and many dignitaries brought their families to greet the numerous nobles.

This gathering included not only high-ranking members of the royal family and noble children, but also some members of the royal family's collateral branches and members of the noble guards. The main figure this time was Duke Keitel Karlsten, one of the candidates for the throne.

Kiana was still wearing that gorgeous black dress, her figure was graceful and captivating, and she was particularly dazzling among the many nobles.

Even overshadowing the Duke who was leading the way.

"Look, isn't that Duke Karlsten? And who's behind her...?"

"Yes, it's so beautiful!"

"But that person behind me... white hair? How come they're the same as that candidate named Emilia..."

Amidst the commotion, Duke Karlsten slowly raised his hand, silencing the crowd and indicating that he had something to announce.

If Miracles Have Color (re0): Chapter 48 Blood Splattered on the Banquet Site

Instantly, all eyes in the room turned to her.

"Please be quiet, everyone."

Duke Karlsten gestured for everyone to be quiet, and then asked Felix to step forward.

"Duke Karlsten, what do you have to announce?"

"Yes, please announce your decision as soon as possible."

"Yes, Duke Karlsten, is there anything you'd like to say?"

The guests at the banquet, seeing that the famous knight seemed to have something to announce, gathered around him.

Felix, who was standing in front of Duke Karlsten, cleared his throat and then turned his gaze to Kiana.

"I, Felix Argyle, on behalf of Lady Crusch, have some announcements. Regarding the candidate Emilia, Lady Crusch feels..."

As soon as Duke Karlsten finished speaking, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

The noblemen present all showed expressions of shock.

They never expected that Duke Karlsten would invite another candidate's guardian knight to the banquet.

This is quite a show of respect for that candidate.

Of course, the most bizarre thing is that the two sides intend to reach an alliance?

"A defensive alliance was formed because of their joint hunting of beluga whales?"

"What kind of strategy is this?"

"Who knows what the big shots are thinking? Anyway, the five forces have now been reduced to four, right?"

A group of noblemen whispered amongst themselves, but they all knew their status and could not speak carelessly.

"Kiana...Kiana..."

Seeing that the atmosphere was alright, Duke Karlsten gently called Kiana's name a few times, but she did not respond.

This puzzled her. Was it the sudden announcement that startled her, or something else?

So she called out a few more times.

But this time, Kiana still didn't react.

Duke Karlsten was starting to get anxious.

She couldn't help but look at Felix standing beside her, hoping she could remind her.

Felix was in a difficult position. Although he wanted to remind Kiana directly, everyone was watching.

If he speaks publicly, it would be tantamount to revealing what His Majesty the Duke wanted to say in private.

But Kiana, like a hunter who has spotted its prey, remains completely silent.

He didn't know what to do.

He could only return the duke's pleading gaze.

The master and servant stared at each other blankly, which made the atmosphere quite chilly.

And at this crucial moment...

"Lady Kiana, were you perhaps frightened by the scene—?"

Just then, Duke Karlsten asked softly.

She thought her words had an effect, but the other party still didn't react at all.

Oh, to be precise, it's an answer.

Because Kiana's response to her urging... was to draw her sword directly?

As the Flame King Sword was drawn, all the guests present were instantly dumbfounded and stunned.

They never expected that this beautiful girl would dare to draw her sword in front of the Duke.

This is defying the Duke's orders!

No wonder the Duke called her a 'brave and fearless warrior'; she truly is fearless!

Even Felix, who was standing to the side, was stunned. He hadn't expected that this girl would actually dare to draw her sword, especially in front of everyone!

This is a big problem, after all, her strength is undeniable, and such actions are far more threatening than mere verbal provocation.

"How could you draw your sword?" Duke Karlsten asked in astonishment, completely unprepared for the lady's presumptuous act.

"The guests over there."

Kiana did not respond to the Duke's question, but instead decisively pointed her sword at the group of guests.

"Please step forward and identify yourselves. I suspect..."

Her eyes were sharp, and her tone was calm, as if she were issuing an ultimatum to a group of enemies who were far more dangerous than they could possibly be: "You are cultists of witches!"

Witch cultist? !

As soon as this word came out, the audience was silent.

Everyone turned their attention to the dozens of guests standing together.

Their attire was conventional, typical of royal nobles.

However, their expressions were very stiff.

Their faces were expressionless, and their eyes were empty and lifeless.

They didn't answer Kiana's question, nor did they refute it, and they didn't even use any body language.

Upon seeing this, the guests present immediately understood.