The sixth prince, who had been executed in the kingdom after being betrayed by the trusted saint, was reincarnated and, in order to seek revenge, became engaged once again to the neighboring kingdom’s “Guillotine Princess.” As a result, he was adored and lived happily.

“I win,” I declared as my saber touched Glen’s throat.

“No… not yet!” Glen protested.

“Just a slight movement, and I’ll pierce your throat,” I warned.

He probably intended to say something like, “It’s not over yet” or “I haven’t lost yet.” However, I had no intention of engaging in drawn-out battles or repeated clashes until he admitted defeat.

Even if he refused to acknowledge his loss, I would keep the saber at the ready, ready to strike the moment he moved.

“Let me make something clear. Losing you might be regrettable for Princess Abigail’s camp, but that’s it. If you’d rather become an enemy, it’s better to settle it here,” I stated.

Glen must have understood that I was serious. He glared at me, and there was a hint of resignation in his azure eyes.

“Lord Gustave, this is against the rules! In this match, anything other than a ‘sudden stop’ is not allowed, is it?” Claire protested.

“That’s why it’s a sudden stop,” I replied.

Claire’s protest continued, but I was abiding by the rules. However, if this man made a move, he would break those rules.

But really, were the ones who had attempted to use this match as an opportunity to eliminate me with a claymore in the first place in a position to make such objections? Well, at least Glen hadn’t said anything.

“Now… we’ll have to keep it like this for a while. Since we’re here, might as well indulge me in a conversation,” I suggested.

Glen remained silent.

“I’m curious… why do you reject the fact that I am Princess Abigail’s fiancé so vehemently?” I had been questioning this since our first encounter. Being the sixth prince of the Valrois Kingdom could be one reason, but I had a feeling it went beyond that.

At first, I considered the possibility that Glen had feelings for Princess Abigail, but that wasn’t quite it… or maybe it was, to some extent. However, there seemed to be more to it, especially when considering his sister Claire’s unwavering loyalty to the princess.

Well, it didn’t matter.

“Naturally, you don’t intend to answer, do you?” I shrugged as I watched Glen fall silent.

Everyone has something they can’t yield on, and sometimes, even to close ones, there are things they can’t say.

Even in death, I would likely take the secret of living a second life to the grave, even from Princess Abigail herself.

“…Just one thing.”

“Hmm?”

“Just tell me one thing. You’re the illegitimate child born to a servant, the useless sixth prince. Your engagement with Princess Abigail was nothing more than a pawn in a political game.”

He was really letting it all out with his questions. It was true, so I couldn’t deny it, but Glen’s words seemed to have touched a nerve with Princess Abigail, as her crimson eyes were filled with an unmistakable anger.

“For you, Princess Abigail should be nothing more than a political marriage partner, someone you have no feelings for whatsoever. Yet, you behave as if you’re interested in her.”

Ah, I see.

This man believes that I’m deceiving Princess Abigail and will eventually bring her unhappiness.

That’s why he wants to eliminate me to prevent her from being hurt.

…It’s frustrating, but he’s partly right.

In my first life, I was abandoned by the kingdom, came to the Empire in despair, failed to notice her feelings, and ended up meeting that fate on that day…

But…

“My name is Gustave. I didn’t come to the Empire because I was sold by the kingdom. I willingly abandoned the Valrois name and chose to stand by Princess Abigail’s side as one of the Strasbourg. Everything about me, all my feelings… since that day, they’ve all been dedicated to her.”

That’s right. Everything is for Princess Abigail.

To continue from that day…

“Whether you admire Princess Abigail or hate me as much as you want, there’s one thing I won’t let anyone deny… No, I won’t let anyone in the world deny these feelings.”

I placed my hand on my chest and calmly but firmly conveyed it.

My feelings for Princess Abigail.

“I see…”

Glen muttered, then turned his gaze to the sky.

I couldn’t tell what he was thinking at this moment. But his eyes seemed to be fixed on something.

As if he were reporting to someone…

And then…

“…I admit defeat in this match.”