30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 23

"...Why did this fight even start?"

It felt like they met suddenly and, without any reason, decided to fight to the death. It was a situation that escalated simply because neither wanted to lose in a contest of wills, and, in a way, it was an accident brought on by a man’s pride.

In the end... freewebnσvel.cøm

‘It’s all because of that guy.’

Ihan glared at his opponent fiercely, and the other man did the same. The face of the man who had removed his black robe had the appearance of a noble. A scar on one cheek hinted at a rough life, but it was the kind of face that would evoke sympathy from women and attract them first.

...Which made Ihan dislike him even more.

Ihan growled, and the other man growled back. It seemed ridiculous, like they were two dogs instead of people, but once they started hating each other, it was only natural for them to try to out-glare one another.

Ihan and Rach stared each other down again, their determination rising. They were ready to reach for their weapons, not just fists this time, and go all out when...

[Enough. How many times do I have to say it?]

"......"

"...I apologize."

[Ugh, knights... this is why.]

The commanding voice of an overwhelming authority was enough to suppress their fighting spirits.

"Greetings, Duke Blake."

[Finally, you acknowledge me. I didn’t expect the White Lion to be so stiff-necked.]

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you.”

[Though, it seems you're the only stiff-necked one.]

“Me? I’ve got a pretty flexible neck...”

[......]

“You insolent wretch! How dare you speak like that to His Grace!”

“I said it politely, didn’t I?”

“You bastard...!!!”

It looked like another fight was about to break out, but luckily, this time, the black-clad men grabbed Rach and held him back. Ihan smirked and sneered at Rach, who ground his teeth in frustration.

[This is giving me a headache.]

The Duke massaged his temples.

A man appeared in the mirror. It wasn’t an ordinary mirror, but a magical one, capable of reflecting the face of someone far away. Such artifacts were incredibly rare, created by only a few mages.

An artifact.

It was likely an artifact that rivaled the value of a castle.

Only a select few in the kingdom could afford such artifacts, those with both great wealth and power. And now, Ihan stood before one of those few powerful figures.

...But wasn’t he supposed to be in his sixties?

What is this?

‘I’d believe it if you told me he’s younger than I am.’

Ihan looked at him, feeling a strange sense of dread. As Ihan stared, the man opened his mouth.

[First of all, let me apologize. We were the ones who disrupted your peace.]

“Your Grace...! How can you say such a thing to a commoner? You mustn’t!”

[What must be acknowledged, must be acknowledged.]

Blake Galahad, one of the most powerful men in the kingdom of Pendraig. He was not a duke in name only; his influence was such that he could easily claim the title of king. For a man like that to apologize to a commoner was unthinkable.

This wasn’t just a matter of etiquette but a question of authority and status. The nobility had to remain untouchable and absolute.

But...

[Apologizing isn’t a flaw.]

The Duke waved his hand dismissively, as if this were no big deal, and scolded his subordinates for being overly dramatic. But in response...

“How generous you are, Your Grace...!”

“As expected of Your Grace!”

“Yes, your authority is so great that it shines simply through your presence...!”

[...Sigh.]

Their over-the-top praise made them seem like a cult worshipping a new deity, and the Duke’s sigh grew longer. It seemed excessive loyalty wasn’t always a good thing.

Watching this, Ihan had a strange expression.

‘Is this really the “psychopath killer” they talked about? ...He seems so normal.’

Sure, there was a hint of condescension in his tone, but that was a passive trait of all nobles. Nothing out of the ordinary. However, seeing this ‘sensible’ behavior gave Ihan an odd sense of unease. This didn’t feel like a madman—just a typical noble.

Doubt crept into Ihan’s mind—was this really the Blake Duke he had heard about?

[—There’s no need to doubt. I am indeed the Blake Duke you’ve heard of.]

“I... I didn’t say anything.”

Ihan muttered a weak excuse, but how could he hide anything from a seasoned politician? The Duke smirked.

[You can’t hide your insolent gaze. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about me—that I’m a madman suffering from insanity.]

“Well...”

He just said that outright?

Now Ihan was completely certain. Duke Blake wasn’t a lunatic.

At least, not right now.

In fact, he seemed to be quite reasonable, even a bit magnanimous. If this meeting had taken place under different circumstances, Ihan might have shown him more respect. He seemed like a decent person.

‘Oh, is this one of those tropes?’

The classic romance trope where the “monster duke or emperor” turns normal when they meet the heroine?

‘Is that what this is?’

Just as Ihan had that thought...

[Are you having another insolent thought?]

“...No. I was just thinking that rumors can’t always be trusted.”