The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 46. Duel proposal

Chapter 46: 46. Duel proposal

Everyone in the room raised their hands to oppose Leonhardt to hold the position except Princess Thalia.

Despite the opposition, Leo remained calm. His smirk stayed, steady and unshaken, as if the council’s objections were nothing to him.

Volkahardt made a faint smile as he scanned the room. "Alright," he said, his voice smooth and clear. "You may voice your objections." His tone carried a curiosity, as he was eager to see.

As the hands lowered, Faelar from Zarethune, spoke first. "Leonhardt may have defeated Garrik," he began, his tone thoughtful, "but one fight doesn’t prove he has what it takes to lead."

Huldrich, the Iron Leader, nodded and followed without hesitation. "Leadership demands more than a single victory," he said bluntly. "You need skill, resilience, and strategy. You’ve got a lot to prove before anyone can call you worthy."

Darius Rathur, the Gold Leader, leaned forward. "Let’s not pretend, President," he said, his eyes narrowing at Leo. "Leonhardt cheated in that duel. Everyone knows who he used to be—a weak failure. There’s no way someone like him defeated Garrik fair and square."

"And let’s not forget how he manipulated the betting racket tied to the duel. "

Leo let out a soft chuckle. "manipulated?" he asked.

"I didn’t manipulate anything, Darius. They fooled themselves."

The casual remark was delivered with such confidence that Darius hesitated, momentarily speechless. But before he could respond, Prince Cassian chimed in. "What about your behavior, Leonhardt?" he demanded, his frown deepening. "There are still complaints about your stalking and abuse. That doesn’t just vanish."

"The past is the past, Your Highness," Leo said coolly. "If there was proof of those claims, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now, would I?"

Cassian’s jaw tightened, frustration clear on his face, but before he could reply, Stigrum, the elf exchange student, spoke up with a sly smile. "That’s true," he said lightly. "But the question is, Leonhardt—can you hold your position? The council needs that answer."

Eislinde leaned forward slightly, her chin resting in her hand. Her eyes glimmered with curiosity. "I’d like to know the answer too. You’ve made an interesting entrance, Leonhardt. But staying here? That’s another challenge entirely."

Before Leo could respond, Erin Dranemount raised her hand. "Perhaps," she said calmly, "we should put Leonhardt to the test right now."

The room froze, all eyes turning to her. She didn’t flinch under the attention, continuing without hesitation. "Everyone important is already here. This is the perfect chance to clear up any doubts about Leonhardt’s leadership. Let someone challenge him to a duel, and let the council witness the result."

Eislinde’s smile widened, her interest unmistakable. "I like it," she said, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "It’s direct. And entertaining."

Huldrich nodded in agreement, his voice steady. "I’m in."

Stigrum smirked, saying, "I’m curious to see what he’s really made of."

Faelar, calm as ever, added, "A duel can reveal true character."

Princess Thalia, the only council member who hadn’t raised her hand against Leo, finally spoke. "I have no objections. It would settle the debate."

"I accept the duel," Leo said simply. "So, who will challenge me?"

Volkhardt’s gaze moved across the room as he tapped his fingers lightly on the desk. "Is there anyone here willing to test Leonhardt Caulem’s worth?"

The silence lasted only a moment before Faelar Vindis rose from his seat. "I will," he said, locking his calm, piercing eyes onto Leo. "I’d like to test your strength directly."

Leo’s smirk widened, but Mori reached out and grabbed his arm. Leaning closer, Mori whispered urgently, his voice shaky, "Leonhardt, Are you sure about this?"

Leo looked at Mori with calm curiosity. "What are you trying to say?" he asked.

Mori glanced nervously at Faelar, keeping his voice low. "Faelar fought Darius evenly before," he said. "And Garrik—Garrik didn’t even stand a chance last time Faelar challenged him. He crushed him."

Leo’s smirk stayed in place, and amusement flickered in his crimson eyes. He patted Mori’s shoulder lightly. "Don’t worry, I will take care," he said casually, turning his full attention back to Faelar.

Mori hesitated, clearly uneasy, but said nothing more.

Volkhardt tapped his fingers against the desk again, cutting through the tension. "Let’s begin," he said firmly.

Volkhardt’s fingers pulsed lightly against the polished desk, and the room began to shift. The circular table expanded outward, chairs sliding back smoothly, leaving the center of the room open. The council members adjusted automatically as the cleared space grew larger. Soon, the middle of the chamber resembled an arena.

In a blink, Leo and Faelar were teleported to the center. A transparent dome appeared around the arena, separating the participants from the spectators.

Liora stepped forward. "As per the council’s decision, Leonhardt Caulem will now prove his worth through a formal duel," she announced, her words carrying authority. "The duel will be conducted under standard council rules. It will last five minutes, and will end if one participant concedes, is rendered unable to continue, or if I, as referee, declare it over. All forms of weapon usage, including Soul Resonance, are permitted."

Faelar glanced at Leo’s empty hands and spoke evenly. "Your weapon? You can’t use Soul Resonance, can you?"

Leo’s smirk widened as he raised his hand. A sleek katana summoned into his hand, appearing in his grip with a soft glow.

The council murmured in surprise. Adrian leaned closer to Princess Thalia, his curiosity obvious. "Is that Soul Resonance?" he asked quietly.

Thalia shook her head, her gaze fixed on the weapon. "No," she replied calmly. "It doesn’t carry the energy of resonance."

"It’s just a weapon summoned from item space," Stigrum added.

Eislinde’s eyes lit up with interest, her lips curving into a slow smile. "Item space?" she murmured. "That’s rare magic. Very rare." Her gaze lingered on Leo’s katana.

Huldrich frowned slightly, crossing his arms. "What kind of blade is that?" he asked.

Faelar studied the weapon for a moment. "It’s a good blade," he admitted. His lips curved faintly into a smirk.

Leo’s smirk is unfaltering. "Your turn now," he said smoothly. "Let’s see what you’ve got."

Without hesitation, Faelar extended his hand. A burst of lightning cracked through the chamber, thunder rumbling faintly as sparks danced along his arm. A spear materialized in his grasp, its shaft glowing faintly as it hummed with power. The weapon buzzed with concentrated energy, and the tension in the room thickened.

"We don’t call it Soul Resonance," Faelar said calmly, his gaze locked on Leo. "This is Anima Concord."

The council leaned forward, captivated as the spear’s energy pulsed.

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