The Arranged Suitor Was the Kidnapper

Laria’s words caused a great stir in the surroundings.

“Another duel?”

“Against Marquis Hashir…?”

The reactions varied – some intrigued, others concerned, and some even condemning her audacity.

Regardless, all were inwardly curious.

The previous duel alone had been a spectacle, but the prospect of Laria facing off against Marquis Hashir held piqued interest.

“Marquis Hashir is sure to win, of course.”

“Indeed. He’s not just any ordinary sorcerer, but the Sorcery Office Head.”

“You never know. For her to issue such a challenge, she must have something up her sleeve.”

“The magic Lady Rohan demonstrated was remarkable as well…”

Before long, the situation progressed as if their duel had already been set.

Caught off guard by the sudden challenge, Marquis Hashir froze momentarily before gritting his teeth.

He had discerned Laria’s true identity during the third round.

Having directly clashed with her at the illegal auction house, there was no way he could fail to recognize her.

If anything, he wondered why it had taken him so long to realize it.

‘…’

He had heard that Laria Rohan had only manifested as a sorcerer a few years ago.

How could she have attained a skill level rivaling his own in such a short time?

Marquis Hashir turned his gaze toward the distant Theodore.

Blood ties truly couldn’t be deceived.

Recalling his past inability to ever defeat Theodore, his hands clenched involuntarily.

The Marquis looked back at Laria.

Having issued the challenge before everyone present, he had no choice but to accept. Offering any excuse to refuse would brand him a coward fleeing in fear.

Moreover, Laria was aware that he practiced forbidden magic.

With Rubenta Krassium now a fugitive, the Marquis felt uneasy about when his secret might be exposed.

Though he had left minimal evidence, one could never be too careful.

While he might not be able to completely destroy her before so many witnesses…

He could at least instill sufficient fear.

“Do you require any preparations? Shall I give you a few more days?”

In response to Laria’s provocation, the Marquis feigned a casual smile.

“It’s only natural to feel overconfident after your first victory.”

Lifting his chin, he asked:

“Will you have any regrets?”

“None whatsoever.”

The Marquis flinched at her nonchalant smile.

For some inexplicable reason, he felt a sense of unease, as if ensnared in a trap.

When they had concealed their identities and clashed at the illegal auction, their abilities had been evenly matched. Reassured by that, he had accepted her challenge…

Yet her audacity now seemed merely that of a naive child.

Laria must have expended considerable magic power in her three rounds against Sienna.

While she appeared unfazed for now, she would soon realize the folly of engaging in back-to-back duels without rest.

“Still, I have some misgivings about dueling a sorcerer young enough to be my daughter.”

As the Marquis made to withdraw, citing his reluctance, Laria suppressed a wry chuckle.

Those were clearly not his true sentiments.

His eyes betrayed an eagerness to dispose of Laria on the spot.

Maintaining her smile, Laria spoke:

“It has been my dream to duel the esteemed Head whom I greatly admire.”

The blatant lie flowed smoothly from her lips.

“A duel is simply a duel. I shall endure whatever may come.”

“Very well, I shall accept your request then.”

Having finally obtained his desired outcome, the Marquis turned toward the official.

Grasping the unfolding situation, the official nodded in acknowledgment.

It was at that moment:

“Laria!”

Leaping to his feet, Theodore rushed down and grabbed Laria’s arm.

“Please, I beg you to stop.”

Theodore’s voice trembled uncontrollably, his fear-stricken expression akin to one revisiting a traumatic past.

“The Marquis, he will… Laria, you will…”

“Father.”

Laria addressed him calmly.

Taking his trembling hands in hers, Theodore slowly lifted his head.

Her unwavering gaze, steadfast enough to withstand any adversity, enveloped him.

“No harm will come this time.”

In this place, Theodore had once lost everything.

His accumulated achievements, reputation, and a secure future as a sorcerer – all stripped away.

Branded with the false charge of coveting the Head’s position and delving into forbidden magic, he had been forcibly expelled from the Sorcery Office.

“This is where Father first began, after all.”

Though it hadn’t ended well, there had been a time when Theodore too had joined the Sorcery Office, brimming with youthful dreams.

“From now on, whenever you think of the Sorcery Office, you can forge new memories.”

Theodore’s expression became vacant with realization. He understood why Laria had challenged Marquis Hashir to a duel, yet couldn’t find the words.

The strength drained from their joined hands.

The past still instilled such terror within him that his body reacted before his mind could process.

Back then, he had fled, unable to endure… but now, he had people to protect.

The wavering in Theodore’s eyes gradually faded as his resolve solidified.

Taking a deep breath, as if having reached a decision, Theodore spoke:

“I respect your intentions.”

For the first time, Theodore met Marquis Hashir’s gaze without evasion, a man he had always strived to avoid.

Though the Marquis scowled upon their eyes meeting, Theodore didn’t look away.

“However, if you find yourself in danger, I won’t simply stand idly by.”

“…”

“Remember that.”

Like Laria, Theodore too could overcome the fear that had tormented him his entire life – for the sake of those most precious to him.

“I will remember.”

Upon Laria’s response, Theodore slowly withdrew.

After apologizing to the audience for his outburst, he returned to his original seat, composed – a far cry from his earlier frantic state.

Only after witnessing Semela embrace his shoulders did Laria turn away.

Before the duel commenced, Sienna exited the arena.

Laria preemptively reinforced the barrier with defensive magic, fortifying it.

‘This should suffice.’

Not only would this barrier prevent any spells from passing through, but it would also restrict entry or exit for those inside and outside. Any audience members recklessly attempting to intervene could endanger themselves.

Meanwhile, Marquis Hashir had cast his own spell, suppressing sound from leaking beyond the barrier.

Satisfied with its effective operation, the Marquis revealed his true colors.

“What method did you employ to augment your magic power?”

“Consistent practice.”

“And you expect me to believe such nonsense?”

Though Laria spoke the truth, the Marquis remained unconvinced.

A sorcerer’s innate magic power was predetermined from birth.

The earlier one manifested as a sorcerer, the greater their magic power reserves tended to be.

While rigorous training could incrementally increase one’s capacity, the extent was negligible.

Rather than attempt to prove her claim, Laria posed a counter-question.

“What did you do to Sienna?”

A sardonic smile ghosted across the Marquis’s lips.

“Is it not a parent’s duty to assist their child when they are lacking?”

He squared his shoulders, as if asserting he had committed no wrong.

“Her abilities were inadequate, so I merely boosted them… Yet she couldn’t even accept that.”

Tsk. The Marquis clicked his tongue in displeasure.

Far from concern for his unconscious daughter, his demeanor exuded dissatisfaction.

‘So this is what he calls a parent?’

While Laria had initially suspected Sienna might be the Marquis’s accomplice, one thing was certain:

Sienna hadn’t aided him of her own free will.

“Yes, with such abilities, arrogance is only natural. You even managed to undo my spell, how overconfident you must feel.”

Nodding as if in understanding, the Marquis sneered.

“But you should have considered your opponent first.”

As the Marquis raised his arm, the ground violently shook as if struck by an earthquake.

Inky black vines erupted from the floor, ensnaring Laria’s legs.

The vines bore bud-like protrusions resembling gaping maws.

A viscous liquid dripped from the open buds, immediately dissolving Laria’s clothing upon contact with a sizzling hiss.

Laria conjured a sword of magic power, slicing through the vines.

However, they relentlessly propagated, encircling and entrapping her.

Before long, the towering mass of vines concealed her from view.

Stepping closer, the Marquis addressed the vine-entombed Laria.

“It will be no fun if you falter so soon.”

Evidently, Laria’s magic power had already been significantly depleted.

Assured of his victory, the Marquis smirked.

“If you wish to surrender, simply call out.”

Of course, he had no intention of accepting her forfeit.

Pondering how best to incapacitate Laria, the Marquis cast another spell to obscure outside view…

While the Marquis was momentarily lost in thought, a faint glow seeped through the tightly woven vines.

“!”

Boom!

With a resounding sound, the vines – harder than steel – shattered into pieces.

Thumping to the ground, the debris cleared to reveal Laria, unscathed despite being trapped within.

“I had such high expectations…”

Tilting her head, Laria inquired:

“Surely, that was not your best effort?”