The Duke's Adopted Daughter

"What can you say about it Lady Louise?" King Weyman asked Louise.

Louise on the other hand lazily spoke. "No. I refuse."

The hall suddenly quite down as if a pin can be heard once it fall.

King Weyman broke it down by laughing out loud. "Hahaha. That's the first time that I heard someone rejected a challenge right away."

Isabella was shocked as well but instantly recovered and spoke.

"Oh, I'm sorry Lady Louise. I actually didn't considered if your magic is even match with mine. I apologize for suddenly issuing such a challenge." She state it as if she was giving her a face but in reality she was actually telling the coward that she was a weakling and not even match with her.

Duke Gerald almost spat his tea when he heard it. "This girl is really digging her grave."

Louise just chuckled and spoke.

"Oh, don't get me wrong. It's not that I cannot match with you but I don't even have a reason to battle with you. That would be a waste of my magic is it not?"

Isabella, though she was irritated still smiled at her.

"If that's the case then what about placing a bet? You can ask anything from me. If you win then you'll have it."

Louise then smiled which was showing on her eyes.

"If that's the case, then what about the necklace that you have? It has a good material I presume?"

Isabella suddenly stiffened. Not only her but even other nobles was well aware where did that necklace came from and this thick face lady in front of her was asking it to be a bet on their duel.

Anishina wasn't able to take it anymore and stood up from her chair and shouted.

"That necklace was given to her by none other than Prince Roland of the Green Kingdom and all of the nobles here was well aware of it. Don't make it difficult for her."

"Oh is that so? My apologies. I'm not aware of that." Louise just played dumb upon hearing Anishina. "Let's forget about the duel. I'm not interested on it to begin with."

Isabella was trying hard to maintain her composure though she was already feeling embarrassed. Suddenly, a male voice was heard from the crowd.

"Just place it as a bet." It was none other than, Prince' Roland of the Green Kingdom.

Isabella look at her but still felt indignant. The Prince just smiled at her as if they were the only present at the banquet. Louise almost rolled her eyes upon seeing it.

"But-"

"It's fine."The Prince cut her off. "The winner will take the price anyway."

The viscount's daughter just puffed her cheeks.

"Fine. But if I win, you'll have to remove your veil in front of this crowd." Isabella believe that the girl in front was just trying to act mysterious but she has the feeling that behind the veil was an ugly duckling and want it to be revealed at the crowd. "Just you wait." She silently thought.

The supposed ugly duckling then stood up from her chair and slightly smiled.

"Then, it is settled. I, Louise Von Royalle accept your challenge for the duel"