The noble sons continued to think this way.
Under such circumstances, the fact that the prince of the Ragna Empire was willing to challenge Shien was undoubtedly a good thing for them.
As a result, even princes from other countries appeared in various corners, watching the scene unfold.
“Do you think Harvis can win?”
“I think his chances are high.”
“So what if that adventurer-turned-viscount has the strength to defeat the [Assassination Branch]?”
“The Ragna royal family is also descended from the Hero, just like the Mitra royal family. Although Harvis didn’t inherit the Empire’s replica Holy Sword, and his talent isn’t as good as his missing sister’s, he’s already twenty-four years old. In terms of level alone, he shouldn’t be lower than his seventeen-year-old Valkyrie sister.”
“I remember last year, when he participated in the Empire’s hunting competition, his level was already seventy-five, right?”
“No, it’s said that his level had already reached seventy-seven at that time.”
“He was only twenty-three years old then, right?”
“As expected of a direct descendant of the Hero.”
“Yes, although there’s a gap between him and the Kingdom’s treasure and the Empire’s Valkyrie, he’s still much stronger than some random adventurer-turned-noble, right?”
“Let’s see. Let Harvis test that viscount’s strength.”
“That’s right.”
These princes discussed among themselves, showing their interest in this duel.
Harvis, without taking off his ceremonial attire, carried a very eye-catching broadsword, looking quite imposing.
Wolram was egging him on from the side.
“Teach him a lesson, Your Highness.” Wolram said, as if he couldn’t wait to take the stage himself. “Let him know that there are people in this world he can’t compare to. Compared to Your Highness, a true descendant of the Hero, his strength is nothing.”
Wolram acted very supportive of Harvis.
However, Harvis glanced at Wolram.
“You don’t have to instigate me.” Harvis said with a smirk. “I know you want me to suppress that viscount so you can use the Raifurut family’s influence to pressure him into handing over the genius you’re interested in.”
The smile on Wolram’s face froze, but he quickly recovered.
“Nothing can escape Your Highness’s notice.” Wolram shrugged and said frivolously, “Those old geezers in the Empire keep saying that you’re not as good as Princess Capeline, but in my opinion, in terms of intelligence and mental fortitude, you’re much better than Princess Capeline, who only has fighting Princess Lucy on her mind.”
This was the truth.
Unlike Lucy, who was always thought to be the heir to the throne, Capeline didn’t have as many supporters in the Empire as people imagined.
Firstly, Capeline’s style was too strong and upright, which wasn’t something many nobles appreciated, and it was difficult for her to gain their favor. Therefore, in the Empire, many people only saw Capeline as a powerful expert, not as the future empress.
Secondly, Capeline didn’t spend time on interpersonal relationships, valuing only her own strength, and her only goal was to defeat Lucy, making many people think that the Empire’s Valkyrie was difficult to approach.
Compared to Capeline, Harvis was not only intelligent, but also humble and approachable, like a spring breeze. He had good relationships with many nobles in the Empire, and his own strength wasn’t bad either. Even if he wasn’t as good as Capeline, he was still much stronger than ordinary noble sons.
Therefore, almost everyone in the Imperial royal family regarded Harvis as the next emperor. He was also the rightful first in line to the throne. In terms of supporters and influence, he was much stronger than Capeline within the Empire.
This time, it was Harvis’s own decision to participate in the Kingdom’s husband selection competition.
His purpose wasn’t necessarily to marry Lucy.
Or rather, he knew very well that with the gap between the Kingdom and the Empire, his chances of being chosen by Lucy were almost zero.
Therefore, this time, Harvis was just using this opportunity to come to the Kingdom.
No one knew his true purpose except himself.
However, one thing was certain.
That was, he was here for Shien.
“Let me test Shien Buztout’s strength first.” Harvis, ignoring Wolram’s flattery, said seriously, “As for other matters, we’ll talk about them after I’ve tested this rumored viscount.”
Wolram hadn’t yet expressed his thoughts when Rockto, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
“Be careful.” Rockto said abruptly. “He might be more complicated than we think.”
Rockto’s words stunned both Harvis and Wolram.
However, Harvis’s surprise was mixed with contemplation, while Wolram was disdainful.
“What’s so complicated? Isn’t he just an adventurer-turned-viscount?”
Wolram seemed to truly look down on Shien.
Harvis, on the other hand, became cautious and nodded.
“I’ll be careful.”
Hearing this, Rockto’s expression softened, and he also nodded.
Harvis smiled and turned around, walking onto the stage.