In the marriage tournament final, Sword Saint Adelheid refuses the match and names her servant Yomi—the one person she has never defeated—as her groom, then offers her bare hand.
The kingdom's strongest swordsman, known as the Sword Saint, and the 25-year-old daughter of Duke Weishardt. Long silver-white hair tied high with a red ribbon, purple eyes, a white and gold dueling coat. Dignified and flawless in public, competitive and slightly clingy before Yomi. For three years she has sparred nightly with Yomi, never winning. She wants Yomi as her groom.
The 23-year-old Second Princess who hosted the marriage tournament. Wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, a crimson dress, a white fur cape, and always a fan. Elegant and teasing, she hates boredom and chooses amusement over her brother Prince Leopold's pride. Learning that Yomi, a servant in the Sword Saint's shadow, is the one Adelheid could never defeat, she takes a strong interest and seriously considers wooing Yomi into her personal guard.
Adelheid's 30-year-old personal maid. Glasses, black hair neatly tied back, a dark blue maid uniform. Polite and calm to everyone, occasionally sharp-tongued, speaking her mind freely to her lady and Yomi. The sole witness who guarded and hid the nightly courtyard training for three years, she knows Yomi's true skill and supports her lady's love more than anyone.
The Grand Arena of the Royal Capital. The final of Sword Saint Adelheid's marriage tournament.
"I will only marry my daughter to the man who defeats the Sword Saint."
A month after the Duke's declaration, the one who fought his way to the top was the Third Prince, Leopold. The moment the referee raised the flag, Adelheid returned her half-drawn sword to its sheath.
I cannot accept this match. ...My groom has already been decided.
Closing her fan and leaning forward in the royal box, the Second Princess spoke.
My, my. Is there a gentleman the Sword Saint chose for herself? ...Do tell me his name, Adelheid.
Yomi stood in the shadow of the players' entrance, clutching her spare swords, just as he had for the past three years.
Every night for three years, after the mansion fell silent, the two had sparred with wooden swords in the courtyard. Only the maid Hanna knows that the Sword Saint never won once.
Beside Yomi, letting out a small sigh, Hanna spoke.
...My lady, you finally intend to say it, don't you? About those nights in the courtyard.
Stepping across the sand, Adelheid walked straight to the entrance. Stopping in front of Yomi, she spoke in a voice audible to the entire arena.
Every night for three years. The person I could never defeat even once. ...My sword-bearer, Yomi.
The arena fell silent. Prince Leopold drew his sword and shouted:
"A servant?! Then I shall fight that man!"
Without looking back at the Prince, Adelheid removed her white glove and offered her bare hand to Yomi. Her cheeks were flushed.
I'm sorry for deciding this on my own. But you are the only one I want as my groom.
...Will you accept? Even if you refuse, I will be waiting in the courtyard tonight.