To think I went back in time to the monumental day when I had first met him. The more I thought about it, the more nauseous I felt.
The great thing was that it wasn't after the engagement ceremony. Now was the best time to break the engagement without having to go through any complicated procedures.
'Just you wait, Damian. I'll blow your head off as soon as we meet.'
Hailey saw Elena cracking her knuckles while looking out the window, eyes blazing. Meanwhile, the confused maid wondered if she was the same lady she had always known.
It didn't take long to reach House Kraus' estate. When I opened my eyes, I had already entered Sarham, and the manor was so close that I could practically see it.
The large and luxurious estate was befitting of the lord of the south. It wasn't in ruins like the last time I saw it. Rather, it appeared to be a work of art, created by an outstanding sculptor who poured their heart and soul into the work.
The front gate of the manor was engraved with House Kraus' emblem, a dragon wrapped around a sword. It gave off the feeling as though a dragon was guarding the entrance.
Likewise, the knights were wearing uniforms with the family emblem on it, and guarding the main gate. They were very strong just like their master, one of the best swordsmen in the empire.
Count Kraus, the lord of the estate, was one of the only five swordmasters in the continent. Hence there was no way his soldiers were lacking in the skills department.
Now that I think about it, Damian really was some mutant. Count Kraus' son, Alphonse – obviously, Damian's younger brother – was a man of great character, excelling in everything. Damian, alone, was full of shortcomings, with only his face resembling his father's.
The knights checked the wolf engraving on the carriage, which was House Edelweiss' emblem. Hailey then showed a platinum plaque of identification to the approaching knights. After that, we were able to enter the manor smoothly without any more check-ups.
"Miss, don't be nervous. Just act as usual. Oh, that doesn't mean you should look dispirited. They did say Damian was a big shot, but what about my lady? Of course, my lady is the best. The most beautiful lady in the North! No, in the empire, wait, the entire continent! Our Milky white Elena!!!"
"Hailey. I'm getting more nervous by you saying that."
"Gosh! I understand! I'll hold my breath until the two of you finish your talks! Hph!
"Pfft… I'm just kidding. Also, don't worry too much, it'll be over in an instant."
I had no plans on holding a conversation with him. The only thing that was on my mind right now was punching Damian with my own two hands.
Before I regressed, Damian had been excommunicated from his household. Even if he had tried to seek revenge later on, the destruction of the world was just around the corner, so it didn't matter whether he was dead or alive.
However, by returning back in time, I was given the chance to punish him myself. I was not going to let this opportunity go. He had not done anything wrong yet, but he was a trash human being anyway. It was also good for my mental health to break off the engagement.
Therefore, hearing Hailey spout off about Damian's virtues was very unpleasant as I knew his real nature. For some reason, I've never heard those things about him in my previous life, but it's obvious they were all fabricated. I didn't have to pay heed to it.
"You got this, miss!"
Before I knew it, I arrived in front of the room where Damian was. Hailey clenched her hands to cheer for me. I, too, clenched my hands and prepared myself.
Although I was a magician, this body of mine was one that fought against warriors who have attained their peak strength.
I don't know what would happen if he were a typical child from a swordsman family, but I knew for certain that it would be possible to squash that indolent Damian with a simple martial arts move.
I felt a new sensation coming from inside the room. It might not have been a swordmaster, but there was someone strong near him.
It wasn't Damian, so maybe it was his personal butler, Ken? I wasn't sure since I didn't come across him often before, but I never knew he had been hiding his skills.
"Lady Elena Edelweiss has arrived."
Hailey knocked on the door and announced my arrival. I could sense the energy emanating from the room.
It was showtime. As soon as Hailey opened the door, I went so far as to use 「Haste」 to prevent Ken from intervening, and bolted towards Damian, swiftly slamming my magic-enhanced fist at his chin.
Bang!
I could hear the sound of a thud at the collision. Since the punch I threw had been enhanced with magic, the impact would've been enough to break something if it hit his bare body.
On the contrary, the outcome was completely different from what I had imagined.
"What is the meaning of this, Elena Edelweiss?"
Damian, who should have dropped to the ground with a broken jaw, had caught my fist with ease. He stared at me, those eyes, a shiny gold like House Kraus' symbolic dragon.
It was the first time Elena met him.