— Narrator’s POV —
A duel was declared two days ago.
It all began when Duke Richard LickerDallas SextonAustin WalesMum's Ice Cream Shop. Just like that, a challenge was issued, and chaos followed. Phones were whipped out. Spectators gasped. Words were said that belonged in another century.
But let’s not judge too quickly, dear readers. These aren’t people from your world. They're in a foreign place, just like me. And frankly, it's not their fault they’re stuck in this mess.
Let me recap for the brave souls skipping ahead: I, your humble narrator, didn’t follow instructions. That mistake landed me here—this world—on a mission to fix everything and return the heroes home.
So naturally, I thought: Follow the rules this time, and everything will be fine.
Well, look where that got me.
Last chapter, you probably noticed I was... restrained—minimal flair. Straightforward narration. A few jokes, but not my usual spice. That was me, trying to follow orders.
But guess what? Even playing by the rules has backfired. One of our main characters is in danger of being erased from the plot permanently.
Sigh. The stress is getting to me. The shaky voice, the caffeine overdoses—I’ve felt better.
In a moment of desperation, I reached out to Baozhai for guidance. She was, in typical fashion, useless. Repeating the same rules Persephone gave last time: Don’t reveal who you are. No divine interference. Blah, blah…
Fine. I’ll follow the rules—but cleverly. I can’t just fade into the background when everything’s going off the rails.
So I did what any narrator would do when the plot spirals out of control. I entered the story.
Yes, I finally joined in.
I know you’re curious. How did I cleverly beat the two powerful goddesses' rules? Don’t worry—I’ll tell you. And this time, I’ll be my full narrator self: deep voice and all.
Ahem.
The day we begin this chapter is significant: it’s Sunday. A day of rest. But not for us—for us, it’s the day of the duel.
You may ask:
Answers: Spoilers, spoilers, and... no, what kind of guess was that?
We’re still in Boston, Massachusetts. Specifically, outside the Boston Private Post Office—yes, that spot you read about earlier.
At 8:30 AM, Mr. White was sweeping the porch while Penny was cleaning the back storage. Penny WalkerPrincess Bridget
Mr. White, enjoying the birdsong and the ocean breeze, muttered to himself, “What a beautiful day.”
He loved birds—more than most people, frankly. The rhythm of the sea was his morning meditation.
Then came the sirens.
Woop Woop — POLICE INCOMING
The sound sliced through his peace. Penny rushed out to see the commotion.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Mr. White adjusted his collar and asked, “Is there something we can help you with?”
The lead officer didn’t waste time. “Fredrick White
The other officer had already pulled out the cuffs.
Shock. Betrayal. A thousand thoughts ran through Mr. White’s head. No one could’ve known I stole from BPS... Unless—
Unless they had access to the safe.
And who had that access? Penny Walker. His employee. The one he always sent to the back.
After a little chat with Dallas, the team hatched a plan. Kevin and Mark—the coders—and Austin, the auditor, traced the evidence, Penny provided after getting into the safe back to White’s secret bank account. Friday’s meeting? A setup. Austin had baited him like a pro.
Mr. White tried to stay strong. “I’m calling my attorney.”
Penny crossed her arms and muttered, “Good riddance.”
She watched him get dragged off. “Props to Dallas. That was fast. Guess his crew is that good.” But her thoughts were already drifting to the duel.
— Reality —
Dallas had accepted the challenge without hesitation.
“Are you insane?!” the Princess shouted, jumping between them.
“Duke—er, Mr. Licker, you can’t just challenge him in my name!”
Kevin
Luke
Mark
“Are you all crazy?!” the Princess and the CIA agent snapped in unison.
Kevin turned to Alyssa. “Please talk some sense into him.”
Alyssa
Kevin lowered his voice. “But what if he dies?”
Luke shrugged. “Relax. It’s just a show. Besides, don’t you trust Austin?”
“I do,” Kevin admitted, “it’s just…”
“You can’t be serious,” the Princess pleaded.
“With all due respect,” Duke Licker said, “our men are dead. We’re stranded. And you want me to let that clown go unchecked?”
Dallas stepped forward. “Let me defend myself. But give me two days. I’ve got business to wrap up.”
The duke thought.
“Fine,” Licker agreed. “In two days, we duel.”
Turns out Richard Licker goes by Dick Hughes now. Kevin ran a background check. Deep in debt. Widowed. Moved to Boston on impulse. Classic.
Austin clinked his beer with Kevin’s that night as he gave him Richard's background check. “Thanks for the assist.”
Kevin frowned. “You sure you’ll be okay?”
Austin stared into his glass. “Don't worry, my friend. For I realized that even in a new world, I am the same me.”
— Narrator’s POV —
By noon on the day of the duel, the Princess had finished cleaning. She stood at the appointed location—right in front of the Boston Private Post Office.
Richard Licker was the first to arrive, the door chime alerting her to his presence. He glanced at the time and grumbled, “That fool better not be late.”
She noticed his pocket watch and raised an eyebrow. “Where did you get that?”
“Had it before I arrived,” he replied. “It helps me keep track of client meetings.”
“What job do you even have now?”
“I’m a psychologist,” he said plainly.
Before she could respond, a new voice cut through the room—deep, rich, and unsettlingly familiar.
“Ooh, a psychologist?” the man echoed with a smooth tone.
He stepped inside. Pale hair so blonde it was nearly white. Red eyes, hidden behind sunglasses. Black suit. Charisma like a freight train.
Penny blinked. “Are you my new boss?”
He gave her a charming grin. “That’s me. Carlos Santorini.
They shook hands. Dick Hughes twitched, clearly uneasy watching the contact.
Yes, dear reader. That was me.
Carlos Santorini. My most iconic form. Back home, I was a movie star before becoming a world protector. Charisma? Ridiculous. My documents? Perfect. Interviews? Smashed them.
And before you shout at me—You're not allowed to interfere!—I’m not. Not directly. I’m just a mentor. A guiding presence for our heroes to make the right choices. Today? My job is to make sure neither duke dies.
Then, at last, Dallas walked in.
The Princess gasped. “Is he... drunk?”
Even Dick cringed.
Dallas waved a hand. “Let’s get this over with.”
“He can’t fight like this!” the Princess protested.
Dallas straightened. “Who said that?”
Now that I looked closely, he wasn’t slurring. He was just… slower. Steady, in a weird way.
Dallas Sexton continues to be an enigma. I should stop the duel. But something tells me he has a plan.
And if it gets dangerous? I’ll step in.
“Dallas seems slow,” I said firmly, “but the duel shall proceed.”
The Princess spun toward me. “And who are you to decide that?”
I held her gaze. “I am the duel referee.”
She looked like she wanted to scream. But she backed off. Maybe, deep down, she thought Dallas needed this.
So here we are.
The stage is set.
Two dukes. One fool. One genius.
Who will win?
Find out… next chapter.
I deserve a raise for my amazing decision-making, Baozhai. Also, why did you grade my assignment seriously for the U.S. states fact thing?
