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| "The Scandalous Duel of the Aristocratic Divas!" |
Vienna, 1892 – High society was left reeling this week as news spread of an extraordinary duel between two of the most glamorous women of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Princess Pauline von Metternich, a fiery aristocrat known for her sharp wit and sharper temper, clashed in a sword fight with Countess Anastasia Kielmannsegg, a rival noblewoman with an equally fearsome reputation. The reason? A petty feud over floral arrangements at a charity gala spiralled into a matter of honour that only blood could resolve!
The scandalous event took place in a secluded grove near Vaduz. Attendees—yes, there were witnesses to this shocking spectacle—included other society ladies who dared not intervene. Most shocking of all, the duel was conducted topless, a detail that has tongues wagging from Vienna to Paris. Sources claim this bizarre arrangement was at the insistence of their seconds, women themselves, who feared clothing might infect any wounds.
Under the watchful eye of Baroness Lubinska, a renowned advocate of women’s rights and, it seems sword duels, the combatants squared off. The Princess, her hair swept back into a severe bun, wielded her blade with the precision of an artist, while the Countess, younger and reportedly more athletic, displayed raw aggression. Spectators described the clash as “more savage than genteel,” with both women sustaining cuts and drawing blood.
Though the Countess lunged with dramatic flair, Princess Pauline ultimately triumphed, slashing her opponent across the forearm and forcing her to yield. Both women, bloodied but unbroken, reportedly embraced after the duel, declaring the matter resolved. Society insiders speculate the real tension between the two stemmed not from flowers but whispers of jealousy and competition in Vienna’s glittering ballrooms.
Predictably, the duel has sent shockwaves through the Empire. Critics have decried it as a disgrace to nobility, while feminists hail it as a bold statement of women’s independence. The scandal has only boosted Princess Pauline’s infamy, with some already calling her “the Swordswoman of Vienna.”
What’s next for the fierce princess and her vanquished rival? Will Countess Anastasia seek revenge, or has the sword settled the score? One thing is certain: high society will never forget this daring display of aristocratic vengeance.
