Matcha I really relate to your sentiment (or rather resentment?) at the end there.
I really wanted to kick in Lucas's face this chapter. Any little sympathy I had for him and his lonely one sided feelings went out the window with how he talked to Kroemer. I really got mad especially at that part where he says this is his only chance and that Roxant will have other opportunities. Like how dare you! What kind of audacity is that?! It's bad enough to even ask him to give up period, but then to suggest that somehow he's more deserving is ridiculous. He's never been romantic with Leah and like Roxant said, its silly that he's trying to measure his affection by time. Even if he loved her longer, so what? Does that matter to Leah? Not only is he challenging Roxant but he's also indirectly challenging Leah. He's trying to supersede her decision to accept Roxant's proposal. Does her feelings or choices not matter anymore? Again this arrogant snot still thinks she'll be his so long as Roxant goes away. Moreover, this idiot then gets surprised when Roxant gets ticked off at him, like what did you think was going to happen after you tried to intrude on his engagement and make presumptions about his feelings? Then to top it all off he decides to challenge Roxant, who is far superior and more experienced in combat, to a duel? He's really trying for a death by stupidity.
Sorry but I just needed to rant on that. I'm also taking volunteers for gathering wood. You know, for when we BBQ Lucas later.