"Wait, is he challenging someone from that area? I thought that place was only filled with nobles! Is he challenging a noble?"
Hushed whispers swept through the coliseum as the spectators noticed where the prince was aiming his sword. Soon, many recognized the dark-haired girl.
"She's the one with that old man."
"Oh my god, don't tell me he's planning to behead her like the others... What did she do? She's so young."
"This prince is a demon. He's even crueler than his father." The murmurs were low, barely audible to the guards. Despite their quietness, the crowd was united in cursing the king, Ainsworth, and the entire royal family.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Nathan's voice boomed like thunder through the coliseum as he jumped to his feet, glaring down at the prince. If looks could kill, the prince would have died a million times over. Intense flames swirled in Nathan's eyes, his expression twisted in anger.
"I repeat: what is the meaning of this? Why are you pointing your sword at my granddaughter?!" Nathan's tone was calmer, yet anyone listening could easily detect the barely contained rage simmering beneath.
Brawn's expression had also transformed dramatically. Fury blazed in his eyes as he stood beside his friend. Pointing a weapon at someone after slaying hundreds of Awakened was a blatant challenge!
What was Ainsworth planning? Slay Nyx like the rest? Unlike the others, Nyx hadn't committed any crime, as the king claimed. What could be his reason?
Nyx narrowed her eyes at this sudden development. She suspected things wouldn't go smoothly, but she didn't think the prince would challenge her out of the blue . Still, she remained unfazed.
What was his reason? Nyx wondered. Was it because of her disrespectful words the other day? That was the only explanation she could think of.
"Whatever decision you make, my friend, I'll stand by you..." Brawn said in a deep voice filled with conviction. "The Silent Whisper will stand by you."
King Aldric took a sip from his drink, unfazed by Nathan's eyes, which practically screamed murder. He seemed relaxed, his gestures measured and elegant, as though he were enjoying a luxurious meal.
With each passing second, Nathan's anger shimmered more intensely.
"Father, you summoned me?" Princess Ainsworth spoke respectfully, bowing his head low.
Aldric stood by the giant window, his gaze fixed on the coliseum. Despite the greeting, he didn't hurriedly turn to respond. In his grasp was a familiar scroll.
But this wasn't just any scroll!
This was a skill book!
Ainsworth's eyes flashed as he saw the relatively high-level skill, wondering why his father was holding it. Mild excitement coursed through his body, but he maintained his composure.
"My son," Aldric spoke in a firm voice, finally turning to face Prince Ainsworth. "Have you heard about the legendary Arthur?"
Ainsworth narrowed his eyes, confusion crossing his features. Of course, he knew who this person was... Who didn't? He was one of the most famous figures in the entire Far West/Human domain. "Yes, I know of him... What about him?"
"Then you must've met his father and daughter."
Ainsworth nodded solemnly, his mind briefly recalling the girl who had shown him no regard. Anger washed over him for a split moment. Aldric Vermilion noticed and shifted slightly. "From your expression, it seems you have indeed met them... I take it your encounter was unpleasant."
"Yes... very unpleasant." Ainsworth nodded, his gaze blank, fists clenched to the point where his nails dug into his palm. He uttered bitterly, "That girl wounded my pride."
He then proceeded to recount all his encounters with Nyx and her blatant disrespect. King Aldric's eyebrow twitched from time to time.
When Ainsworth finished, the king said, "Well, it seems there's even more reason to disgrace her." His chuckle was dark.
Ainsworth's eyes widened slightly as confusion crossed his expression. "What do you mean?"
"You see," King Aldric stated, holding his son's gaze. "I've been looking for ways to humiliate Arthur and the entire Cromwell family. I heard Duke Felix's son, Hendrix, already did it in the West... but..."
He paused and added, "I want to do the same thing in the capital. I want everyone to know that Arthur is nothing special, nor are his children."
Aldric leaned forward, whispering like a devil on Ainsworth's shoulder: "She hurt you, right?"
Ainsworth nodded stiffly, fists clenched.
Seeing his reaction, King Aldric nodded in satisfaction. "Then I want you to wound her pride in the Royal Coliseum in front of all the nobles and commoners..."
Ainsworth's eyes glowed.
"Yes... I like that look," Aldric commented with a chuckle, handing the skills to Ainsworth. "I know with your current level you can deal with her easily, so this is your reward in advance."
"B-but..." Ainsworth stammered, his heart racing as he saw the description of the skills.
Aldric placed a hand on his shoulder. "I trust you. None of my children are weaklings. Go out there and show the people that our bloodline is the superior bloodline in the whole of the Vermilion kingdom."
Finally, the king spoke, wiping his lips. "Be at ease, Lord Cromwell. Prince Ainsworth just wants to spar a little with the young miss... it's nothing to lose your mind over."
"No!" Nathan's voice rose sharply, shocking the others. It was the first time they witnessed someone defiantly raising their voice at the king without a hint of fear.
Some admired his courage, while others thought him foolish, biting off more than he could chew. With his frail body, just one of the knights could easily deal with him.
"Don't tell me the mad dog has become so weak that he's scared of a little spar?" King Aldric mocked, hoping to provoke Nathan.
Before Nathan could reply, he felt a soft hand grasp his own. Looking to the side, he saw Nyx, already on her feet.
"W-what are you doing?" Nathan asked, alarmed.
"It's okay, Grandpa," she said, a cold gleam in her eyes. "I've been training a lot these past four years, but I don't really know how much I've improved."
"What do you mean?" A bad feeling began to rise within Nathan.
Nyx fixed Ainsworth with a burning gaze as she uttered the words Nathan didn't want to hear: "I want to fight him."
AN: Hmm 50 Golden Tickets Hit!
Common guys let's hit the 100 Goal Target as well!