Chapter 39
1079 Words
CHAPTER 39
The Capital Arena was already filled with people from all classes. The emperor, the empress, and the Crown Prince have also arrived and are settled in their private box.
The emperor stood up to give his opening remarks.
“As we all know, a tragedy occurred a few days ago that disrupted the peace in our city and cost us the lives of our loved ones. Let us all take a minute of silence to pray for the souls who have died and the families they have left behind.” the emperor initiated and the whole arena fell silent.
After a few moments, the emperor continued, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved. The Imperial Court is doing everything we can to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve. And it is also for this reason that we are having this event—to look for the true suspect behind this incident. As many of you are aware, Kael Arder is the alleged culprit in the bombing. The captured assassins testified that their mastermind was a man named 'Julio,' and Kael Arder admitted that he is that man 'Julio.’”
As a result of His Majesty's statements, the audience grew agitated, but it only takes for His Majesty to raise his hand to calm them down.
“Kael Arder, on the other hand, claimed that, although being the guy known as 'Julio,' he was not the one behind the bombing and was instead the one who apprehended the assassins. And, as a result of the conflicting testimonies, we provided a solution by enabling Kael Arder to prove himself and demonstrate that he had truly defeated these assassins on his own. As such, this fight will be a deciding factor of whether Kael Arder is innocent or not.”
While the emperor was relaying his speech, Noah, on the other hand, was looking around, especially to where the members of House Cromello were sitting.
From where he is, Noah could clearly see the small commotion happening in Cromello’s private box. Duke Cromello and Aaron were talking to a knight, whom Noah recognized as Charles Young. Charles Young was bowing his head, while Aaron and the duke looked restless and worried. The duchess also looked anxious while listening at the side.
It didn’t take long for Noah to realize what was going on. Tatiana was nowhere to be seen, and it seems that they couldn’t find her.
Noah frowned at this. They got separated a long time ago, so Noah assumed Tatiana was already here at the Arena.
But if she’s not here, then where could she be??
Noah turned and signaled to a knight. The stand-by knight complied and walked closer to him.
“Look for Lady Tatiana, right now. Make sure to check every room and every possible place,” he ordered. The knight bowed before walking away to obey his orders.
Noah exhaled through his nose and continued to look around for any sign of Tatiana. He also observed the members of the House Cromello in case they got something.
After a while, the emperor is already finishing his speech, and the knight came back with some news.
“Your highness, Lady Tatiana is already on her way. Sir Charles Young is escorting him now.” the knight reported.
Noah sighed in relief and nodded.
“Where did she come from?” he asked.
The knight hesitated for a while before he answered, “It seems that the lady went to the contestant’s waiting room. A knight saw her came out of that room, your highness.”
“What?!” he exclaimed, but in a low voice, and frowned. The knight couldn’t do anything but lower his head.
Just like that, Noah found himself in a bad mood— pissed, agitated, and confused. He tried his best to calm down, but a dark aura was already emanating from him as he imagined scenarios of what could Tatiana be possibly doing inside the room where Kael Arder is. The knight, who felt the heavy atmosphere that surround Noah, trembled in fear and stepped away.
What was she doing there?? Did she meet up with Kael Arder? Is that why she was in a hurry earlier? But why? What does she want from him?
Noah’s mind was clouded with questions that he couldn’t focus on what His Majesty was saying anymore. He looked at Cromello’s private box.
Tatiana just entered, and she was immediately crowded by her family. Noah did not take his eyes off her, even when she already sat down on her chair. Tatiana was only looking forward with no expression on her face.
As such, Noah can't help but wonder, what are you thinking, Tatiana?
On the other hand, Tatiana could very much feel Noah staring at her. His gaze was so intense that she felt like she’ll melt anytime soon.
What does he want? Why is he staring at me like that?
Tatiana tried her best to ignore Noah, but as time went by, his gaze just got hotter and hotter. It seems like he has no plans to stop.
When she couldn’t take anymore, she turned and glared at him. This took Noah by surprise, but she recovered immediately and gave Tatiana a smirk.
Tatiana rolled her eyes and looked forward again.
That prince! He’s just getting on my nerves the more I see him! Now, I just feel sorry for the heroine to be destined for a man like that...Speaking of the heroine, where is she?
Even though this was not mentioned in the novel, this is still a major event, so Beatrice should be here. Tatiana took the opportunity to search the audience for Beatrice.
At the same time, Noah grinned at her antics, his aggravation dissipating so quickly.
Did she really just roll her eyes at me? She’s getting bolder and bolder, huh.
A few more minutes later, the emperor was finally done with his speech and the fight was officially starting.
The host called in the participants, and the cheer from the audience grew louder when Kai and the assassins entered the arena.
The atmosphere was so lively that it would be hard to believe that a devastating incident occurred just a few days back. Though this is not a bad thing since it at least helps the people recover from that tragedy.
“Pick your swords and let the fight begins!”
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reyankleyr
- Writer
