Chapter 36
826 Words
CHAPTER 36
It was finally the day Kai will fight against the assassins.
The members of the Aristocratic Faction decided to make the event open to the public, but of course with the permission of the emperor. They suggested it with the intention to humiliate the Crown Prince even more. As such, even though it was still morning, people had already started filling the Capital Arena.
Meanwhile, Kai was pacing back and forth inside the waiting room. As the noises from the arena get louder, Kai became even more nervous.
Kai knows his strength. Ever since he was young, he had a deep-rooted love for swords. His dream was to become a knight, so growing up he was training hard to become one.
But in the end, he wasn’t able to join the knighthood. His training is completely different from his opponent's.
It would have probably been okay if this fight was just for him. However, this is not just about him. If he loses, not only will he die, but the Crown Prince and even Tatiana would be humiliated and disappointed. Aside from that, although he had some fights here and there, this fight would be his first official one. That’s why he can’t help but feel a lot of pressure and anxiety.
Kai sat down. He leaned forward, rest his elbows on his thighs, and lowered his head. He sighed.
Can I really do this? No, I can do this. For Tatiana and for myself, I should win this fight no matter what.
On the other side, the Cromello family is already on their way to the Capital Arena. They decided to go there early since the duke has to talk to the emperor and Aaron has to manage the other knights for the security of the place.
Tatiana thought this is good since she has to talk to Kai before the fight will start anyways.
“Honey, didn’t you say that Kael Arder is from the South?” the duchess asked, breaking the silence inside the carriage.
“Yes, my dear. Why do you ask?” Duke Michael answered.
“I’m just wondering...If he truly is that skilled, and with his young age, then he should be a new knight, right? But, why is he here in the capital? As far as I know, the newly appointed knights in the South are still undergoing intensive training.” Duchess Annabelle pointed.
It is a custom that the ones who passed the knight's exam would undergo intensive training for a month. The intensive training requires them to stay inside a compound, and they are not allowed to leave except for emergencies.
“I must have not told you, dear, but Kael Arder is not a knight.”
“Really?” Duchess Annabelle looked at him in shock. "That's unexpected," she added.
“Yes, mother. From what I’ve heard, Kael Arder went to the capital on the day of the knight’s exam.” Aaron said, joining the conversation.
“Oh, what a shame.” Duchess Annabelle replied, feeling disappointed.
She thought if Kai was indeed that skilled and he’s a member of the South knights, then it would bring great honor for the South.
“Well, his skills are not proven true yet, so it’s not really a loss.” Duke Michael remarked. He also thinks the same with the duchess, but he also thought of the opposite. If Kael Arder loses, he'll bring shame instead.
“I agree. We’ll find out later if he really is skilled or not.” Aaron stated and the duke nodded.
“Today’s fight would be surely interesting.” Everyone agreed as they all looked forward to the fight.
They were silent after that when Aaron spoke again,
“Do you think he’ll win?” he asked.
At Aaron’s question, Tatiana, who was just looking outside the window the whole time, turned to him.
Of course, he’ll win! I was the one who trained him! Tatiana wanted to say, but instead, she decided to stay silent and continue listening to them.
“I can’t say. I just hope he will or it won’t look good for His Highness.” the duke replied with seriousness.
Aaron nodded in agreement. “He better will,” he mumbled.
Although he said that, Aaron can’t help but worry about today’s fight. It just didn’t make sense to him how Kael would win. His opponents are no ordinary people—they are professional assassins and talented royal knights. They are experts in fighting, plus they will fight in groups.
If it’s the Crown Prince then there would have been no problem. However, Kael is just a man who suddenly showed up. Aside from that, he doesn’t really look that strong and experienced.
He couldn’t possibly win. But if he doesn’t, then it would be a problem for His Highness. And speaking of His Highness, why did he believe him in the first place?
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reyankleyr
- Writer
