Chapter 41
1131 Words
CHAPTER 41
People were chattering among themselves as they started leaving the arena. Everyone was talking about how the fight went and how incredible the performance Kai had shown.
Aside from the fact that Kai had won, what amazes the people the most was the techniques he used. It was all new and extraordinary that they wonder why it was only introduced and shown today. They've never seen such a fighting style before. Little did they know, those techniques were from the modern world and were taught by Tatiana.
“A new genius is born!” The people cheered.
Kael Arder is a name that will be known in history. This battle was more than enough proof that he is worthy of being called a genius.
Meanwhile, Tatiana was proud of the results. She expected Kai would win, but it still amazes her to see how the talented knight in the novel fights in real life.
“Let’s go, Tati,” Aaron called. Tatiana stood up and followed him outside.
The second round will be held tomorrow to give Kai time to rest. It will be more of a formality than a test of Kai's abilities because everyone, even His Majesty and the Imperial Court, felt that a second round was no longer necessary because Kai had already proved that he was more than capable.
Tatiana entered their carriage together with the duchess. Duke Michael and Aaron have to stay behind as His Majesty called for a meeting.
During their ride home, the duchess started a small talk with Tatiana,
“What do you think about the fight earlier, Tati?” Duchess Annabelle asked.
“Hmm... It was incredible! It would be great if we hire him as our knight, right?” Tatiana answered, enthusiastically, and even managed to hint at employing Kai.
The duchess chuckled at Tatiana’s enthusiasm, “I think so too. I think your father and brother are already planning about that.” she said. "But I doubt the Imperial Family will let go of such a talent, though.”
Tatiana nodded in agreement.
She also thinks that the Imperial Family would definitely employ Kai as one of the royal knights. Tatiana already expected this, and although she’s not completely against the idea, she was still hoping of recruiting him on her side.
In the story, Kai plays an essential role as one of the Crown Prince's trustworthy aides. Kai served as a link between numerous important scenes in the novel. He was also the one who used his own hands to kill Tatiana in the end.
As such, acquiring such a character on her side would greatly benefit Tatiana’s future plans. She would need a lot of people by her side, especially when the time comes for her to confront the novel's main villain.
However, it’s not really much of importance. Currently, she's friends with Kai and that’s already more than enough. At the very least, Kai would still be willing to assist her.
.
On the other hand, Noah went to the waiting room to talk to Kai.
“Arder,” he called. Kai looked at him and bowed.
“Your highness,”
Noah walked closer and sat on a couch right across from him. Kai also sat down when Noah gave him a signal.
“You amazed me today,” Noah started.
It wasn't a lie. Noah was greatly surprised by Kai's performance. Aside from that, Kai had just proven himself to those Aristocrats who wanted to bring the Crown Prince down.
Kai stared at him for a moment, trying to read his mind. He wasn't really expecting a compliment from Noah. “...Thank you, your highness,” he replied.
Noah nodded before doing what he had come here to do.
“How are you related to Tatiana?” he asked bluntly.
It was a question that kept on bothering him since earlier.
Ever since Kai used the techniques that Tatiana used, Noah was extremely curious whether Kai is related to Tatiana or not.
Also, now that he thinks about it, it was suspicious how Kai approached him and confessed that he’s Julio.
Did he plan this with Tatiana?
Dots were starting to connect, and facts were beginning to make sense. However, this is insufficient. He wants confirmation, and the only way to obtain it is to ask the persons involved.
“What do you mean, your highness?” Kai asked back, trying to sound as clueless as possible.
Kai remembered what Tatiana had said to him,
"The Crown Prince must not know of our connection or he'll figure out everything."
That's what Tatiana said, and while Kai isn't really sure what she means, that's exactly what he's going to do.
Noah looked at Kai with cold eyes. He doesn’t like repeating himself, but he’s now too curious to care anymore.
“Silver-haired and purple-eyed woman,” he began. "I asked you to look for her, and I recall you saying you couldn't. But...did you really think I wouldn't know if you lie straight to my face?”
Noah leaned forward as a dark aura started emanating from him that Kai couldn’t help but gulp in nervousness.
“I know you know who that silver-haired and purple-eyed woman is. But that’s not the point. Earlier, you used the same fighting style as that woman. So, I’m asking, how are you related to her?” Noah continued, emphasizing his every word in the coldest voice that would make anyone who heard him, tremble in fear.
Beads of sweat started forming on Kai’s forehead as he tried to think of an excuse. Tatiana clearly said the Crown Prince must not know, but Kai thinks the Crown Prince already knows.
What should I do?
Kai thought for a moment of what to say. He cleared his throat before he answered,
“First and foremost, your highness, please accept my heartfelt apologies for lying during that time. I was put in a position where I had no choice but to do what I did.” He bowed his head deeply. “Concerning my connection with Lady Tatiana...I'm sorry, your majesty, but I couldn't tell you. Please understand the predicament I'm in right now. I'm going to take a risk and ask you to question the lady yourself, your highness."
Noah scoffed at what he heard.
Why is he making it sound like he has a secret relationship with Tatiana? For some reason, that pisses Noah off.
“You have some guts, I’ll say.”
Kai only lowered his head.
This is the best I could do, J. I’m sorry...
In the end, Noah wasn't able to acquire any more answers, but one thing he's certain of is how much he dislikes the man in front of him.
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reyankleyr
- Writer
