Next day, Usui got up early as usual and did his normal routine - practicing his skill, behind the inn. It had an open space behind, facing the woods, which made it easier for him to practice.
He believed that practicing his sword art everyday will make him stronger and faster. He is known to be the best swordsman in his kingdom, and couldn't lag behind in his practise.
He would often practise against his companions and his brothers and was yet to be defeated by anyone. After his morning practise, he went to his room and saw that the inn had already sent up breakfast to his room.
After checking out from the inn , he proceeded to the palace as it was the day where he would meet the princess. He noticed that the market had changed overnight. There were decorations hanging all along the way to the palace. The stalls were removed which gave space to walk in the middle. The people were beginning to crowd along the road , their excitement shown on their faces.
As he was walking, he saw many familiar and unfamiliar faces arriving for today's meeting. Many of them being his enemies and many being his allies. People started clapping and shouted excitedly to the royals wishing them luck for the competition while the royals waved at them with a smile.
Usui was observing the guests as he walked slowly towards the palace when he noticed an annoying face among the royals. He narrowed his eyes while glaring at the annoying person, who noticed his gaze and tried to hide behind others, smiling awkwardly.
Usui looked at his guard who seemed to understand his master's gaze and nodded. The guard reached the annoying person within a second and grabbed him like a kitten and dropped him in front of his master.
Usui glared at him, " So what are you doing here? Care to explain before I kick your ass."
The annoying face looked at him pitifully and said," First bro , Mother sent me here to observe you and to make sure you participate in the competition."
Usui sighed ," Fourth bro, even though I wasn't interested in this competition , I have come because of her stubborness, didn't I? So just return back to the palace and inform mother that I will participate. Okay?"
Zelal, on seeing Usui turn away from him, immediately grabbed onto his clothes and cried," Brother, Don't do this to me. You know well how our mother is. She has already warned me that if I return back alone, she would disown me and sell me to a brothel. Please don't send me back."
Usui heaved a sigh and thought,' I don't know whether I should pity him or pity our family for having a crazy mother who is willing to do anything to get her way.'
"Fine. Come with me but don't cause any trouble for me. "
Zelal became happy and followed his brother while complaining ," Seriously, How could our mother say something like selling me to a brothel so easily?" and puffed up his cheeks.
Usui ignored him and continued his walk while his brother mumbled," If anyone was to hear her words, they would start doubting whether I was an illegitimate child or not."
Even though Zelal complained in a low voice, Usui heard him. He stopped and turned to face his brother and gravely said," Do you believe that I will be the one selling you to a brothel, if you don't shut your mouth?"
Zelal, on noticing his brother frowning decided to remain quiet, silently cursing his brother for being heartless.
As they continued to proceed, they saw a crowd gathering few meters ahead and decided to check what was happening.
When their group reached the crowd, the crowd made way for them and as soon as Usui saw what was happening, his face darkened while his hands curled into fists.
In the middle of the crowd, a child, who was similar to Rin's age was seen protecting his mother from thugs. The child's mom was lying down on the road clutching her abdomen with one hand and another which held onto the kid. The child was frantically shouting at them holding a small knife saying," Dont come near us else I will kill you!!! "
The child had already injured one of the bully and rest were glaring at the kid. Suddenly, the mother cried out in pain and the kid turned and saw blood on his mother's skirt.
The child cried out," Blood ...Blood.. Someone help my mother.. Save my sister."
The bully made use of the child's distraction, knocked the knife out of his hand and kicked him .The kick had a bit of power in it as the child crashed into a wall and vomitted a mouthful of blood.
On seeing this, Usui's eyes blazed in fury and was about to barge in when he saw two figures suddenly dash in and kick the bully who kicked the child. The bully crashed onto the wall, knocking himself out in the process.
The two figures had a murderous aura around them which made the rest back away a little. Behind them , Usui saw a figure with a mask on her face which covers everything except her eyes, treating the mother. As soon as she fed some medicine to the mother, the bleeding stopped and her face which was pale got some colour back.
The mother said softly," Thank you for saving me. Thank you for saving my baby. I'm forever grateful for your help."
The girl's eyes softened and said, "Take care of your baby and yourself well. The baby is fine and healthy. Some rest and you will be all fine." Leaving the mother, she immediately went to treat the child, who was carried by her companion and laid him down near his mother.
The mother's heart pained on seeing her son injured very badly. She looked at him in pain while the child smiled and wiped his mother's tears saying, "Mom, don't worry. I will protect you and my sister."
The mother cried while hugging her son tightly. The child was feeling better now as he ate the medicine they fed him. The child thanked them for saving them and glared at the bullies. He was scolding himself for not growing up fast and for not being strong enough to protect his family.
Meanwhile, the two figures, who kicked the bully, were joined by another two figures with swords behind their backs and they brutally murdered the bullies. While Usui was surprised at the appearance of five strangers , his idiot brother started screaming saying," Its the Thunder squad,the legendary thunder squad."