The class started smoothly until after lunch when the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
No wonder, since the next activity would be martial arts training.
Since ancient times, Dewe focused on improving their physical strength which is one factor that placed their military force at the top.
Therefore, it's common for them to integrate martial arts training in their academic curriculum.
And now, it's going to be a platform for these students to plummel the representives into submission. As long as they won't cripple any one of them, they can avoid international conflict. The adults will not involve themselves in children's skirmish anyway.
True enough, the moment they entered in the gym, a group of students approched them.
"I, Renald Foxe, greets the representatives" a tall, well built, pleasant looking guy introduced himself. If it's another day, no one would know that he had come to mess with them.
"It's our pleasure to get acquainted with the second grandson of Duke Foxe" Lauren spoke first, not because he's trying to get ahead of them but it's a silent agreement that he's the best one to face this kind of situation.
Even in a short amount of time, they already develop a mutual understanding and trust for each other. As they said, doubt not the person you want to work with and don't use the person you have doubts on. So no matter if they are stranger at first, but since they decided on using each other for their goals, they already placed a certain degree of trust on the things they do.
"As expected from the representative of Country S, though, it's still a surprise that young master Lauren would pay attention to this humble one" Renald appeared to be delighted.
Everyone snickered inside. A fox is a fox indeed.
"It's what we do" Lauren being proud nor humble. It's not a secret that their country is known for it's intelligence network, it's not something to brag about. "Is there anything that we can help you with young master Renald?"
"They say one gets to know one better after a fight, though it's not really our intention to fight but rather would like to invite you to exchange notes in martial arts" Renald threw the bomb.
"Oh" Lauren looked at his friends, seeing them nod and even some burning with fighting intent, he placed his attention back to Renald.
"Then how would young master like this exchange to take place?"
"Besides providing some guidance in martial arts, this class also includes sparring between students. We'll ask the teacher later to let our group and yours to battle it out for this session instead of randomly picking the students." Renald laid out their plan then suddenly laughed.
"Did we miss a joke?" Lauren asked smiling but there is a certain degree of coldness hidden in his stare.
"No harm intended. It's just that we've long heard that the grandson of the Great Marshall of Country Y, Ace Aksha, and Illo Selvid, the fourth prince of Sedia are well known for their martial arts prowess, but I'm not sure for young master Lauren and the two misses. Is it possible for us to battle in group or should we just choose an individual to represent the group?" Renald tried to sound nice but the underlying disdain that he and his group had for them is becoming apparent. Other students are also looking down on them.
For these group of people, it doesn't matter if you are of noble or royal lineage, if you're not strong enough they will trample over you. They may have complimented Ace and Prince Illo on the surface but they didn't believe even a bit that the two can win over them.
Ember originally didn't intend to join the ramble but the guy's hypocrisy is getting on her nerves. She also noticed that they never truly acknowledge her and Sanna's existence or their importance in this challenge. They are probably thinking that girls like them couldn't possibly be exposed in martial arts unlike theirs. Heh, that's where they're wrong.
Most nobilities are taught basic martial arts or self defense in order for them to at least for fend themselves in case they face kidnapping. While some take it for granted, but others follow through their training and eventually become experts on their own.
Before Lauren could respond, he felt light tap on his shoulders. He saw their elegant little sister move closer to him and whispered a few words. Having Naria's beautiful face near him made his face flushed, fortunately, it's just for a brief moment and no one noticed it.
Lauren cleared his throat.
"We appreciate your concern young master Renald, however, it's unnecessary. You invited the five of us so the five of us will compete with you, but we have a condition" Lauren chuckled.
"If it's a handicap-" Renald started.
Illo and Sanna's face become livid. Ace almost burst in anger. Ember remain nonchalant but is itching to beat the guy.
"Heh, don't be too quick to conclude. Could it be that young master Renald is belittling us? But no, that's not it" Lauren made it sound like a joke but who knows what he's really thinking. "Why don't we place a stake, if we win, grant us five favors, of course it would be within your means and something that will not go aboveboard; the same goes if we lose. Unless you want to place a different bet"
Renald contemplated for a moment. It's obvious that this was something that the girl whispered to Lauren. If he's not wrong, she should be the only daughter of Duke Alder. Her noble bearing is truly hard to ignore as if it was her second skin, he probably will not meet a second one like her in his whole life; but it was a different matter when it comes to strength. He didn't believe that a fragile and elegant girl like her has the means to compete with them; but she seemed confident that they can win against them, is he wrong? He can't help but frown.