I can leave now that I said my greetings to Isaac, but I decided to return nonetheless to where Jackson and Helena were since I am not going to be a party damper to them by leaving early. They were now accompanied by two other people which if I am not mistaken, should be Eugene and Faith.
They took one bottle for themselves that is why we can talk within ourselves in this circle without any problems. I am not close with both Faith and Eugene, but I barely joined in their conversations anyway. Except for some questions they asked me, I do not want to bother myself.
Isaac's words got me thinking about what the future will look like for us and Astrea on the upcoming events in the future. The wine has helped calm my head while I busy myself with the other distraction that was happening currently.
Meanwhile, the king on the other side of the room has already removed his crown to party harder. I want to go there and kick him back to reality since he really gave me a problem. Although, I know that he is the one who is having the most difficult time right now and this might be the only time he can be this relax for the upcoming weeks, or even months.
"Hey, V!"
"What?"
"Do you have someone you like?"
"No."
"Really?"
"…Stay away, you smell awfully drunk."
Helena squeezed me tightly with her face near mine. As beautiful she might look closely, her breath was easily a turn-off. She is now completely drunk and became more annoying than usual. I should remember this and avoid drinking with her in the future.
After pushing her with all my strength, her gorilla-like grip finally went loose. I moved seat immediately and use Eugene to block her vision of me. It seems effective since she went back to drinking with Faith.
"There's interesting happening over there."
In the middle of their a casual drinking and talking, Jackson who was intently eavesdropping on the gossip between the girls, suddenly pointed at the group who were clustered in the middle of the room. I have been hearing some disputes a while ago, but I decided to ignore it. Looks like it went to your usual ending.
When us, Children, gather like this, it will be a miracle if a duel does not occur at the end of it. This was your usual friendly match between the group. Not that friendly I suppose since both parties likely have an argument which in turn to a duel.
Before we have our official position, duels are usually just something Children do to rank ourselves to identify who is stronger than who. But now some of us are Imperial Lords or other esteemed ranks, Isaac uses this opportunity to which ones are deserving for their positions.
This time, it looks like Arch and Aaron is the one who is going at it this time. The former being a part of the Imperial Lords while the latter is an Imperial Guardian.
It might sound ridiculous, but if Arch loses this one, Aaron will have his position just like that. It is a carefree way of choosing who going to be the second most important person in this kingdom, yet this is the best way.
Strength has been and will always be the basis for this Kingdom. That is why Isaac is the king.
The strongest does not mind and continue to watch what was going on. Both Children who were involved are already preparing for their match. No one brought any weapons to this party, but it did not stop them from picking up some of the things nearby. Arch pick a candle stand on one of the tables while Aaron used two butter knife they were just using a while ago. It was even still covered in sauce from the steak.
"My bet is on Aaron this time. It's about time he became an Imperial Lord."
"You have not seen Arch progress with his training? He's more shrewd than ever before."
"Place your bets here. Only gold allowed."
The party is rowdier than ever. I can hear them creating taking advantage of the situation. They even cleared the space from the chairs and tables.
Once the audience was away from the stage, the participants stood opposite each other at a considerable distance. Each of them gave a killing intent which can suffocate any normal person within the vicinity. Of course, no one is going to die after this duel.
However, the maids and butlers who were assigned to clean the tables were having a difficult time standing straight. We need to help some of them who just collapsed under the pressure of both Children ready to fight.
A maid who was trying her hardest to clean up the table picked up the empty wine glasses, but it was clear from his shaking that she cannot handle staying here longer. When she dropped one of the glasses, the shattering sound was the signal to start the battle.
*Ting*
Steelwares ringing echoed milliseconds after the glass shattered. Arch and Aaron are already facing off with their DIY weapons. It is weird to see a candle stand stopping butter knives from slashing a face, but that impact between the two steel wares was enough to blow away some of the chairs which were not in used.
Aaron is actually the one dominating the fight with his relentless offence. Using two knives to put out a barrage of rapid slashes, the candle stand was not able to handle and broke in half. Arch has no choice but to defend the knives with his incomplete candle stand while he was being pushed back slowly.
It might look like Aaron is about to win the battle when he vanished into the air while Arch was forced to kneel. The fight is finally finished is what I think, but for the opposite reason. Someone might end up gravely injured if no one interferes between them.
"That's enough."
"Why did you stop us, Isaac."
It lasted a total of ten seconds, but a hundred strike were thrown. Good thing Isaac butt in or else the maids need to clean more than plates and dinnerware.
"It's your loss, Aaron."
"How?! I almost got him if it was not for your interruption."
"If you thought that what it looks like, you've fallen for Arch's trap."
Isaac removes the hidden blades on the vest of Arch. He always had those everywhere he goes, so it the result was already clear when Aaron thought his only weapon was the candle stand he was holding. Dirty or not, that was how Arch stands as an Imperial Lord.
"Ok, that's enough everyone. I can't let you guys be late tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a busy day for us.
King Isaac clapped as he called the end of the party.