All the seats in the top floor were full. Faces from all over the capital were seated among the spectator's area. And, even nobles from the inner city were present in today's event.
It was easy to estimate about a hundred thousand were present in the floor, all watching in interest at this pivotal moment in Kari's career. That is simply the number of people who shows interest in her matters. But, the stardom for today belonged to someone else.
Alva waited in the tunnel as the referee began to hype the crowd for the match. Meanwhile, Kari was nowhere to be seen. She was busy greeting nobles all-day long, catering to their needs—almost akin to an escort.
With Adelredus gone, it was her responsibility to do so.
"Just what does he expect us to do?" Alva grumbled to himself as he watched the crowd roar with expectations.
"Alva." Dustan called out to the teen, with Hund tagging along behind him.
"Refrain from pushing yourself too hard." Dustan reminded. "... I believe in your capabilities, but do not forget your limits." He encouraged, smiling slightly.
"Of course. I am, after all, your greatest man." Alva attempted to flirt, to which Dustan immediately recoiled.
"Get off your high horse." Kari showed up, just to hit Alva on the head.
"Ow! Hey—!!" Alva turned to Kari, enraged.
"Do your worst, squirt."
And, she's gone—vanished as soon as she came.
"Who's the squirt—hey!!" Alva exclaimed, waving his fist in fury.
"The tournament is starting." Hund informed, gesturing to the arena.
"—we have here our first contender! The talented sir Alva Rothschild, disciple of the one and only, Kari Faust!"
Alva flinched at the mention of his last name. How did they even—?
However, the teen didn't have the time to question whoever snitched on him and found his connection to the Duke of Rothschild. After all, it was bound to happen.
With a roar, he ran towards the arena and revealed himself to the awaiting crowd.
The spectators cheered his name. Only the nobles, particularly those from the inner city, were shell-shocked to see the son of the Duke in the arena. What's more, to be participating in some barbaric tournament—his father would probably turn in his grave should he get wind of it.
"Now, now. Before we start with the official match, let us have Sir Alva demonstrate his skills for everyone to see."
Alva was not the least surprised at the sudden request for theatrics. His gaze met with Kari's and he scoffed.
"This bastard is doing as he pleases." Alva muttered to himself.
Musicians appeared from the back stage and started playing a furtive tune. The percussions laid down the rhythm, and Alva started to respond to each beat. He moved with grace, with fierce edge, as if he was dancing with his fists.
Each twirl that added to his momentum matched the growing speed of the rhythm. Until finally, the drums stopped. Alva held his breath as he thrusted his fists forward and held his stance.
Then, the cheers erupted. Only then did Alva resumed his breathing. He stood up straight, eying the reaction of the crowd before his gaze went to Kari.
"What a wonderful show of eloquence and strength from our young Master." Count Graf, seated beside Kari, commented with a lofty grin.
"Indeed, Count." Kari responded languidly.
"I supposed it is only to be expected, as the child is under your care." The count commended, patronizingly so. "Though, I must say, I was surprised to find him related to the family of Duke Rothschild." The count prodded.
Kari remained silent, watching intently as the support staff led Alva's challengers into the ring.
"Now, let us welcome the challengers for today's contender." The referee started. "A total of forty challengers are present today, wishing to duel with sir Alva."
"Before we begin this long battle, I shall repeat the rules for the match." The referee unraveled a small scroll.
"Each challenger has five minutes to fight sir Alva. Should sir Alva fail to defeat the challenger within the set time, that challenger will win the right to appeal directly to Master Kari in a duel. Weapons can be used and it is up to the challenger. In addition, this match shall be divided to day and night. The challengers are divided into two, twenty for the day and twenty for the night. The fight, however, shall be continuous. Thus, the challengers may chose the order which they fight sir Alva." The referee arrived at the bottom of the scroll.
"That is all! May the first twenty challengers present themselves now!"
The spot light was pointed to the lot, all with dark-colored hair. It was without surprise that most of the challengers for the day were commoners. Most likely, the nobles had reserved their slots in the night to gain full advantage by having the commoners reveal Alva's cards in their attempts.
It is without surprise that Alva came out of the matches unscathed—a complete victory.
"Good work." Dustan greeted him as he came back from the battlefield.
"I do not understand, nor can I fathom the reason why these low-lives even bother fighting—knowing that there are also nobles in the tournament." Alva commented. He truly did not understand.
"... It is because Master is known to be generous and benevolent." Dustan replied, handing a towel to the lad.
"Benevolent?" Alva scoffed. "That self-centered mugger? Surely you jest."
"What do you know, child?" Both Dustan and Alva were surprised to see Kari. The woman had her arms crossed in front of her.
"What?"
"As a noble born of high standing, what do you know about the struggle of 'low-lives'?"
"Why do I have to care about the creatures beneath me?"
"Alva. Do not say such torpid words." It was Dustan to admonished the blonde lad.
"Torpid? I only speak the truth." Alva turned to Kari. "Why do you speak as if you are one of them, Faust?" Alva chaffed.
"... You do not know anything." Kari left, leaving Alva dissatisfied.
"As usual, the Master does as he pleases." Alva scoffed.
"Alva, must you continue this misconduct?"
"What misconduct! I am merely pointing out the truth."
"Of which you clearly have no understanding thereof." Dustan sighed. "Do you wish to incur my wrath? So much so that you continue to go against my blatant edict?"
"If I am to be seen as the villain for denouncing the wickedness of Kari Faust, then I shall. No matter, I cannot simply turn my eyes at his hypocrisy."
"You denounce someone, as if you yourself is in a position to do so."
"As a matter of fact, I am. Might I remind you, I have the bloodline of a duke. Regardless of my mess, I am still undoubtedly above that man."
"You do not understand, Alva. It is your disposition that prevents you from seeing the truth. Do not think of yourself as high as the heavens. This mindset will be your downfall." Dustan warned.
"I shall cross that bridge when the time comes. Now, I have to go prepare for my... chore this evening."
Alva left by himself, leaving Dustan in a cloud of despondence.
"When will he understand?"