"If it is possible for me, sure. I would be more the happy to help you," I said.
At my words, Lucia let out a sigh of relief.
Never expected that I would get involved in some inner politics.
"So, what am I supposed to do?" I asked her.
She seemed to have a plan in her mind. It was like she knew I would agree to her demands that she already thought of moves.
That being said, could she not have Neulon or Leon, or someone else in this task.
"I would love to have you in participate in the tournament but apparently, that wouldn't be possible... If anything, only Royalties and Nobles were eligible to partake in tournament."
"Are Neulon, or Leon, or Nerisa in?" If anything, I would like to see them in action. There was very little about them I know.
Though I did saw Leon helpless when I rescue Lucia but... Let us not touch that topic.
"No, they wouldn't," Outright rejected.
All in all, tournament was a medium to showcase the feats of upper class.
To gain admiration of mere mortals.
Sooooo not so fun...
That also explain why she never considered likes of Neulon and Leon.
What remains was how she will let me in...
But why me?
Was she that confident on my abilities?
"Allan, I'll make sure you participate in tournament. Then, I want you to take care of the rest."
So she said, but I still had my doubts.
"But first, let's go to the arena first." With that she got up.
Seriously now... I was not done with my meal.
There was no helping. I could only follow her orders so I got up, leaving my delicious meal, and followed her like a faithful dog.
I could not help but sigh. Though, that too, I had to do quietly.
Just what sins I committed.
I could not help but laugh at irony.
As we walked, Lucia never said a words. I could not help but feel awkward.
I wonder why?
It had never been this way. Not once, I could recall feeling uncomfortable around her. Something was not unsettling about her.
We arrived at our station. Not once, she said anything. Most of the time, she got a topic or two in hand, or something to discuss... Or say something to fill the gaps.
Was she feeling that comfortable around me, I wondered.
In my field of vision, I saw knights on their drills. They were not soldiers but the officers who led fellow warriors to greatness.
Among them, there was a man who held a different presence compare to those who surrounded him.
"Look at me! Get up, your not allowed to lay down. Ya hear that!" He instructed to a young man on ground.
That young lad looked up at him.
"Yess Sirr!"
He got up, barely able to maintain normal posture.
As he stood the ground, the man with red hair, burning spirit, and an intimidating aura, asked in such commanding voice take may tame a lion,
"How's the ebullience?!"
""High Sir!!""
As if the sudden rush of adrenaline, exhausted knights came to life and answered with same pitch.
"I asked, How's The Ebullience?!"
This time even louder.
""HIGH SIRR!!!""
Was the reply, even stronger.
He smirked a little, as he watched over enthusiastic knights with pride.
Then he assigned tasks to them as they continued their training as he walked towards us.
So he noticed huh...
Even though he seem absorbed in drills, he was observant. Post of commander was a big deal after all.
"Greetings to you, Princess. You seem as charming as ever" He got on his one knee and greeted Lucia with strong a sense of chivalry.
But, not once he spared me a glance. He never looked straight at me.
He got a good head on his shoulder, I'm impressed...
"Well thank you. You are working hard as always, I could not expect any less from you,"
"I am honoured," He stood up.
Beyond their mutual friendship, they were impressively good at formalities.
One cannot afford to act close with authoritative figure in public regardless of their connections.
Speculations arise. Who knows, authorities are partially after all?
It would be bothersome to deal with such deductions.
"You seem to be doing great," I said.
"...So do you," Red-Hairs said, with a hint of repulsive manner.
I could not help but smile.
Noticing sparks went on, Lucia cleverly diverted the attention.
"Commander Neulon, may I ask you to fulfill a request,"
"Ask away, Princess. This knight is at your service anytime."
Satisfied, she said words that gave me the impression that he'll was about it broke.
"I you want to arrange a fine warrior... We shall have a duel,"
"I beg your pardon?!"
While Red-Hairs was baffled by her words.
"You heard it right. I want you to bring me a great warrior... Allan, right here, shall show his worth,"
A provocative...
Though I do not mind at all, Red-Hairs was a bit troubled by unexpected request.
But, his troubled face turned that of sadist... Or so it seemed to me.
He smirked, as he looked Lucia straight in eyes and proposed.
"Would you mind if Iā, Allan face me as his opponent in the duel..."
For the first time since we arrived, his gaze directly fell on me, but no sooner turned to Lucia.
But she had plans of her own. In a bit unimpressed manner she spoke,
"You don't mean it, do you now?"
She is evil...
I could not help but be somewhat wary of her.
"Absolutely!" He said with confidence.
"You don't doubt my abilities Princess, do you?"
"Absolutely not! Hmm... Fine. Get on stage," With that she turned and made her way to a prestigious sitting arranged for her...?
Wait, when did they placed it?!
Servants sure we're top-notched.
Although, she seem to be doubtful about Neulon to me, I could not help but wonder if it was all an act.
Lucia hopped on her vip seat and gave me a saint smile... As if telling me to proceed.
As you wish...
I sighed as I turned around, but Red-Hairs was not there.
PHWWWWHTT!!
I turned at whistle.
"What you're spacing out? We don't have whole day." He said.
Red-Hairs, who seem really eager for a fight, was already present in arena.
He was wielding a sword. Fortunately, it was an actual sword he was carrying.
I swear if he had not, I may had beaten some sense in him
I was given the pleasure to wield whatever weapon I feel most comfortable with.
There were mace, bows and arrows, swords, daggers, chakrams. You name it.
"Hmm... Since my opponent got a sword, I shall face with a sword."
I randomly picked up a sword and hopped in the ring.
Red-Hairs gave me, for some, a rather intimidating, sinister smile.
Guess the torture is about to begin.
I could not help but feel a bit excited.
Neulon was, without a shadow of a doubt, great warrior... And I would not mind to have him in action.
I could feel him getting pumped up as Lucia ordered,
"Let this duel, begin!"
. . . . .