A few hours later…
Due to the fire that was blocking all the windows in the imperial palace, I couldn't tell whether it had gone dark already outside.
Right now, I entered some room and locked it along with the man that I pulled with me in the way. It was difficult to put him in the bed, despite him looking frail and feminine, he was heavy.
Sigh. I couldn't help but let out a heavy breath.
I put his two clubs that I got from Irene in his pocket. After he was able to drink the potions, his condition started getting better.
My right hand unconsciously went to my lips…
Hah. The life debt was settled. That's it, and nothing else.
What a day to have. That was why I hated attending balls. It brought nothing but trouble. And today was more trouble than I expected.
I leaned my back on the wall as I sat on the floor red mat since there were no other chairs here to sit at.
I glanced at the other fifteen cards I got from Irene. So far, there were no hearts among them. Fortunately for me…
But to be able to collect this many cards…
Truly terrific.
And to think there were more other monsters like her out there.
What an arduous life I would have ahead. But this way, I won't need to use the Black Joker Card. That would serve as a great wild card for me when time comes, so I must use it wisely.
I need to continue to become stronger.
[Main Event Time: 13hrs: 12mins: 10secs.]
13 more hours to wait huh… The screams outside have quieted down a bit as well. Only a timely one followed by some explosions. Who knows where they came from.
I never felt this tired in my entire two lifetimes. Though the potion made me healthy again, however my mental and emotional fatigue shot up.
I straightened my back and slapped both of my cheeks. I should check everything I have so far.
I swiped the air right and my inventory came to light.
There it showed a typical in game inventory with slot boxes on it. There were a total of 150 slots. The same with the game. However, I have noticed some differences as well.
The five sections that would separate the weapons, armours, potions, random items and special cards.
Was it due to the fact that this was more of a reality? And since I could just bring the item in and out when I thought about it, the section was not necessary anymore?
I am not certain.
Hmm… I couldn't arrange them as well in order even when I touched them.
I looked at the cards in my left hand, then picked the 7 clubs. While the rest of the cards, I put them on the inventory system.
Then I brought out one of the potions.
[Would you like to see the details of the small healing potion?
-Yes
-No]
I clicked the yes button once again and read the contents.
[Small Healing Potion
Class: B
Could heal 30% of the hp and stamina you lose.]
Hmm… It only healed 30% of my house. Hah. I don't even know the total of my hp. Since my stats screen would only show up after the first event was done.
But since this was still the first stage, I guessed my hp was still low seeing how refreshed I felt after drinking one of these potions already.
Veronica, Melissa, I hope both of you are doing fine. From my place to the palace kitchen, it was far away. I was on the highest fifth floor while the kitchen was on the ground floor.
This time around the game, the danger would be at the highest point already. Since the players that would remain alive and lurking around were those who have the most cards.
The strongest ones.
And the most dangerous one.
My eyelids. They were getting heavier already. I looked at the door that was locked. Another table and vase was also blocking it. Then on her left side was a sword that was also leaned on the wall.
Then to the man who was now sleeping soundly with soft snores.
The next event after this, I wonder if we will be able to rest properly?
The first event. The Royal Ball Hunt event was just the warm up. The second event and the rest would even get dangerous.
Hah. I wanted to really nap a little. But having the two of us here sleep, would leave both of us defenseless.
I should just close my eyes but not sleep to ease at least the heaviness of my eyes.
With that said, I closed my eyes and leaned my back once again on the wall.
***
A few minutes later, the man opened his eyes. His clear pristine ashen eyes looked at the white ceiling, where shadows were dancing due to the flames of the torch that was only lighting the place.
That was when everything sank within him. He immediately sat up. Touching his back. However, other than dried blood and some holes on his clothes, it didn't hurt at all.
Then does it mean, the dream he saw was not a dream at all.
He gasped when he remembered what transpired before. His back hurt terribly, blood was gushing out continuously. And there were a lot of crushing sounds. He was losing consciousness however just before he did…
Ding!
He heard the sounds of bells.
Ding!
Ding!
He felt lighter for some reason. However, before he could comprehend everything, he finally lost consciousness.
'That was right, the princess! Is she alright?' He looked around, noticing that he was in a room. Just when he was going to step out of the bed. He froze.
'Princess!'
There was the lady he was looking for. Sitting beside the bed. Her eyes were closed, clothes were tattered and a sword was on her left side.
She seemed to be sleeping.
'Did she save me and guard me all this time? Someone who was insignificant like me. So I am right about you.'
He pursed his lips and carefully went down from bed. Then he squatted down to the level of the sleeping Princess. Her chocolate brown hair was messy and some strains covered her face.
But despite looking like a mess, her beauty was still prominent. It was not the same level of beauty as her sisters nor the imperial princess. However, hers was strangely more enchanting.
"Princess Yvette, you're kind. Unlike me," a cold glint flashed his eyes. It was so quick that no one would ever imagine that those soft eyes were capable of such coldness. "Since I have saved you, I hope this will not end our encounter."
His right hand slowly went to fix the hair strands that were covering the face of the princess, however before his hand could touch her…
He froze when the princess held his hand.
"So my first impression of you is indeed wrong. You are not really a frail man aren't you? Since it seems you know my identity, would it be proper if you introduced yourself to me."
His panicking pristine ash eyes clashed with sharp ruby eyes. As she awaited for him to answer her.