"I heard that you've reached E-rank recently, Lisa. Congratulations." ［Lionel］
"Ehehe. Thank you so much, Brother." ［Lisandra］
"Well, should I get you something as a congratulatory gift, Lisa? It's been quite a while since I bought you something, hasn't it?" ［Lionel］
"Ah! N-No need! Your words are more than enough, brother!" ［Lisandra］
It was a normal and heartwarming conversation between siblings, both smiling ever so happily as they told stories about how they lived their past weeks. Lisandra was especially cheerful, unable to hide her smile as she chatted with her older brother.
There was quite a large age gap between the two, but they got along just fine. Ever since she was a child, Lisandra had always admired Lionel and looked up to him. His figure when he held a sword when he was younger was still etched inside her mind as if it was just yesterday,
It was as if they were the only two people in the world, Lisandra acting like a spoiled young child despite being a full-grown, prim, and proper princess now. Her soft and gentle giggles resounded in the air.
『Yuna, don't act too surprised, okay?』 ［Grey］
『Hmm... Is something the mattー Eh?! Ehhh?!』 ［Yuna］
Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for Grey and Yuna. Grey had shared what he saw with "Appraisal", and Yuna was just as shocked as he was the moment she saw the prince's status screen. She would have let out a squeal had Grey not warned her.
Though quite common in many of the fictional works Grey had read and seem back on Earth, measuring another person's combat power is quite difficult unless the one being measured uses aura or magic for that matter.
In Merusia, mana is everywhere and as such, sensing combat power which would feel like counting droplets of water in an ocean. Only when someone manipulates mana and creates a "ripple" could the others feel another's prowess.
One would need either an appraisal ability or some special technique for them to do so. Even Kris who uses his aura to feel other's combat power has his limits, only able to feel the other's rank roughly. He could only estimate how much weaker or stronger the other party was.
To top it all off, one could even conceal their strength by suppressing their mana as much as they could. A technique the prince was using so cautiously as to not get caught in a hall with High-Rankers here and there.
『Does Lisa know about this?』 ［Yuna］
『No, I don't think soー or rather, nobody here knows... The prince have hidden his tracks perfectly well all this time.』 ［Grey］
『Amazing... That sounds so cool...! It's like having a secret identity!』 ［Yuna］
『Yuna... This is no time to be amazed by that...』 ［Grey］
What bothered the two the most was that the Second Prince, Lionel, was supposed to be "sickly", mostly spending most of his days and weeks in his bedroom. Even now, he looked quite pale compared to the others.
However, being High-Rankers themselves, Grey and Yuna knew full well that getting sick was almost impossible. Only injuries and curses could get them bedridden, and even then, they could quickly heal it with magic or something of the sort.
Though... Seeing as to how his status screen indicated he was "Healthy", it seems that there was nothing like a curse affecting him. He was perfectly faking his illness, and perfectly at that, fooling everyone without a shred of doubt.
『Mmn... I wonder why he's hiding his strength...』 ［Yuna］
『I'm also curious, but well... I don't think he's using his powers for something distasteful. We shouldn't pry any further than this,』 ［Grey］
『That's true..l wonder if he can have a match with him...』 ［Yuna］
『That would probably be hard. He's hiding his strength, after all.』 ［Grey］
Fortunately, there was no need to worry too much about the prince. Other than the fact that Grey's eyes had judged him as "good", if he were to be someone with ill intentions, Grey and Yuna could easily take her down.
From surprise about the prince's hidden power, Grey and Yuna's topic devolved into something more trivial, talking about the dishes they just had and flirting a little bit like they usually do. It was a time of bliss for both pairs.
"You must be Archduke Grey and Archduchess Yuna. My name is Lionel myr Lantre Graystone. I apologize for meeting you so late." ［Lionel］
"No, it's okay. We've heard of your circumstances. It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Lionel. We've heard a lot about you from Princess Lisandra." ［Yuna］
"We'll be in your care, Prince Lionel." ［Grey］
"Then, I'm in the same boat, Your Highness. I'll also be in your care." ［Lionel］
They greeted and shook one another's hands, Grey and Yuna acting as if they knew nothing of the Prince's secret, only greeting him with beaming smiles. Lisandra was fully unaware, only happy that everyone was getting along.
The prince was quite the actor as well. His hands were trembling quite evidently, his handshake was very weak, and his smile looked strained. If it wasn't for Grey's eyes, they would have surely been fooled by his ingenuity.
"Hahaha. I never thought I would meet such heroes on this fine night. I have heard countless tales of heroism about the two of you. Is it true that you had fought against Garudas before?" ［Lionel］
"Well, yes... It was quite the surprise, but we still managed to get through it until the end. It was all because of everyone's help." ［Grey］
"How humble of you, I'm sure I heard differently. Didn't you just defeat them with all but a single spell? I heard it was quite the spectacle." ［Lionel］
"Uuu... So embarrassing... Did they really write about that." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I heard that bards were singing about your tales on the streets and taverns. I believe even the kids already know your names." ［Lionel］
It wasn't long before they got comfortable with one another, their topic about Grey and Yuna's biggest embarrassment. They already knew how much their tales had spread, but they didn't know it was so embarrassing to such an extent.
Not only were many of the parts greatly exaggerated, some were straight up made up by the creative imaginations and machinations of the bards and story writers all over the place, containing even parts where they fought against a whole territory or how they subjugated a legendary dragon
Like the butterfly effect where a butterfly's gentle flapping of wings can turn into a violent tornado, such stories only brewed up into a devastating storm mixing and matching stories until such wild fantasies were born.
"I also heard about your familiars just yesterday. Not only are they powerful, but beautiful as well. There were eight... No, nine of them, right?" ［Grey］
"That's right, Brother! I had the pleasure of riding them yesterday!" ［Lisandra］
"My, how enviable. I wonder when I will get an opportunity as well." ［Lionel］
Soon enough, Lisandra joined in on the conversation and talked about her experience riding Rigel yesterday. They chatted and they chatted, wasting their night away with delightful expressions painted on their faces.
The music changed, and so did the dancers. At some point, it was Grey and Yuna's turn, dancing gracefully like a pair of majestic swans in a lake. The moment they took the stage, they once again grabbed the limelight, prancing about in their own world.
Such a peaceful scenery continued to play out until the music finally came to a stop. The King then took the chance to take the stage, all eyes on him as he grabbed the attention of everyone present, an excited expression on his face.
"As you may all have known, the Carnival of Swords has been a part of our history and of who we are as citizens of the Kingdom. It not only honors the passing of King Parsifal but also to honor our strength and pride as swordsmen.
For what was but a little celebration had now become a national treasure. I, as your King and as a swordsman, couldn't be any happier to host the Carnival of Swords again this year. I'm sure it would be full of surprises yet again..." ［Archen］
The King continued his lengthy speech and the nobles nodded after him, showing pride in their beautiful festival which was unlike any other. All were listening carefully, eagerly expressing how much they looked forward to it.
"However... It has come to me that we have been shackled too much by the past. I believe it is time that we make a small but vital step towards change." ［Archen］
"Pa-Pardon?! Y-Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?!"
"Your Majesty, please think wisely! Let's not do anything rashly!"
"E-Eh?! What does His Majesty mean by that?! Is... Is something wrong...?!"
Panic and unrest quickly struck the crowd with the King's announcement, everything descending into chaos. Even the Prince and Princess were in shock, their eyes wide open from disbelief as they looked at their Father's direction.
However, one person remained unfazed, and it was none other and Grey. He already sort of knew such an announcement was along the way, a subtle smile breaking from his lips as he sipped his glass of chilled apple juice.
"Silence! His Majesty is speaking!" ［Harold］
Shouted the General, and the chaos was quelled. The people once again looked at their King, bowing their heads slightly asking for an apology for the commotion they caused, unrest still welling inside their hearts.
"I know you have your own doubts, but fear not. This is not one which will harm our beloved tradition, but rather, strengthen us as a nation... This year, we will be adding 'divisions' in the Carnival of Swords." ［Archen］
"Divisions...? Wh... What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?"
"Did His Majesty say divisions...? Aren't brackets the same thing?"
"I don't know... I don't think we ever had that before..."
The King announced with confidence surging in his heart, smiling as he looked at Grey. After all, the latter was the one who suggested such a thing to him, and after pondering and consulting his ministers, he finally came to a conclusion.
The feeling of panic and unrest was now exchanged with confusion and bewilderment from the unknown. It was just like Grey had expected. The people were so fixated on their traditions, they never considered adding a new touch to spice things up.
"Listen closely, divisions are a way to divide people into different categories, and this time, it would be by age. There would be three divisions in total, and,....." ［Archen］
The King explained it just like how Grey explained it to him. From the main concept all the way to how it would be carried out and how it would benefit the Kingdom in the future. A concept which would be expanded after some trials and errors.
For now, the high council has decided to have three divisions, namely the "Junior" division for those below 15 years old, the "Intermediate" division for ages 15 to 19 years old, and the "Senior" division for ages 20 and up.
All divisions would be carried out in the Grand Colosseum in their designated times and everyone could register themselves as long as they are confident, the King and Ministers expecting a large influx of younger swordsmen in the event.
As for the rule, they decided to leave things as it has always been for the moment, only adding more guards and referees to make sure nothing goes wrong. It was a step worth taking for the generations after them.
"That sounds wonderful, Your Majesty! Truly an outstanding decision!"
"Ohh! I am surely going to make my son participate!"
"Mine as well! I'm sure my granddaughter will crush everyone in the Junior division!"
The people welcomed such a change with open arms, eyes brimming with excitement as they imagined their children and grandchildren participating in such an event and taking the championship. It was an opportunity they never had before.
However, despite all the celebration and excitement, a certain group of figures still remained indifferent, a certain princess in particular, more confused than she was excited, heart beating nervously as she stared at her father.
"Sorry it took a while, His Majesty needed to seek out the Minister's opinion first. Thankfully, everything went well." ［Grey］
"Oh? You knew about this, Lord Grey?" ［Lionel］
"Yeahー or rather, I was the one who suggested it. I just thought the Carnival of Swords was missing a little bit of a kick to it." ［Grey］
Lionel really didn't understand what Grey was going on about, but he knew that he must have done it for his friend, Lisandra. The very same princess who was still in shock, tears starting to form in the corner of her eyes, visible under her mask.
"Good for you, Lisa..." ［Lionel］
"Thank you... Thank you very much, Grey... I... I'm really happy..." ［Lisandra］
Or so she says but her eyes were full of tears. If they weren't in such a public space, she would have already bawled her eyes out. It has been her long cherished dream, after all. She still couldn't believe it was real.
The King soon glanced at their direction, a gentle smile showing on his face. He lifted his lips and closed it without making a sound, only moving subtly. Grey couldn't hear him, but he knew what he was saying... Words of gratitude were what they were.
"Oh, and before I forget... There would also be exceptions in who can join which divisions. Even if you belong in the same age group, you would not be allowed to enter if you are too strong for your peers.
For the Junior Division, only Low-Rankers could join, and similarly, only Mid-Rankers could participate in the Intermediate Division. Otherwise, you would have to join the division above you. That is all." ［Archen］
Grey and Yuna didn't even need to hear anymore, the King's words were practically for the two of them whom one wouldn't even dare consider normal, the latter's eyes sparkling brightly as he looked at the two.
Well, not that they would want to join the Intermediate division either way. Otherwise, they would have easily crushed the competition without breaking a single drop of sweat. It wouldn't even be a challenge, but just a quick break from boredom.
"Whew... Thank God... I thought I would be facing Grey and Yuna in the Intermediate Division. What a relief..." ［Lisandra］
"Hey now, it isn't that bad, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Easy for you to say. That's because you haven't fought against a strict and demon-like teacher like yourself, Yuna!" ［Lisandra］
"But I actually have though... And I'm even more lenient, you know?" ［Yuna］
Yuna's face paled at the mention of the topic, memories about her training flashing back inside her mind. It wasn't just during battles, but during alchemy, smithing, and everything else which she needed to learn. Grey was a demonー no, the devil.
"Yuna, I wasn't even that strict. You're making me sound like a bad guy." ［Grey］
"You were though... Do you know how much my muscle ached every time I waked up? It felt like my arms were falling off every time." ［Yuna］
"But I didn't yell or scold you, didn't I? Rather, wasn't I encouraging you?" ［Grey］
"Uuu... Grey, I hate you..." ［Yuna］
Yuna couldn't even cry about her past misfortunes. It was lucky that she was good at adapting to situations, otherwise, only god knows when she would have run away from how difficult it was, fighting vicious monsters day after day.
On the bright side, Yuna has now become very powerful, barely anyone in the world could touch her, plus she gained a fiancé along the way, who also happened to be her demonic teacher. Now, she even wonders why she fell for Grey in the first place. All's well end's well, I guess...
The night continued and the music played one after another, beautiful serenades filling the air as men and women danced by the center of the ball. The merriness only got higher as the night went deeper and the winds blew colder.
"Lad, Lassie, here, have some cupcakes... It's tasty..."
"O... Oh, thank you...." ［Yuna］
"Hohoho! No problem. Young 'uns must eat a lot to grow healthy."
At some point in time, an olden nobleman even approached them and offered them some cupcakesー or rather, what the old man thought were cupcakes, but in reality, they were apples... They were all apples... The old man was drunk.
And it wasn't only the old man. The wine served was quite strong, and so, from young ladies all the way to the distinguished knights and captains, feeling tipsy after a few glasses of wine, some even speaking gibberish and walking groggily.
Of course, royalty was no exception. The Queen only drank a single glass, but the sake couldn't be said for the King. He drank a whole dozen glasses all by himself, face now flushed as his breath reeked with the fragrance of alcohol.
"Miranda, I'm going off for a bit. I'm just going to stretch my body." ［Archen］
"Dear, you aren't going to cause trouble again, are you now?" ［Miranda］
"Trouble...? Do you think your husband would cause something like that in such a grand celebration? I'm a King, remember?" ［Archen］
Or so he says, but there was no sign of trust and confidence in the Queen's eyes as she looked her drunk husband in the eye. She already knew trouble was heading her way, hesitantly heaving a sigh as she gave up on the King.
The King waved his hand and his storage ring glowed dimly. A sword appeared by his side and a mischievous smile appeared on his face. His eyes were locked to one figure, clenching his hands tighter and tighter as he drew closer and closer.
"Eliazar! I challenge you to a duel! Draw your sword if you're a man!" ［Archen］
The King's voice boomed throughout the main hall, all eyes befalling on him as he pointed his sword towards the Captain of the Royal Guards. His eyes gleamed with seriously, just as sharp as his blade. He had caused trouble yet again.
"Huh...?! You sure talk big for someone who always loses in our duels... Shut your mouth will ya, you bastard King!" ［Eliazar］
The Captain of the Royal Guards was just as drunk as the King, speaking crude words which one could get executed for without a care in the world. He drew his sword soon after, pointing it against the King.
"Your Majesty, don't worry! I shall stay by your side and protect you!" ［Galahad］
"You fool! I shall be the one to protect his Majesty!" ［Harold］
"Whoo!! Your Majesty! Please give us a good show!"
"I'm betting on Lord Eliazar! Please teach His Majesty a lesson!"
The General, Galahad, and the other Lt. Generals soon joined into the fray, drawing their blades without giving a single damn about the ball. And rather than stop them, the people even instigated the duel more, even betting on who will be winning.
In just a quick moment, the masquerade ball which was once full of grace and dignity quickly turned into a place of frivolity and rowdiness. The music even changed to one which would be played during wars and duels, a loud and chaotic beat.
It wasn't the first time such a development happened, rather, it happened every time there was alcohol involved. The nobles have also gotten used to it, accepting it as it is and having fun in their own little ways.
"Oh, dear..." ［Miranda］
"Father...." ［Lisandra］
A barrier was soon erected, and the sounds of metals clashing replaced the graceful music. Their strengths had been restricted so there was no need to fear blood being spilled, the people only cheering loudly as they watched the chaotic mess unfold.
The King brandished his sword and sparks flew out all over the place as he clashed with Eliazar's. Their swords were fast as lightning, shockwaves resounding time and time again. It was a ball Grey and Yuna had ever seen before.
"Oi! Grey! Yuna! Come and join the fight! Don't hide like cowards!" ［Archen］
"Your Highnesses! Let's converse with our blades!" ［Galahad］
The King made a provocation and Galahad extended an invitation, but the two figures in question decided to ignore either of them. They just continued eating their snacks, enjoying the desserts as if there was no tomorrow.
"Oh! Grey! This is super good! Here, have a try!" ［Yuna］
"Mmn... Ohh...! It's sweet and chewy. I wonder how they made these..." ［Grey］
"Right～? Let's eat as much as we can! Everyone's watching the fight anyway." ［Yuna］
They were in their own little, dreamy world, tasting each and every food and asking the servers what they were. They may be fighters, blacksmiths, alchemists, and all those things, but they were also cooks. They couldn't help but be curious.
Meanwhile, Lisandra couldn't even calm down because of their father's recklessness. The happiness she once felt when he announced the news before was now gone, only exhaustion growing inside her heart.
"Here, Lisa, have a taste of these. They are really good!" ［Yuna］
"A-Ah, thank you..." ［Lisandra］
"And this one too! And this one, then this oneー Ah! These ones here too!" ［Yuna］
With Yuna handing her all sorts of sweets and treats, there was no time for Lisandra to be worried about her father. Before she could even get a chance to speak up, a mountain of desserts already formed atop her plate.
There were macarons, cupcakes, jam rolls, sweet buns, fruit cakes, cream bread, tarts, custards, sables, and many more. All were sparkling magnificently like the eyes of the silver-haired young lady before her.
"Finish them all, okay?" ［Yuna］
"E... Eh...?" ［Lisandra］
The night was still long....
CHAPTER 313 END