"Your highness, are you sure you want to involve these country bumpkins in our treasure hunt?" A young woman with brown hair and brown eyes dressed in maids clothing while giving off the aura of a warrior, asked as Elena sat on her seat.
She kept her voice low to ensure that what she said wouldn't accidentally cross the radar of the Magicians present in the audience.
Elena sighed. "Unfortunately, we don't have a choice, Tanya. Even though father approved my request to head to the ruins, he did not bother to help me with the manpower I need to clear it."
Tanya understood Elena's difficulty but still pressed on. "But I doubt there would be anyone here strong enough to carry along. I have already scoured the area and most teenagers here can't measure up to those in the capital."
"It doesn't really matter. It would only be troublesome if we managed to get someone that is on an equal level with us. All we need is cannon fodder that will help us figure out the dangers the ruins hold." Elena explained.
Tanya realized Elena's thoughts as her expression relaxed. "So that was what your highness was planning all along?... I had no idea, forgive my shortsightedness."
Elena sneered. "It's fine. Right now, let's wait and see who comes out victorious. In the end, all they can do is become my meat shield, after all, that's what they are best used for… Don't you agree, Governor?"
Charles gulped as he hurriedly nodded. "Of course. Your highness is kind enough to give purpose to these fools."
Elena had a sinister smile as Charles massaged her large ego. "They should be glad that I decided to use them for my benefits."
Meanwhile, Charles looked to the other side as he pulled out a handkerchief and cleaned the perspiration on his forehead.
He could still recall the moment when Elena arrived, asking him to sacrifice the promising youths of his city for her goal. Even if he wanted to, there was no way he could decline the words of the daughter of the emperor, it would be the same as courting death.
Thus he reluctantly agreed.
Charles already had an inkling from rumors flying around in the capital to what kind of person Elena was but seeing it for himself, he could not help but curse inwardly. "A venomous woman indeed… too scary, way too scary."
He hoped that she would finish her business and leave before things got out of hand.
For now, he could only endure. Sighing inwardly, he pitied whoever would be foolish enough to come out victorious in this year's Magic tournament.
***
The Magic Tournament of Zion Empire was a simple affair that didn't follow the normal rules of such kinds of events where participants would be paired together to face each other.
Instead, whoever was interested in taking part would only need to make himself known in the arena before making a challenge to anyone interested in accepting.
Of course, people from the crowd could challenge the one in the ring.
After that, one would only need to win a total of seven times without suffering a single loss before he or she would be eligible for the final prize.
If there were more than one challenger that racked up that many wins, then they would have to face each other in a brawl to settle things.
Of course, one should note that for each win, the fighter would be allowed some time to rest and take recovery potions to be in a fit condition for their next battle.
This was not always the case though as once upon a time, one had to fight till all seven wins were racked up, but this rule was changed after an unfortunate event that happened in the empire several hundreds of years ago.
It was about a great Magician who was touted as a genius but unfortunately ended up stepping on the bad side of some dangerous people.
During the Magic tournament, those dangerous people set up the Magician to fight against seven of their strongest fighters.
They made sure to whittle down his stamina until the last opponent came down and used his fatigue to get the better of him and end his life.
It was a tragedy that the nobility wanted to avoid thus they ended up changing the rules to be a bit more reasonable.
…
This year's Magic Tournament in Tudor County was already underway as a few fights had already taken place with each one being a bit more interesting than the last. So far, the leading fighter was Cedric Rion.
He had racked up three wins thus far with each of his fights ending before he got a chance to summon his contracted beast.
His performance managed to pique Princess Elena's interest as she paid extra attention to him.
Even Max had to confess that his brother's skills were quite intriguing.
"Uwaaah" A pained cry was heard as a body fell to the ground heavily.
"…And Cedric Rion wins again!" The announcement caused the audience to erupt in applause as they admired the young man with dark hair and a handsome face dominating his opponent with a chain blade.
Cedric gave his defeated opponent a sidelong glance before taking a look at the audience to find a certain person.
He surveyed for a few breaths before his sights landed on his target. Max met his gaze and both men had a silent exchange.
After what seemed like forever but was only a few seconds, Max nodded his head to acknowledge Cedric's strength but that was not enough for the latter as he turned away.
"It's not yet time," Cedric muttered as he made his way back to the resting area. He knew that there was a big chance of Max declining his challenge if he issued one now, thus he decided to wait.
To wait for the perfect opportunity, a situation where his useless older brother would have no choice but to come down himself.
Then and only then… would he be able to exact revenge for the grievances in his heart.