Azul sighed and reached out his hand to prevent his subordinate from escalating the situation any further, stopping him in his tracks. (Back off!)
(But... Young master,) the tanned kid, determined to teach the 'two bastards' who had humiliated his young master a lesson, persisted.
(I said, back off, Ryun. I know what to do.) Sensing the genuine concern of the tanned kid, Azul helplessly shook his head.
(Please forgive him, Young miss Sora, Young master Void. He is still inexperienced in the ways of the world.) Azul bowed and apologized on behalf of his subordinate.
(Oh? Is that so? Then, what about you? Are you experienced?) Void pointed his finger and cryptically asked.
For a moment, Azul felt as if a shadow had been cast over his being. His heart tightened, and droplets of sweat trickled down, darkening his expression, (What do you mean?)
Glimpsing his shaken facade, Satisfied, Void replied, (I mean, aren't we all children under the age of ten? Therefore, it's only natural for us to be inexperienced. Or are you suggesting that you are different?)
(Hahaha... Of course not. I'm just saying...) Azul rubbed the back of his head, calming down. Subsequently, he cursed internally, [Damn you, little bastard! You almost scared the hell out of me. Tch, naive kids and their stupid pride...]
(And one more thing,) Void interjected.
(What is it?) Azul had the urge to beat someone.
(Use the honorifics 'Prince' and 'Princess' when addressing me and my twin sister because my aunt always addressed us as such, and I prefer it that way,) Void's lips curled, arrogantly announcing his verdict.
(What?!!!!) Everyone exclaimed, the surrounding kids and the ones watching from above.
There is only one phrase reverberating in their heads:
Arrogant! Overly conceited!
******
(What the heck! Sarah, didn't you spoil them a bit too much?) Jary almost fell off her chair.
(Possibly a little...) Sarah avoided eye contact.
(A little? What little! Do you see, your beloved son is basically issuing a statement there. That's no longer arrogance! He is literally conceited.) Jary rolled her eyes. At times like this, she really wished her fanatic maid 'Nin' was beside her, because only she can refrain her from exploding. By the way, where is she?
Sarah opted for silence. However, in her mind, [Hehe, Serena, he is growing up to be just like you. Haa... I know I've said this before but I can't stop myself from repeating this phrase over and over again; Like Mother, like son.] She smilingly shook her head, [Perhaps arrogance was etched in that 'Damned Bloodline' of yours. But don't worry, I will protect him, even if I have to sacrifice everything.]
💜*💜*💜*
Sora speechlessly shook her head, her brother is getting more brazen and cute these days.
(You.... How... Shameless) Another subordinate kid of Azul, who recovered from his stupefaction the fastest, angrily uttered.
(No, that's my right,) Void blankly corrected.
(On what basis?) the subordinate kid questioned again.
Nevertheless, before Void could proclaim "on my basis," which might sound truly ridiculous, Irish came to the rescue again.
(Hmm... Hmm. Young master Azul, everyone. Please ignore him! You see, my friend here is just joking,) bowing elegantly, Irish tried her best to clarify.
(No, I'm~) Void wanted to retort. However, a glare from Irish shut his mouth.
Consequently, Sora, who noticed the brief chemistry between her brother and best friend, felt uncomfortable. She didn't like it. She didn't like this feeling at all! Suddenly, Sora's body felt chilled. Due to the intense emotions concerning her paradox, she is experiencing a balance disruption, cracking herself from within. herself from within.
Before she could black out, a silent hand slipped into hers, fingers intertwining. Feeling the touch of that precious palm, Sora felt her 'out of balance' state recede. Looking beside her, she saw Void gazing towards the front, his lips curled in amusement. Sora calmed herself; That's right! He's meant to be hers.
Fortunately, no one seemed to have noticed the unusual connection between Void & Sora, except for a certain platinum-haired woman who was watching them closely.
Meanwhile, upon hearing the true princess of the event, Irish, the naive kids simply accepted, while Azul and his subordinates reluctantly nodded.
(Now, young master Azul, if I may ask, what is your purpose for seeking me?) After the tension calmed down, Irish asked directly.
Witnessing her directness, Azul chuckled, (Oh, Glaze princess, can't I seek you for a fun chat?) he elegantly said.
Kyuuu!
Seeing his elegant demeanor, some girls couldn't help but fangirl over him.
[As I thought, this guy is the 'popularity-type' antagonist. Tch. In moments like this, I truly wish for that protagonist too just show up and knock some sense into these irredeemable fangirls,] Void jealously thought. No! He's not jealous! [Anyhow, where is that damn protagonist? Why can't I find him yet? I even reluctantly resigned myself to the role of a humble escort for that princess just so I could fish out that wandering fellow with a princess as bait. And with how I fished out a typical antagonist instead of the protagonist, things really aren't working out, I guess,] he quietly lamented.
Focusing on reality, Irish remained unperturbed. The strings of void already screwed up her heart and sense of beauty. Essentially, she gained immunity in perception to beauty. Thus, Azul's elegant gestures didn't affect her a bit, both literally and metaphorically.
Observing her unflinching expression, Azul was momentarily puzzled. Nonetheless, he quickly regained his composure. (It appears the Glaze household really does not deserve their infamous reputation of being fervourless.) Irish chose not to comment. Actually, they do deserve it and they are indeed a bit fervorless due to the fiery energy in their bodies! But she doesn't and isn't anymore, thanks to a certain someone.
(*Sigh* I guess you're the serious type of girl, Glaze princess. Well then, let's get straight to the point! ) Irish Glaze, I challenge you to a game,) Azul declared his intention.
(What! A match between the prodigy child of Cadzel and the future heiress of Glaze, members of two noble households.)
(Wow! What an exciting turnout. It seems I wasn't wasting my time by following the famous century genius. Hehe, finally, this boring event is kicking off into the next stage.)
(Kyuuu! Master Azul, you will definitely win.)
The onlookers buzzed, anticipating an impending clash.
*****
*****
(Oh my, young master Azul, what kind of game would you like to play?) Irish wasn't surprised by the issued challenge. After all, everyone is aware that the Cadzel household was gaining huge momentum after giving birth to an unprecedented talent like Azul Cadzel. And as you may know, with how things usually work in families. They are using this opportunity to garner a dominant reputation in the world. This includes challenging other household geniuses, trying to exert dominance.
(Hmm. What are you most proficient in?) Azul thought for a moment but ultimately decided to leave it to Irish.
(Haa... Let's see, I was taught pretty much everything from birth; mind games like chess, strategic warfare, puzzles, projection stimulation, role-playing, gaslighting, realistic card play, etc. Or physical games like skill proficiency, swordplay, flight showdown, dystopia, spatial leap, hurdles, cyberpunk, clash of mecha androids, or perhaps you prefer games of magical realism like~)
(Wait... Wait... Wait. You don't have to list out every one of them. How about we settle this in a more straightforward way, considering your temperament. Let's play a game that can test us to the limits of her abilities) Azul quickly interrupted.
(You're suggesting...)
"Exactly. A Virtual Duel. Let's battle!" Azul announced.
(Alright, a virtual duel it is!) Irish's eyebrows arched, her confidence shining through.