Seated on an ornate chair, Priscilla scrutinized her knight candidates with keen interest. In her hand, she held an exquisite folding fan, using it to partially conceal her mouth, revealing only a pair of bright, confident crimson eyes.
Her posture was elegant, her figure graceful—indeed, any flattering term for a woman could be applied to her.
Soon, the registration period for knight candidates came to an end. Priscilla stood up from her chair, set aside the fan, and revealed her delicate lips as she addressed the assembled group:
"Welcome, everyone, to my knight selection. The selection process is simple: you'll all draw lots to determine the combatants. Those with matching numbers will face off."
Beside her, a pink-haired boy who appeared to be a servant produced a box for drawing lots and placed it on the table.
A charming smile curved Priscilla's lips as she continued:
"The winners will proceed to the next round. Of course, there are only four knight positions available. So, show your talents, and if you please me, you'll become my favored knight!"
"Now, let's begin."
With that, Priscilla sat back down, reopened her fan, and covered the corner of her mouth, revealing only her alluring scarlett eyes to scrutinize the participants.
Among them, she lingered a little longer on Graham.
Graham was the youngest and most handsome among the candidates, naturally catching Priscilla's attention.
Priscilla recruited knights to protect herself. Despite her arrogance, she wasn't foolish.
Due to being endowed with the 'Divine Protection of the Sun', her combat prowess was formidable. During the day, she gained various advantages, ensuring that events unfolded in her favor.
But at night, her abilities waned, thus she needed knights to guard her.
At this moment, she held significant power within the Barielle family.
However, her eighth fiancé, Leip Barielle, an elderly man in his seventies, seemed to be making moves in the shadows to undermine her influence.
And among the knights in this selection, there were candidates whom were associated with him!
If one of Leip's people manages to become her knight, it would introduce an element of instability.
But would Priscilla be afraid?
After all, the selection was taking place during daytime! So everything will fall into place in her favor.
...
After drawing lots, Graham glanced at his assigned number: number 4.
With the drawing complete, Priscilla smiled and said slowly, "Very well, let's begin."
How could one aspire to become her knight without demonstrating their strength?
As her words fell, two figures stepped onto the arena.
One of them was none other than the helmeted man, Aldebaran.
Priscilla narrowed her eyes, observing the combat between the two. Internally, she nodded in approval.
The helmeted man assumed a battle stance, lifting his longsword, his eyes gleaming with icy determination.
Having fought for survival on the Gladiator Island Ginunihive for so long, Aldebaran was no stranger to bloodshed. In battle, he naturally gave his all.
"Let's get this over with!" Said his opponent who was a young knight, disdain flickering in his eyes after seeing Aldebaran's appearance.
"Engarde!" Then he executed an elegant and precise thrust toward Aldebaran.
*Swishh!*
However, Aldebaran effortlessly sidestepped, cleanly beheading his opponent with a swift sword slash to the neck.
No mercy. Such considerations did not exist for Aldebaran.
This instinctive action was honed during his slave years in the Gladiator Arena—a product of his combat instincts.
Having dispatched his opponent, Aldebaran's mouth, hidden beneath the helmet, widened into a cruel smile.
He then nonchalantly slung the sword over his shoulder and walked off the arena.
"The victor is Aldebaran! Next pair, step forward," Priscilla announced, unfazed as servants removed the young knight's lifeless body.
Her expression remained unchanged, and she promptly declared the start of the next match.
Soon, it was Graham's turn.
His opponent was a middle-aged knight with a resolute expression and heavy footsteps.
"Asbada Barielle, I seek your guidance," the middle-aged man said politely as he introduced himself to his opponent.
"Graham, there's no need for formalities," replied Graham, studying the courteous knight. The man's surname was 'Barielle', which meant he was likely a pawn sent by Leip.
Since he was a pawn and was aspiring to become Priscilla's knight, he must possess some degree of skill. Graham felt a sense of anticipation.
"I shall now engage, my lord. Be on your guard," the middle-aged man said, exuding knightly demeanor. Regardless of whether it was genuine or feigned, politeness always left a favorable impression. Priscilla cast an additional glance at him.
Seeing Graham's stoic expression and lack of combat posturing, Asbada grew irritated. Clearly, Graham underestimated him!
Despite his inner frustration, Asbada's knightly upbringing compelled him to suppress his anger.
"Engarde!" Asbada was an honorable knight, even reminding his opponent before striking.
He lunged forward, determination in his eyes, and executed a standard diagonal slash. His sword gleamed with white energy, evidence of Asbada's formidable abilities.
Yet Graham remained motionless. Instead, a protective shield of green energy automatically enveloped him.
Watching from the sidelines, Priscilla's eyes gleamed, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Who would have thought that among her knight candidates, there was a Spirit Arts User?
Fascinating!