The air was tense, and all eyes were fixed on Kevin. His calm demeanor clashed with the underlying frustration brewing within him.
"King Fergal," Kevin began, his tone measured but firm, "are you certain you wish to proceed in this way?"
Fergal stared back at him, his expression unreadable. "Why?" he asked, his voice heavy with authority. "Do you think I don't dare?"
"No," Kevin replied, his faint smile now gone. "This is your territory, your castle, and you hold the power here. But tell me—do you believe the Red Branch Knights are afraid of death? Do you think the Kingdom of Ulster fears war?"
"Hahaha!" Bruel's laughter shattered the silence as the blade pressed against his neck. His voice boomed through the hall. "Well said, boy! Fergal, go ahead and kill me if you dare! It won't change anything. None of us are cowards!"
Bruel's words might have sounded brave, but Kevin's jaw clenched in irritation. Can you shut up, you big oaf?!
Kevin's calculated words were meant to diffuse the situation. Now, thanks to Bruel's theatrics, they risked turning into outright provocation.
Fergal's gaze darkened. "War?" His tone was low and threatening. "Do you think we Laskans are afraid of war? And don't forget—you Altesians are cursed. If it comes to battle, you are destined to lose."
Kevin didn't flinch. "Yes, we are cursed. Everyone knows that. But, King Fergal, you must also know that our enemies are watching, waiting for us to weaken ourselves. And have you not, in recent years, offended many powerful people?"
Fergal's eyes narrowed. "Are you threatening me?"
"No." Kevin shook his head. "I am simply stating facts."
For a long moment, Fergal studied Kevin in silence. Then, with a heavy sigh, he lowered the sword pressed against Bruel's neck.
"Let them go," he commanded the guards.
Relief washed over Connor and the others, but Kevin's sharp eyes caught a flicker of something else in Fergal's gaze—something that made his stomach sink.
"I'll give you a chance," Fergal said, his voice calm but laced with authority. "But in this world, chances are earned, not given freely. Prove to me that you are true warriors—worthy of respect and deserving of survival."
Fergal turned toward the shadows at the edge of the hall. "Norbert!"
A massive armored warrior stepped forward, bowing deeply. "At your service, Your Majesty."
"Take three hundred warriors, arm them well—but no bows or arrows. Guard the mountain pass outside the city gates. Ensure no one leaves tonight."
"As you command!" Norbert responded before marching off to gather his men.
Fergal's piercing gaze returned to Kevin. "Man of miracles, I will forgive tonight's actions. But to earn that forgiveness, you must prove your worth. Survive the night, and I will consider the matter settled."
Kevin sighed. So it all comes down to violence, as always.
"And you, Emer," Fergal said, pointing at the girl standing behind Cu Chulainn. "Return to my side."
"Your Majesty!" Cu Chulainn's voice rang out, filled with resolve. "I'll take on your challenge. But know this—if Emer suffers even the slightest grievance while I'm away, I swear by my father's name that I'll return to take vengeance!"
Fergal sneered but said nothing. He turned and left, his guards following closely behind. Emer, her face streaked with tears, cast one last longing glance at Cu Chulainn before reluctantly retreating.
Kevin watched the scene unfold with an expressionless face. Fifteen years old and sixteen years old, acting like star-crossed lovers. If this were my time, the Ministry of Education would be all over them.
His internal grumbling didn't stop him from feeling a pang of sympathy for Cu Chulainn, though. Jealousy? Maybe a little. But mostly, Kevin was annoyed by the chain of events that had landed them in this mess.
When Bruel and the other captured knights were released, they approached Kevin, Connor, and Cu Chulainn with downcast faces.
"Sorry," Bruel muttered, shame coloring his voice.
"It's fine," Connor said, stepping forward with a reassuring smile. "You did well. The Red Branch Knights are no cowards, and neither are you."
Cu Chulainn's spirits, however, seemed to rebound instantly. "Let's go!" he declared, his eyes burning with determination. "We'll prove ourselves and come back stronger than ever!"
Kevin shot him a sidelong glance, his annoyance growing. This idiot's just excited about impressing Emer. He has no idea what's coming.
The final blow came when Fergal, before leaving the hall entirely, turned and called back to them.
"One more thing!" he shouted. "Surviving the night won't be enough. If you want to marry my daughter, you must travel to the Kingdom of Shadows and pass the trials of its queen. Only when you return with her blessing will you have my approval!"
Kevin froze. His wide-eyed stare darted to Emer, then back to Fergal. His lips moved soundlessly as if he wanted to shout, Brother, just give up on her already! We don't need to go to the Kingdom of Shadows!
For a fleeting moment, Kevin considered switching sides. Maybe I should just join Fergal and end this nightmare before it begins.
But then he remembered Scathach's parting words. Even if you don't come to me, I'll definitely not hunt you down.
That memory was enough to quell Kevin's rebellious thoughts—for now.
Later, as the group prepared to fight their way through the mountain pass, Kevin's frustration boiled over.
"Do you realize how much effort I've put into helping you chase this girl?" he snapped at Cu Chulainn. "And now I'm stuck with you on this death march to Scathach's realm? Do you know how many times I've almost died already because of her?"
Cu Chulainn, oblivious to Kevin's plight, simply grinned. "Don't worry, Kevin. When we return, everything will be worth it!"
Kevin didn't respond. He was too busy imagining all the ways he could strangle his "brother" after this was over.
As the group marched toward the mountain pass, Kevin couldn't shake the feeling that the world was out to get him.
This world really is full of malice, he thought bitterly.
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