『Neizan: «Why is it always my fault...?» 』
The boy hung his head, feeling a knot in his stomach as he regretted getting his friends into trouble for not being careful enough. After a few hours in the cell, he began to think about how he might escape. However, there was no way to do this quickly, so he decided to wait and see if a more favorable situation presented itself.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, getting closer. Two men appeared in front of the cell; one of them stopped and looked at Neizan. The first was dressed in elegant noble attire, with a distinguished bearing that hinted he was an important person. The other, who accompanied him, looked like a bodyguard, dressed in knightly uniform.
『Noble: Are you having fun, kid? 』
Neizan remained silent, defiantly staring at the two men. He was sitting on a small bed in the cell, leaning against the back wall.
『Knight: Answer your lord, boy. 』
Neizan squinted, feeling a mix of contempt and confusion.
『Neizan: Who is that? Wait, the other guard was the one who arrested me before. 』
The noble smiled with a playful and carefree expression.
『Noble: Don't worry, Miguel, just let us talk alone. 』
『Miguel: I apologize for intruding, my lord. 』
Neizan crossed his arms, challenging the noble's authority.
『Neizan: ...What do you want? 』
『Noble: I came to speak solely with you, kid. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Alberto Mazeran Lisboa, from the family responsible for managing these lands under the name of Emperor Erick. 』
Neizan frowned, skeptical.
『Neizan: A marquis? Get to the point. 』
Alberto chuckled softly, maintaining his composure.
『Alberto: Well, I'm here to propose something to you, but first, I need to know your name to confirm a few things. 』
Neizan, with determination, shook his head.
『Neizan: I'm not going to tell you my name. 』
The tension in the cell grew as the noble watched him with interest, as if Neizan were a puzzle he was eager to solve.
『Alberto: It's a shame... We'll have to force your friend to tell us. 』
Neizan frowned, his gaze burning with fury.
『Neizan: If you touch Lina, damn it, I'll kill you all. 』
His sharp words filled the air with a dark feeling, making it clear that the boy was not wavering in what he said. He stood up, moving closer to the cell door, feeling the tension grow between him and the two men through the steel bars.
『Miguel: My lord, please step back a little and be careful with that boy. 』
Miguel took a step back, cautiously watching Neizan's reaction.
『Alberto: There's no need. If he really cares about his life and his friends, he'll want to know what I'm about to propose. 』
Neizan clenched his fists, his expression resolute.
『Neizan: Speak already, what the hell do you want? 』
Alberto smiled, pleased with the young man's defiant response.
『Alberto: That's the attitude I want, boy. A strong and threatening guy like you would be very useful to me. As you know, you're sentenced to death for murdering a commissioner and two guards, and you've also been accused of killing another group of men. Not to mention the theft of all sorts of goods and belongings... 』
Neizan remained silent, his mind processing the gravity of the accusations.
『Alberto: But your friends can still save themselves from the sentence since they are just accomplices. And that's where my proposal comes in. 』
The boy kept his gaze fixed on him, feeling uncertainty grow inside.
『Neizan: ...Go on, I'm listening. 』
『Alberto: I've heard about your exploits as a criminal, boy. That's why I'm asking you to participate this year as our representative in the Gladiator Lion elections. 』
Neizan frowned, confused.
『Neizan: What? I don't know anything about those elections. Explain. 』
Alberto adjusted his posture, speaking with a confidence that contrasted with the seriousness of his proposal.
『Alberto: Every five years, general elections are held in the empire. Eight factions participate in a game that involves bringing different gladiators to a coliseum. The winner will be able to tip the political and economic balance in favor of their governed community within this empire. 』
『Alberto: Correct. I need to find strong fighters right now, but most are just soulless deadweights locked up. 』
Neizan frowned, feeling a growing disdain for the situation.
『Neizan: What will you do if I participate then? 』
Alberto looked at him with a calculated smile.
『Alberto: If you participate and win, we will forgive the crimes you've committed, along with the release of your friends. In addition, you will gain fame and riches you could never have dreamed of. 』
Neizan pondered for a moment, his mind racing.
『Neizan: ...Alright, but with one condition. 』
Alberto raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
『Alberto: Tell me. What do you want in return? 』
Neizan fixed his gaze on him, determination shining in his eyes.
『Neizan: If I agree, you will release me and my friends now. 』
Alberto paused, evaluating the proposal.
『Alberto: I intended to release you, but not your friends. Otherwise, how can I guarantee that you won't run away at any moment? 』
Neizan crossed his arms, his expression firm.
『Neizan: I'll tell you my true and only name. Will that satisfy you? 』
Alberto smiled, pleased with the offer.
『Alberto: I accept, but I will only release the boy. The girl will be my insurance to ensure that you don't do anything reckless. 』
Neizan frowned, feeling the situation becoming more complicated.
『Neizan: Who do you mean by the boy? 』
『Alberto: The merchant named Arthur Ruiz Gonzales. He's your friend too, right? 』
Neizan hesitated for a moment, feeling a punch in the gut.
『Neizan: ...No. Well, fine. My name is Neizan. 』
Alberto smiled triumphantly.
『Alberto: I'm glad you accepted. That's what I can offer you for now, Neizan. Oh, and if you want to know who betrayed you, it was Meilia Farias Ariza. The noble handed a letter detailing her situation to the hotel receptionist, and he sent it to the city guards. 』
Neizan gritted his teeth, containing his rage.
『Neizan: Tsk. «I knew it was that bitch...»』
Alberto let out a mocking laugh.
『Alberto: Hahaha, I see you're not only strong but also clever. But you made a grave mistake bringing her with you to the same hotel. And I should tell you that she has been detained and imprisoned as well. 』
Neizan fell silent, his thoughts oscillating between disbelief and rage.
『Neizan: How? 』
『Alberto: Don't worry, you'll be able to ask her yourself in person later. Right now, I have little time. Soon, the guards will come to take you out of the cell, so goodbye, Neizan. 』