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Gavin politely bowed and said, "It is an honor to meet you, Lord Willas. My name is Gavin Flower." Willas responded with a warm smile, "I have heard much about you from Edmund. I didn't expect you to be so young and yet so skilled with a sword." Saying this, the three of them proceeded into the heart of the banquet.
At the feast, Gavin was seated beside Willas. At first, Willas engaged in conversation with Gavin merely out of courtesy. However, as their discussion deepened, both men found themselves increasingly engrossed.
To Willas's surprise, Gavin, despite his youth, exhibited remarkable maturity and poise in his words.
Whether dissecting the complexities of current affairs or offering keen insights into human nature, Gavin always presented unique and refreshing perspectives, as though his mind were a treasure trove of wisdom.
When the discussion shifted to the topic of territorial development, Gavin's proposed solutions were both pragmatic and forward-thinking, earning Willas's genuine admiration.
Willas's gaze toward Gavin grew increasingly appreciative, filled with both surprise and respect. Gavin's sharp intellect and profound insights left a strong impression, captivating everyone around him.
Every argument Gavin presented was logical, well-structured, and supported by clear reasoning, giving his words an almost magnetic quality that commanded attention.
Willas thought to himself, "This young man is truly a rare talent. If I could bring him into the Tyrell family, he would undoubtedly become a tremendous asset. But alas, he is an illegitimate child."
His thoughts began racing, pondering ways to persuade Edmund to let such a promising individual join his family's ranks.
As the banquet drew to a close, Willas extended an invitation to both Edmund and Gavin. "After the archery and group tournaments, there will be a feast at the castle to celebrate my sister's thirteenth name day. Edmund, be sure to bring Gavin along." Edmund smiled and agreed without hesitation.
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Inside a spacious and private tent, Gavin carefully polished his equipment. Edmund had specially prepared a finely crafted longbow for him.
At that moment, Tommen quietly lifted the tent flap and stepped inside.
"Captain, I've found out everything," Tommen reported.
Gavin paused, raising his head to meet Tommen's gaze. "What did you learn?"
"If you win the archery contest, the odds are ten to one. If you win the group tournament as the sole victor, the odds rise to twenty to one," Tommen explained in one breath, his expression a mix of astonishment at the high stakes and concern for Gavin's chances.
Before Gavin could respond, Tommen anxiously added, "Captain, are you sure you want to bet it all?"
Without hesitation, Gavin replied, "Bet it all."
Tommen frowned, visibly uneasy. "But Captain, the risk is enormous. If—"
Gavin interrupted firmly, "There are no 'ifs.' Risk and opportunity go hand in hand. I'm confident in my abilities."
Seeing the determination in Gavin's eyes, Tommen hesitated for a moment before nodding resolutely. "Alright, Captain, we'll do as you say. Besides, the brothers have pooled all money they have to back you."
Gavin placed a reassuring hand on Tommen's shoulder and said, "Trust me. I won't let any of you down."
Tommen gave a determined nod and left to handle the bets. Meanwhile, Gavin continues to organise his equipment, his eyes brimming with confidence.
Participating in the tournament on behalf of his family was fraught with danger, regardless of the outcome. To reward Gavin for competing on the family's behalf, Ser Edmund had specially given him 1,000 gold dragons.
Upon hearing about the betting opportunities surrounding the event, Gavin wasted no time. He promptly instructed Tommen to gather information and placed all his money on himself, hoping to double his fortune in one bold move.
Now fully prepared, Gavin awaited the moment of the tournament, confident that it would not only test his skills but also bring him great wealth.
The tournament was held on a vast, sunlit clearing in front of Highgarden. The golden rays of sunlight painted the open field in shimmering hues of gold, setting the stage for the archery competition.
A massive grandstand had been erected beneath the castle, towering like a mighty mountain. Atop the stands, nobles dressed in opulent attire engaged in refined conversation or watched the field below with great interest.
The rules of the tournament were clear and straightforward. Contestants were required to shoot at targets set 100 paces away, each granted five attempts.
Those who hit the target with all five arrows would move to the next round, where the target would be placed 10 paces farther and made smaller. This process would repeat until only one contestant remained—the champion.
"Prepare to shoot!" the judge's voice rang out, resonant and commanding.
Standing on the field, Gavin heeded the call, bow in hand, ready to take his first shot. His posture was upright and firm like a pine tree, his gaze resolute and focused.
He steadied his breathing, as though the surrounding commotion did not exist, immersing himself fully in the task at hand.
Gavin's striking silver hair cascaded over his shoulders like a waterfall, glinting under the sunlight. The radiant sheen of his hair, combined with his handsome features and poised demeanor, captivated the noblewomen in the stands.
Whispering amongst themselves, they eagerly inquired about the identity of this remarkable archer.
Meanwhile, seated in the stands, Willas turned to Edmund with a teasing grin. "Haha! Your nephew certainly knows how to charm. Look at those ladies—they're utterly smitten with him."
Edmund, unable to suppress a proud smile, replied warmly, "Of course, this is the blood of my family."
As the competition progressed, Gavin's performance was nothing short of exceptional.
Every time he drew his bow, his movements were steady and powerful. Each arrow he released seemed imbued with life, flying with unerring precision toward the target.
By the time the contest reached 180 paces, the target had shrunk to the size of a small cup, barely discernible to the naked eye. At this point, only two contestants remained—Gavin was one of them.
Taking a deep breath, Gavin calmed his nerves, adjusting his breathing and rhythm. Fatigue was beginning to creep in, and he knew that if the match reached 200 paces without a winner, he might have no choice but to use the precious energy points he had recently acquired.
Gripping his bow tightly, Gavin fixed his gaze on the distant, almost imperceptible target. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he silently calculated the distance and angle in his mind, contemplating how to accomplish this nearly impossible challenge without resorting to the energy points.
His opponent, too, was visibly struggling. The tremor in his hands betrayed his growing tension and unease.
Suddenly, the cheers from the grandstand reached a fever pitch. Several young women, their faces flushed, began calling Gavin's name with enthusiasm. Their voices rose and fell like waves, filling the air with excitement.
This unexpected display of support only worsened his opponent's precarious state.
Already tense, the cheering only heightened his anxiety, causing his hands to shake uncontrollably. His next arrow veered off course, missing the target entirely.
Watching his opponent's faltering composure, Gavin couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and disbelief. He thought wryly to himself, "Who would've thought I'd win the championship because of my looks?"
Shaking his head with a wry smile, he accepted this peculiar twist of fate with a hint of resignation. Still, it did not diminish the joy of his victory.
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[Chapter End's]
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