Read 20+ Chapter's Ahead in Patreon
Gavin took a deep breath, as if trying to inhale the blood and smoke that filled the battlefield into his very lungs.
He slowly turned his head and looked at the three gladiators who had charged alongside him.
Though they were struggling to stay on their feet, their wounds were horrific, with blood continuously seeping from their bodies, staining their clothes.
One of them had a gaping wound in the abdomen, the flesh mangled, while the other two bore long, bloody gashes from sword strikes.
Gavin shifted his gaze back to the battlefield. After the chaos at the start, fewer than a hundred people remained. What had once been a noisy and chaotic battleground now felt much emptier. The remaining combatants were scattered into several factions.
One group, led by the Hightower family, had held up well during the early stages, thanks to their solid defense.
They had managed to preserve their strength, maintain their morale, and sustain fewer casualties than the other factions.
After the recent charge and battle, Gavin gained a clearer understanding of his own strength. With his fine armor and master-level swordsmanship, he could easily handle any group still left on the field.
He felt the power coursing through his muscles, a well of potential within him. Though he had exerted some energy, his body showed no signs of fatigue.
On the contrary, the excitement of the battle made him feel more at ease. He turned around and waved to his three comrades, signaling them to leave the battlefield.
Gavin watched them depart before bending down to pick up a spear with a banner from the ground. He adjusted his stance, raised the spear high, and slowly walked toward the Hightower family. His gaze was full of confidence, as though the enemies ahead were merely ants awaiting his conquest.
The nobles in the stands were in an uproar, gossiping in hushed voices. Many were curious about what the young man intended to do.
Was he really planning to charge at the tightly-knit, well-prepared group of over dozen enemies on his own?
Some people looked fearful, thinking the young man was too reckless; others' eyes sparkled with anticipation, hoping he would create a miracle; while a few scoffed, deeming it a foolish and hopeless endeavor.
Among the spectators, Edmund was frantic, his anxiety evident as he paced like an ant on a hot pan. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.
He yelled Gavin's name desperately, waving his arms wildly, trying to catch Gavin's attention. Yet, his frantic calls were drowned out by the incessant chatter of the nobles around him.
At the same time, Willas, who had been watching the scene, couldn't help but mutter to himself, "I didn't expect your swordsmanship to be so strong. I really wonder how many more surprises you have in store for me."
Hearing her brother's mumbling, Margaery Tyrell turned to him in curiosity and asked, "Brother Willas, do you know him?"
Willas gently patted Margaery on the head, replying, "I met him at a banquet once. His name is Gavin Flower, and he's quite talented in managing territories. I've been thinking of bringing him into the Highgarden as an official." Willas' eyes shone with admiration and expectation.
"Flowers? Since he's not a knight yet, could you make him your squire?" Margaery asked seriously, her large, bright eyes full of curiosity.
"Of course not. He's only 15 and hasn't had his coming-of-age ceremony yet. There's no such thing as a squire that young." Willas smiled, explaining to Margery.
However, as he spoke, a hint of sorrow appeared on his face, and he sighed softly. "Seeing his swordsmanship, I'd love to have him as a squire, but he's a bastard child of the Cotstayne family."
"I see," Margaery frowned as she understood.
"Oh? What do you understand?" Willas asked with a smile. His sister, though only 13, had been carefully groomed by their grandmother. She was wise beyond her years, far surpassing him in both insight and judgment.
"The Cotstayne family only has two members: Lord Houghton and Ser Edmund. Ser Edmund's wife, Lilith Tyrell, who has been married for seven years, is pregnant, and she is from the Tyrell family. Currently, the third generation of this family only has one male bloodline, Gavin Flower, and even if he is just a bastard." Margaery replied patiently.
"Proposing to take in their underage bloodline into the Highgarden would seem like we're trying to show support for Lilith. Which could stir up tensions. We can't take the initiative to propose including him in the Highgarden; this matter is best left for them to bring up on their own."
Willas nod in agreement, impressed by his sister's insight.
After tilting her head and pausing for a moment, Margery's face broke into a sly smile. "Brother Willas, I think I have an idea that might just work."
Willas was surprised by her response. He knew very well that Margery was far more capable than he was when it came to handling affairs, so he asked curiously, "What idea? Tell me."
With a playful wink, Margery said, "I can use the occasion of his name day to appoint him as my personal knight. A noblewoman's knight is mostly a matter of honor, so it won't provoke Ser Edmund. Afterward, we can use that opportunity to have him stay in the Highgarden and serve."
Willas chuckled helplessly, saying, "You little schemer. But before you make any decisions, it's best to consult grandmother first."
Margery raised her head proudly, "I understand. I've seen his swordsmanship, and it's indeed impressive. But managing territories should still be tested."
Willas looked at his clever sister, unsure of the marvelous idea she might have come up with.
As Gavin advanced, a complete silence surrounded him. No one moved to stop or attack him. Clearly, everyone had sensed the tension between him and the Hightower family, and all eyes were now focused on him, each person with their own thoughts, waiting to see what would happen.
Given the strength he had shown earlier, if Gavin did manage to disrupt the well-ordered formation of the Hightower family, it would be advantageous for everyone present.
Aside from a few who were blinded by bloodlust, most had ceased fighting. They were either vigilantly watching other teams or quietly observing Gavin, as if waiting for an exciting spectacle to unfold.
Gavin, holding the spear, stopped just 30 paces from the Hightower family. Then, gripping the spear with both hands, he thrust it forcefully into the ground, planting it like a banner.
A gasp swept through the crowd. "He didn't use the spearhead. The strength required for that must be immense."
Seeing such terrifying strength from Gavin, the Hightower family's members immediately grew serious. The once relaxed atmosphere seemed to freeze like ice, and the air itself felt heavy and oppressive.
They tightened their grips on their weapons, their eyes locked on Gavin with careful, watchful focus. Swiftly, they adjusted their formation, preparing for what was to come.
A heavy tension hung in the air, spreading through the crowd and making it feel like the very atmosphere was closing in on those around them.
Gavin's gaze instantly became razor-sharp. His right hand, like an iron clamp, tightly gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist, yanking it out with a powerful motion. The blade gleamed coldly, its frosty light seeming to thirst for blood.
..
..
[Image]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Chapter End's]
๐ค Night_FrOst/ Patreon ๐ค
Visit my Patreon for Early Chapter:
https://www.patreon.com/Night_FrOst
Extra Content Already Available