Chapter 60: Founding Day Festival (2)

Chapter 60: Founding Day Festival (2)

The owner of the golden chair also must have been surprised to see us, as his mouth was also slightly agape.

Lady Serkia? Earl Zigen?

Your Imperial Majesty.

When Father and I bowed to him in greeting, the Emperor laughed as if he found this situation interesting.

What brings you here? It is my first time seeing the two of you here.

Not to mention, the tickets for these seats were only reserved for royalty. Adding that statement, the Emperor trailed off.

Damian was surely not to be underestimated. He intentionally brought me here to make the Emperor suspicious of me.

So I judged that it would be better to tell him the truth rather than have the Emperor doubt me.

Damian His Grace, has gotten these tickets for us.

The Emperors eyes narrowed after hearing my answer.

Why would the Grand Duke give Milady those tickets?

I am not sure either, Your Majesty. Ive just followed his request to come to the festival and somehow found myself here.

Hah, I see.

The Emperors eyebrows furrowed. I could see a clear dislike for Damian in his crumpled expression.

Seeing as how the man tried to sue the imperial house as a mere halfling definitely seemed like a reason for the Emperor to dislike Damian.

Why dont you sit for now? Its nice for me to have the company of familiar faces as well.

To the Emperors offer, Father and I bowed again and sat down on the seats that the Emperor provided to us. And I could feel the Emperors gaze next to me.

Why is he staring at me like that?

Ive heard that Leon has been bothering Milady these days.

Of course not, Your Majesty. His Highness is not a bother.

Though he is my one and only son, I must say that he is superbly immature. So I ask you not to pay much attention to what he says.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Like I expected, all that talk about me becoming the Crown Princess was complete nonsense. Well, there was no reason for the Emperor to want such things in the first place. Why bother making me the Crown Princess when he was able to use my healing abilities freely at his will?

I felt one of the unsolved balls of mystery within me disappear.

I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.

Seeming to be content with my answer, the Emperor nodded his head with satisfaction.

Is it your first time at this fighting competition? Both Milady and the Earl?

Yes, it is.

Yes. Your Majesty.

Then, the Emperor kindly explained the rules of the competition to the father and daughter who attended the event for the first time.

The reason why so many people attend this event is because this competition is that much more fascinating. Not only are the contestants allowed to use any kind of weapon, but they are not punished for murder even after killing someone. In this competition, commoners and slaves can become nobles as well.

Is that so?

Yes, it is indeed.

I knew that this massive circular arena located at the capitals square only opened once a year at the Founding Day festival, but I didnt know these details. Because I hadnt been interested in this fighting competition even in my past life.

Taking into consideration that they overcame both social status and physical limitations, those who win this annual event can obtain whatever they wish for. If its to be knighted, then they will become knighted. If it is land they need, they will get land. If it is money, then they will receive enough money to live off for the rest of their lives.

There are especially many contestants this year. We had ten thousand competitors just in the preliminary rounds. The fifty people standing here are contestants who have been selected from those preliminary rounds. Yes. That means they are all quite skilled.

The crowd cheered and shouted at the hosts commentary. And some of the people in the audience must have recognized Damian, as they started to yell out his name.

Woahhhhh! Its the Grand Duke!

Grand Duke Damian!

The best swordsman in the empire has participated in the competition!

Oh my goodness!

It was a relief that Cassadin had dyed his hair, because not many people seemed to recognize him. Everyone focusing their attention on Damian also seemed to help.

Not even Father seemed to have recognized Cassadin with his dyed hair.

But not even that must have been enough to hide his extravagant looks, as the people continued to steal glimpses at the robed man.

If only he were moderately handsome.

Lady Serkia, what is the matter?

Surprised by the Emperors sudden call, I tore my gaze off of Cassadin. When I looked back at the Emperor, he had his head tilted while staring at me with a puzzled expression.

Youve been looking at that man with quite a serious expression. Do you happen to know that man?

Then, the Emperor pointed at Cassadin in his dark robe. How should I answer that?

It would be strange to say that I knew him, but saying yes that that man used to be my younger brother was even stranger.

Because whatever answer I provided him with would be strange, I made my decision after much thought.

I thought he looked similar to someone I knew, but it seems I was mistaken.

It was true since Cassadin dyed his hair after all. I returned a vague answer to the Emperor. Eyes narrowed, the Emperor returned his gaze to the arena as he spoke.

Putting aside personal relationships, todays match will be quite entertaining.

Forcing my lips into a smile, I glanced at the arena.

Standing in front of the competitors, the host was still explaining the competition to the audience.

The match

Grand Duke Damian!

Your Grace! Your Grace! Please look over here!

But because of the crowds loud shouting, I couldnt hear the hosts voice properly. The host also seemed to be aware of this, as he stopped in the middle of speaking as if waiting for the crowd to quiet down.

When they finally did quiet down, the host started his explanation all over again.

The competition will be arranged in a 1:1 tournament pattern. All weapons are allowed to be used, and contestants who shout surrender or leave the arenas perimeters will be immediately eliminated.

The arena itself was so large that it didnt seem like people would be eliminated from leaving its perimeters. Listening to the host, I slowly scanned the arena.

Including the audience seats, the arena was built in a large circle, and there was a box containing various weapons next to each participant.

You are allowed to use the weapons inside that box, or the ones youve brought.

A circular arena, and all types of weapons are permitted.

Also, you will not be charged with murder for any casualties caused during the event. May God be with you all. So, the first participant to start the competition will be!

The host purposefully stopped and slowly turned to look around at the audience. Out of frustration, the audience started to boo the man, at which point the host smiled and then shouted.

There shouldnt be anyone who doesnt know this man in the Seville Empire! The greatest swordsman, Grand Duke Damain! And Kane, a wandering mercenary.