"It was embarrassing enough to see how he was taken down by such a simple trick, but to think his brutish companions would cause a scene as well.
As expected of Eryndor, I guess?"
The Tower Head grinned.
Cedric frowned at those words.
"There was no trick, Tower Head Selene. Hero Kael won because he was stronger than my warrior expected."
"Of course, that is how it usually ends when you mindlessly swing your sword without knowing the strength of your enemy."
"That is called being brave. Of course, your mages who run away the instant things get difficult wouldn't understand it."
He was usually calm and didn't get involved in mindless scuffles. However, he couldn't just let this woman continuously target his homeland and say nothing.
His pride would not allow it.
"I also suggest Tower Head Selene to calm down. Perhaps you are too excited to realize it, but you have already offended more than a few people here.
Minding your words would do you well."
The Commander threatened politely.
Selene, however, wasn't intimidated.
She questioned with a playful smirk.
"It is not. I am just pointing out that you are setting a bad example in front of the Hero. This is not how a High-Ranking Member of one of the Major forces in Nerathis should act."
Again, Cedric was calm.
It was a sort of calmness that came from having absolute confidence in one's own skill.
The problem, however, was that Cedric wasn't the only one confident in his skill.
"I am not setting a bad example. I am simply showing the Hero the Truth. Your warrior lost because he was weak, and that Seventh Circle Mage is only considered a good instructor because she was blessed with talented students. Students she couldn't take care of."
Once again, the tension rose.
This time, it was even more palpable than before.
After all, this time, King Alden was here.
"Mind your words, Selene."
And just as everyone expected, the King reacted.
To mention his daughter in front of him was a sure way to get on his bad side. The nobles of Drakthar knew this better than anyone else.
"I am merely pointing out the tru—"
"I will not repeat myself again."
Before Selene could retort, the King interrupted, his tone much heavier than before.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize for overstepping my boundaries."
Tower Head Selene lowered her head as she held herself back.
She hadn't achieved what she wanted yet. She needed to wait before acting out.
Seeing her reaction, Prince Edric narrowed his eyes.
Something felt wrong.
The Xenthalor Mages were acting a little too boldly.
Yes, they were known for being brazen, and the contempt they had for others, especially warriors wasn't a secret but normally, they wouldn't act out in front of the King.
After all, their current actions would give Drakthar and Alden all the reason to act against them. Imprisonment or even execution for disrespecting the royal authority wouldn't be considered too over the top, and the Mages should know it.
Why were they acting ?
Why was King Alden's reaction tamer than normal?
The Prince couldn't understand, and it wasn't just him. The nobles and even the guests from other forces felt strange too.
"Alright, since the Eryndor Kingdom failed, how about we have a magic duel between the Hero and one of my Mages?"
Selene suggested. This time, her tone was a bit tamer compared to before.
"Is the Mage you are talking about one of your students?"
Kael questioned with a smirk.
"No, the Hero is currently not strong enough to face any of my students."
Selene shook her head.
This time, she wouldn't let this brat get into her head.
Yes, the Tower Head was severely underestimating the lad who had someone like Mark as his roommate.
"Right, that would make sense. After all, considering Tower Head's age, most of her students would be even older than my grandfather. It would be strange if they were only at my level even after having someone like the Tower Head guiding them.
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That would only prove the Tower Head's incompetence, no?"
Kael smiled politely.
Selene's face twitched. She, however, didn't lose her control and smiled.
"Tower Head, should I go?"
Selene gave her orders.
The Mage bowed as he stared at Kael and stepped down.
A few minutes later, the mage walked into the Arena Stage and stood about 100 meters away from Kael, a perfect distance for a Mage to end the battle the moment it began.
Kael stared at the Mage and smiled, his eyes turning golden.
[Name: Albert Bannerman]
[Strengths: Large Mana Pool, Strategist, Experienced Mage]
[Weaknesses: Fragile Physique, Close Combat]
"What happened, Hero Kael? You aren't scared, are you? I haven't even introduced myself yet."
He knew the relationship between the Hero and the Tower Head wasn't the best. The Tower Head even told him to crush this man before he came here.
If he played it right, he might get into the Tower Head's good books.
And that was exactly what Albert was planning to do.
First, he would humiliate the Hero. Then, he would defeat him and humiliate Drakthar's training method.
It was a perfect opportunity for someone like him to shine.
Albert smiled inwardly as he thought about how his life would change after this.
Suddenly, the Hero called out as he turned towards the Tower Head.
Selene frowned, not knowing what the brat was planning now.
"Are you sure you sent the right person?"
"Hmm? Why is that? If the Hero feels intimidated, I can send someone weaker. I wouldn't mi—"
Kael didn't allow her to speak.
He just stared at Albert for a while before turning towards Selene again.
"I just thought you had higher standards, considering you seemed to look down on my Magic Instructor, and now I am just confused."