People littered the streets in droves in the day, coming and going from every direction imaginable. It became hard to move at every turn as busy people chattered and mingled with each other, Merchants sold their wares with loud pitched voices of enthusiasm, music played from the many plazas that we passed by. The air was filled with a joyous atmosphere of people wearing casual to extravagant clothing.

We continued through a narrow street where the number of people didn't decline in the least, but it was enough for us to pass by. Oddly enough Gino navigated the busy streets skillfully as we followed him without saying a single word to ask him about it. After much turning and walking through the maze of a city street we stopped in front of a wooden door where a sign hung on a metal beam inscribed the word 'Inn' on it.

"This is where we'll take refuge for the time being. I'd like to find out what's going on around here before anything else. I didn't anticipate a festival happening in the middle of the season, but I guess it should be natural when people are uneasy about something," Gino said before entering and pulling us in.

It as a quiet inn where not a lot of people were present. The loud noise from outside didn't disappear, only replaced by a low pitched muffled noise. A gloomy atmosphere surrounded the area, almost as if there was a certain hostility being barred at each other's throats. But none of that could be seen.

There were tables and chairs lined up in a grouped, circular manner. People silently took to themselves with suspicious and overprotective expressions, clearly not wanting to do anything with anyone else. The inside was a dark, damp room where light entered only through the windows. The entire thing looked to be built with dark, solid, sturdy wood, giving it an old fashioned, quiet look.

"Well, this is where we'll be staying, Zachary. I think you ought to find the place where you need to be to deliver that letter. It won't be good to be tardy for something as important as that, don't you think?"

"Does that mean that this is where we part ways?" I inquired, feeling a genuine sadness in my heart. Thought it had been short, the time we spent together was something I had experienced for the first time.

"Not exactly. You see, we know who you truly are. Our coming here doesn't serve that much of a significance. But, I think we have a duty to the world to help you better yourself so that you can accomplish your daunting task of saving us all. That being said, we'd like to continue being companions if you don't mind," he suspiciously glanced and grinned at Daphne, who then turned away from him with her arms crossed.

"I don't mind at all!" I said reluctantly, not finding in inch of hesitation within me. In fact, I was filled with happiness.

"Good. Then why don't you get that letter passed while 'Alexandre' and I go somewhere. We'll be back here by night. Have fun. Just looking at what's happening around us, I don't doubt there'd be a thing to make you bored."

Gino and Daphne settled into their separate rooms, immediately heading out after they waved their brief farewells.

I found myself wandering the streets alone, often bumping into people who didn't realize that they had bumped me more often than I could count now. The incessant cheering was backed by a parade happening in an even wider street, accompanied by what seems to be an armed soldier's parade. Flowers came raining down gently from the balconies of the high-story houses, giving life to an already magnificent sight. Smiles were on people's faces as they looked on. They cheered and danced, and even paraded along with the event without a worry in the world.

I tried to cut through the crowd in order to see more of the parade, but their defenses were stronger than I anticipated. I decided to give up and find another vantage point, seeing as most of the shops were closed, and that the wide arrays of bright colors drew me in the parade like a moth to a candle.

Food stalls were lined up neatly, exhuming a delectable aroma that tingled my sense of smell and made my mouth water. I would often be assaulted with merchants forcibly trying to sell what they have with a sheepish grin on their faces, no doubt trying to swindle not only me but many others that they wish to prey on.

I went back into a street and started down another path were people's loud voices were more audible. Two burly men walking side by side guffawed saying, "Man, I can't believe this. This champion's festival is something else, isn't it? I wonder who'll take the honor of winning it." I stood by long enough to hear their conversation, curious to hear more of this event.

"No doubt someone of an excellent caliber, no less. It can't be anyone less than that. After all, to the victor comes the spoils. A high status among the greatest generals in the history of the kingdom, wealth, being the one appointed to be the royal banner lord of the king, and possibly, even taking the hand of the beautiful princess in marriage," he looked ecstatic, but immediately disappointed as if coming to a realization.

"What are you talking about?! Are you crazy? No way the king's going to give up his precious daughter. Though she is undeniably beautiful, possibly one of the most beautiful princesses in the world, he won't let any suitor court her, and he's been extra aggressive as of late when it came to some of the young noblemen's sons and heirs."

"Hey, you can't argue with that possibility- " I cut him off and asked before the two could leave.

"Excuse me, but could you tell me more about what you were just talking about? You see, I just came here with a few of my companions, and this is my first time here."

"Ah, a newcomer, are we? The king suddenly held an event and a festival celebrating the kingdom's founding. And at the same time a tournament for everyone who can prove their worth. The king then chooses the victor and makes him or her into a person of high status, maybe even a knight. It's a big thing that everyone in Exaltier's talking about! Every lord and noble in Ylithia had been called," he emphasized his words, exaggerating them a great deal, unknowingly showing his obvious enthusiasm of what's happening around him.

"Is that so? Has it started? The tournament I mean."

"No, it hasn't. The first round will start in a few hours, so not until a bit later. It's held consecutively, so the fights are cut up. Say, why don't you compete? You seem to be experienced. Why not take a shot at it?" he encouraged, following up with a venue. "Go the arena while you still have time. You can sign up there. You might have a chance at a fortune," he then departed with his friend, waving with a smile.

I decided to heed the man's words and go to the arena where the tournament was to be held. In honest truth, I want to win. I think I have more than enough experience with having fought demons and having trained with Daphne with swordplay. I see no need for the wealth as I can't find anything useful to do with it, but if I would ever chance upon winning it, then so be it. The sun gleamed down on it, a magnificent and large stone built tournament hall maybe a dozen feet tall or more. Crowds would enter and exit through the many cramped passages, but the excitement was even stronger as I heard it coming from the inside.

Thus, with the modicum of confidence I had mustered in my mind, I passed through a wide tunnel where some loitered and mingled. There were soldiers lined up along the way. And on one end was a soldier announcing something that I took a listen to.

"All who'd like to have a chance on entering the tournament please come here! There are still a few spots open, but you need to sign up first!"

I approached him, a youthful, energetic man a few years older than me. Sweat poured from his forehead, and parts of his armor had been taken off, obviously from the heat emanating from the passage.

"I'd like to join," I said, taking his attention.

"Ah, another strapping young lad whose heard rumors of being betrothed to the princess! You've come to the right place. But you'll need to go through some evaluations to enter. But it's nothing too difficult for someone entering the tournament that the king arranged."

"What are those evaluations?"

"Simple. You'll be asked a few questions so that you can be registered, then you'll need to fight with one of our men here so see if you're up to the test. Now, let's not delay, shall we?" he urged me through another passage, leading me to a desk manned by another soldier with a writing utensil and a piece of paper.

"Name, please," he spoke simply, making sure not to avoid eye contact. He may not realize it, but his gaze and stare was powerful and intimidating, as if he were sizing up his next prey. But looking past that, he seems quite normal.

"Zachary Erinn."

"Age."

"Seventeen years old."

"Where were you born."

"I guess, Ylithia. But I didn't know it was called that. We lived in the woods, so there's not much I know about the outside."

"That's odd. Why wouldn't your parents have told you anything about that?"

"They did, but I don't know myself."

"Well, I won't pry into it. Have you ever done any mercenary work?"

"I don't think I have, so no. But I do serve someone from Lavis as an apprentice."

"And that would be?"

"Sir Hark."

"I see. I know that I'm a simple soldier and should not be embroiled in such talk about nobles, but shouldn't he be present for the conference in a few days?"

"Bedridden. We attacked some demons holed up in Caspia and he ended up getting badly wounded. He sent me in his stead to report."

"Well, as long as he has a representative, I suppose. Well sorry for keeping you here. Please follow him and he'll lead you somewhere you can do your physical evaluation," he pointed to the youthful man who had just taken a sip of water, and had poured the rest of his face.

Oh, and know that this tournament will no doubt shed blood, so as long as you know that there's a possibility of a mortal injury, then you may still back out, or continue, it's up to you."

"Don't worry. I've dealt with worse."

I was lead to a surprisingly wide space underground. It was well lit up with torches. There were others in here, soldiers with what seemed to be competitors for the tournament. There were those who had well-toned muscles and intimidating auras, some who quietly kept to themselves, waiting for the tournament to begin, and some who loudly flaunted them being here, and how they'll win the very tournament itself without much difficulty.

But we continued until we turned a corner and reached a wide room fitted to be a training area. Dirt covered the ground, serving as a small training ground hidden under, and dummy targets were set up on the far end of the walls. It was bright enough to see my surroundings due to the torches and the light peering through from the open, barred ceiling. There was an occasional breeze that wound pass through faintly.

There were a few guards and people who moved from here to there, minding their own business. It was wide enough to house some other people being evaluated, fighting people with wooden makeshift weapons.

"Alright. Uhm, Carter. Could you come here for a bit. We're a bit out of personnel. You're pretty good when it comes to fighting, so could you take charge of this one while I check upstairs for more contestants?" he beckoned and spoke to an average looking man with a dull expression. He approached the energetic man without much interest, but listened as he would, glancing at me a few times.

"Sure. I'll do it," he replied simplistically.

"Thanks! I'll come back in a bit to see the results," and he left with gusto behind his step, disappearing on the corner.

"Let's begin right away," he said, taking off his armor and taking a wooden longsword from the nearby weapon rack.

I chose a similar one and took a positon opposite of him, a few meters away.

He started, sprinting at full speed with his weapon to his side. I met him halfway and positioned my weapon on my sides, preparing to parry his attack.

Learning to read your opponents and their movements were just some of the few things I've been taught by Daphne, who excelled at swordplay against those that sought her life. It had been something of a routine then commonplace. She had fought with them more times than she could count, but that's where she got her techniques and skills from.

'Listen. Humans and demons are two different things. They will both fight either differently or equally, but it doesn't change the fact that both have weaknesses. For us, it's possible to exploit it through many ways like emotion, stance, movement, and eyesight,' she said, teaching me the finer points herself, earning me some few scars and wounds.

With one strike, I have to finish this with one strike. That's all that it'll take. This tournament will test me and help me grow. Win or lose, I will go further into honing my skills. If I falter even for a moment, many lives will be lost, and me even having this power would be useless.

I took a step and dug in, absorbing the attack as I held the part near the tip of the wooden sword with my free hand.

Tightly gripping my sword with two hands, I cleaved downwards with a forward momentum, shifting my weight towards his weapon, forcing it to the ground. I then spun and evened out my leg's positions, stopping the sword a few meters away from his neck.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

His eyes were wide open, reacting late to what had happened, not even realizing right away that his weapon was down on the ground.

"Wha- unbelievable. Such speed," he said, holding his hands up, retreating. "You win, you'll get in the tournament for sure. Though, there are a lot more who are faster and even more skillful, I'd say you have a chance making it to the semis."

"Is there anything else I should know about the tournament?"

"Nothing I can think of that stands out. It'll be a competition where the best in Ylithia, maybe from other kingdoms, compete. So, no doubt there'll be some strong fighters there that have years of experience. Well, you're young, so it'll be alright to lose."

Just as he had finished speaking, the enthusiastic man returned huffing and puffing at his breathlessness. He looked considerably worn down, but his energy didn't wane in the least. Maybe he was forcing it.

"Already finished? That was fast. How did he do?" at the same time, he glanced around us and saw all kinds of stares towards me. He tried discerning the reason for that by glancing back and forth but couldn't. A tense atmosphere and shifty murmuring was in the air almost as if I had painted myself as the villain in what is supposedly a great tournament. But saying that of myself was arrogant. He was too slow. There was nothing I could've done about that.

"He passed with flying colors. He's good to go in a bit."

"Excellent. That means I can fit you in the brackets already. Do your best. You will probably have three matches in total if you win the first two of your battles. Then you'll proceed to the next round till there are two left. Good luck! We'll be starting after a few more preparations, so please stay here until your name is called."

"Before that, I'd like to know if there is a man named Norman Neils here by any chance?"

He pondered for a little while then lit up, realizing a name and a particular face associated with it.

"Well, there's only one Norman Neils that I know of. And he's pretty well known too. He's a knight and a general for the king's army, leader of a small order as well."

"That might be him. Do you know where I could find him before the tournament begins?"

"What for?"

"I'm here as a representative of Sir Hark of Lavis, and I was raised with giving him something."

"Huh? Is that so? If it's that important, then why didn't you say so? Come, I'll show you where you can find him. I bet that he's with the other commanders and generals, near the king's stall."

He pointed me in the direction after leading me through the stairs of the hall, tightly reinforced by guards who said nothing and kept their eyes forward. Some would cough, but that was the only offense.

It was then that I reached a sturdy looking double door where two guards holding spears blocked the way before I could come close to entering. The man I was with had already left due to some things he had to help out with, so I was left with my own devices.

"I come here in place of Sir Hark of Lavis. Will you let me through to see Sir Norman Neils? I have something for him from the lord."

"And what proof do you have? You could've said that you are the king's son, and no one would be the wiser. Now, identification?"

I reached for my neck and presented the heirloom I had kept precious and dear to me. Though I never understood what Sir Hark meant by it, it held a great importance by the look in their eyes. One of them knocked and went inside the room, then out once more, confirming with his eyes.

"Where did you get that necklace from?" he asked suspiciously as another guard, one who wore an imposing looking armor, emerged, taking charge.

"I didn't take it from anywhere. It was given to me, by my father."

"Hmm, that's Sir Erinn's medallion," he murmured, holding his chin. "No one soldier of the kingdom would not know who that belongs to. Whether you're lying or not, the truth will come sooner or later. But you are granted admission into the royal halls. I will be watching you closely," he said escorting me inside with a strict distance.

There, many old and middle aged men with and without beards sat in chairs, some looked at the events transpiring below while the others sat and drank to their hearts content. Most of them wore regal clothing, while others wore light armor.

There were also women and young women mingling amongst themselves. But their eyes stopped and followed me. They murmured and giggled to themselves, not caring whether I could hear them or not. But I simply paid them no mind as I continued.

The distinguished eyes of the men turned to me, and they became silent, aware of my presence.

"Uhm, pardon me, Sir Normal Niels, if you will. This young man said that he has something that he needs to give you."

A man sporting a long curly white hair and trimmed beard rose from his feet, both hands placed behind his back. He was one of the men wearing a light piece of armor, but one made of leather in his case. He was tall and slim, but fairly built, walking towards me with a rhythmic sound of his boot steps along the stone floor.

"And who might you be, young man? I don't recognize you from anywhere, but perhaps you can enlighten me. Please leave us be and return to your duties. I think I can take it from here," he shooed the guard away, who left immediately with a respectful bow, not relenting to his decision.

He had a sharp, discerning aura that made it rather uncomfortable to look him straight in the eye. It was as if he peered into the very confines of my mind. But then his straight-laced expression worsened as his brow raised in suspicion.

"Zachary Erinn. I am here in place of Sir Hark," suddenly, the men's eyes narrowed to me, and it became apparent that they were interested. "I have a message from him that he told me to give to you. It is about his absence for the assembly. We recently attacked and drove away an army of demons from Caspia, and he was badly wounded. So, he won't be able to make it."

"I see. But I will put that aside for now. What you had said earlier piqued my interest more than Hark's news. That old uptight relic is always doing reckless things on his own. Tell me, do you know a man by the name of Frederick Erinn?" he slowly said and emphasized the name of which I was more than familiar of.

"I do. He is my father."

He grinned and relaxed his face at my answer, looking to be satisfied.

"Who knew Frederick had a child. You don't look like him in the least, but I don't doubt your words. I can tell that you are not lying. You are dismissed. Thank you for taking the time to deliver this. You must be exhausted. Tell him that I have received it. I have no proof to give you, but my words are enough for him," he said, signaling some guards to come and take me away from the room.

With nothing else to do, I returned to my waiting area and was left to my own thoughts once more. I had a lot to think about, but nothing to focus on. Every thought had a grave significance, but it just didn't feel like it right now. Their gazes supposedly told me something, but there was nothing, nothing at all that I could know about.

"Hmph! So, that's Frederick's kid? Doesn't look like much to me," a man laughed haughtily, emptying his wine in seconds. "He looks too normal to be Frederick's kid. Wait... no, he just as normal as him."

"What do you think, Norman? Do you believe that kid's story?" he asked as the man kept staring at the closed door, motionless until his name was called. "Ah, apologies, Varras. I was lost in thought. Hmm, what I think? Well, he certainty was not lying. But, perhaps we can find out in a little while. If he carries Frederick's blood and influence, then he shall show it with his sword."

"Hah! I doubt it. There's a lot of strong looking warriors in the tournament. No way that mundane looking kid will make it past the first round. There nothing about him that stands out... wait, that's exactly Frederick. Looks normal and mundane enough. But still! I think the one with the best chance is Merevas's son, Geoffrey. Isn't that right?" he nudged the man beside him, lost in thought, arms crossed.

"Right, I remember. You're Frederick's self proclaimed rival!" he burst out laughing at the hilarity that only he understood.

"My son has been trained to take up his arms in my stead in the near future. I expect him to perform as befitting of his rank," he said sternly and strictly.

"Always so uptight. There might just be some other interesting competitors. I can't wait to see how this one turns out. Zachary... that man always has some odd ideas when coming up with names," said Varras, pouring himself another cup.

Meanwhile, as all this transpired, a man donning a royal but modest attire listened in close. He grinned in a slight of amusement, sitting back in his chair with anticipation and a great eagerness. But while he enjoyed the conversation without his participation, a girl looking to be of his age tilted her head in curiosity,

And finally, the time came for me to step into the dry dirt of the arena, surrounded by the eyes and roaring cheers of the spectators.

Many had already finished their bouts, and the end of the day's round was coming to a close. But through it all, their cheering had not worn down in the least.

In the beginning, the king and the royal family was introduced, and they were met with a roaring applause. It was clear as day to see how much they adored them.

The king was a tall, gruff man with dark hair and a youthful energy about him. He greeted them all with a down-to-earth demeanor. Though he wore a bit of expensive clothing, it did not make it difficult for the people to approach him, rather they were impressed by it.

He opened with the ceremonies and quickly began the tournament while its excitement was as its peak.

They paraded the grand army around the grounds, displaying their power to the people who spectated in awe.

"Next in the tournament! A young man from Ylithia. Zachary Erinn!" he cried out triumphantly. For some reason, the name elicited a roar of applause and a round of murmurs from people along the stands.

I stepped into the sunlight and came directly into the sight of a tall stand where the royal family sat and watched. The king, wearing his expensive garments for the event oddly leaned forward on the stands, looking down at me, or maybe at the people behind me.

"And his opponent! The son of Duke Merevas! Geoffrey Merevas!"

There entered a tall, lean, stoic man with a stiff expression. He strictly walked without paying mind of the people cheering for him and his charms. The seriousness in his expressions caused small ripples in my mind telling me to be cautious of him.

He wore a shiny set of armor decorated with a cloth over it. He wore a helmet, only showing his face which contemptuously stared me down in hopes of making me back away. He carried a long sword and unsheathed it, impaling it on the ground, holding both hands of it.

"Greetings," he said in a low voice. "Let us have an honorable and fair fight. Know that I will not hold back until this has finished."

I couldn't respond. There was nothing good for me to say or come back with, but instead I gave a nod.

"That name... I have heard of it before. And if you are not an impersonation, I may believe that you are his offspring. But that holds little meaning here. Right now, I shall leave the titles behind and fight by my own name!"

"First to make his opponent yield, wins! Now, without any more delays, let us begin!" the man handling the ceremonies shouted, promoting Geoffrey to dash with his long sword to his side.

I ran to meet him in the middle, only to find his presence like a road of thorns that stopped me in my tracks. And with a viscous step and a fierce roar, he slashed sideways with an amazing length to his weapon.

I narrowly avoided it by making a bit of distance between us. He followed through and relented, slicing with a forthright and balanced pace, not giving an inch as he continued pushing me back.

I saw the glint of his sword as it came once more towards me, seeing my one and only chance to push him, or stop him before I could lose my already dwindling advantage.

I stepped to the side and avoided a skillful thrust, using his every move as my own, I swung my sword to his side.

His eyes followed my move precisely as he retreated. It then became a fierce exchange with our blades as I found a bit about myself in this battle. When he would push for the attack I would try and exceed him a bit further. It would fail often and I would curse my luck, tiring myself out needlessly.

Suddenly, it has gone on for long enough that he distanced himself from me and took deep breaths, preparing for something with a stance.

He rushed at me, sending a flurry of thrusts with near blinding speed, putting an obvious strain on his arm as he grits his teeth.

I tried my best to dodge and parry, but his agility was something else. Once he had closed the gap, he spun clockwise and forced me back, sending an irritating vibration to my hand as I nearly allowed my weapon to slip.

Finally, he took a single sideways step and repositioned himself to my side, lining up a precise thrust with an exhale of his breath that was previously a shout.

It became a battle of attrition at that point. Having adjusted somehow to his speed of attack, I managed to instinctively move my body to avoid the strike, giving me an opening. As I swung my blade, he parried it but did not continue his chain of attacks. It was obvious that his armor was weighing him down. His breathing was ragged, and so was mine, but I still had not lost the advantage over him. He has his heavy burden on, preventing him from fighting in full form.

it was a drawn-out battle where no one side gave way. I was at my limits, and the last ounce of my energy was to be spent in this last clash, where the victor would be decided. He knew that as well; he waited for me to initiate.

My hands were numb; my eyes were viewing blurry visions. I was in no shape to continue something like this. I was simply not used to fighting on a longer period of time.

That's when a sudden flash surged to my head. It was difficult, but nonetheless my only way of prevailing or failing. There was nothing much else to lose. I had never put it to practice, but it was a theory that my father, Frederick, had told me as a joke. I thought deeply about it in the past, but now it oddly made sense to me. It had to be done.

I sheathed my sword and placed my hand tensely on the hilt, taking a stance where my right foot stood forward, and my body was leaning forward.

He took a standard stance of holding his weapon in front of him firmly.

I broke into a run, keeping my stance as I came closer. I spared no energy as it needed every ounce you could squeeze into it. Then when the time was right, I stomped my foot, and at the same time drew my sword, quickly pointing it at his neck, a few seconds before his sword could descend upon my head. It was finished, or that's what his face said.

The crowd cheered as the master of the ceremonies announced it. Geoffrey brought his arms down and breathed a sigh of relief.

"So you still had that much speed in you. Unbelievable. And here I thought that we were at the same level. I had never seen such a move before, and it came quite as a shock to me the way that you came running with your sword sheathed. I concede. Clearly there is no room for arguments from me," he extended and shook my hand, nodding in approval. “I shall remember your name, Zachary Erinn,” he then coolly made his exit, leaving me in the limelight of the crowd who continued praising and calling my name.

I released a sigh as well. There was no way for me to fight like I had anymore. He was a difficult foe. Fighting demons and humans truly are two different things. It doesn't feel the same, nor can I use a method meant for the other one on the other. But I thought about that after I had retreated back inside the tournament halls where I was greeted with intimidating and fierce gazes from the other competitors. Some sneers here and there, but nothing to perturb me. As if though I was content with having fought him, someone whose skills seem to exceed Daphne's.

"Quite the spectacle you've caused here. You sure surprised both of us," Gino and Daphne greeted me and caught me by surprise as I retreated back into the tournament training halls.

"How did you manage to find me so quickly?"

"It wasn't hard after they announced your name. It's quite the entrance too. Everyone seems to have taken a liking to you and your lineage. Frederick Erinn's fame now runs through you, it seems. But what was more excellent was the fact that you defeated the favorite of the tournament, the son of Merevas, Geoffrey. You might just have a shot at winning the tournament now, don't you think so too, Daphne?"

"Yes. I'll admit that I was impressed by what you did," she said sternly, reverting to her iron-like facade. "But I would have liked it if you had finished it earlier. It was too close for comfort."

"Easier said than done. He was skilled, and I often found myself under his influence. I was lucky enough to have deflected some of his blows. Any more and I would have definitely lost. It’s all thanks to the training you gave me. And speaking of the tournament, why didn't you enter, Daphne? You would have had a better chance."

"My life is being sought for by cutthroats and hired mercenaries, remember? Walking around without my armor and helmet is a great risk enough, so as much as I would like to join, I would have been seen by many and found out."

"Always so serious. Well, you and Daphne seem to be enjoying the festivities after all, so I can't complain. You still have two more matches to go. Try your hardest, then we can have a small feast back at the inn to celebrate your victory."

"What did I tell you? Unexpected as usual. Frederick trained his son well. To be able to defeat Geoffrey, a child who had been training as a squire at a young age."

"Yes, it is as I suspected. He might just replace him with a bit of training. What do you think of the young man?"

"He has a long ways to go if he wants to exceed Frederick. Knowing him, he's in a league of his own. Age has taken a toll on him, but he is plenty capable."

A knock came from the door beside him, interrupting their conversation. "My lord, another suitor comes. What should I do? He says that he comes with gifts for the family," a well suited old man said.

"Another one? Don't they ever stop? Turn him away like the rest. If more comes, then I'll deal with them myself. My daughter is not to be married for the use of influence. I see no genuine love from these nobles anyway."

"As you wish, my lord," and the old man disappeared from their sight.

"When are you planning on letting your daughter decide for herself. I think she's mature enough for that, don't you think?"

"You're right. But I need to make sure that I guide her. The world out there is cruel you know."

"And it has been for the past century."

"Fine. I'll think about it. Sigh, it feels like I don't have any authority whatsoever when it comes to these things."

“Try to exert some while you have the chance. Soon I predict there might be no stopping what might happen to this kingdom’s future, if you know what I mean.”