***The World***

***Celes***

Some people laugh when the little prince lets go of his weapons to face Sarda.

“What is he doing!?” Katrine shakes my shoulder, looking furious. “Didn't we tell you not to fight any duels!? Sarda is a well-known prodigy in sword combat! He will kill Angrod!”

Our parents quickly came to me when the whole fiasco started and took me away from the centre of attention, demanding an explanation of what happened.

I sigh. “It isn't Angrod's fault. Sarda practically forced the issue. All Angrod did was to tell him to fuck off after Sarda proved himself to be a pestering idiot.” Patting my mother's hand, I try to reassure her. “Don't worry. The only one who will get hurt is Sarda.”

It doesn't help. My mother, Ireth, Nicol and Arthur are looking at me as if I am insane. Their mortified expressions make it clear that they expect to lose a child in this confrontation. Earlier, they expressed their trust in our abilities, but I suppose that they aren’t immune to their own fear.

Then Katrine's eyes are drawn to the conflict as the swords next to Angrod lift into the air, seemingly by a pure act of will.

The hall falls silent as Angrod shows off his unexpected magical potential. The people were shocked to begin with, because of the rude challenge, but now the silence is complete except for the humming of the two rotating swords.

“Go!” Nicosar jumps to the side.

Before Angrod's show of power, many people already expected a simple execution to unfold in front of their eyes. Now, things aren't that certain and the crowd is drawn in as Sarda manages to dodge the first attack. Some cheer, while others gasp in shock.

Someone among the crowd mutters his hope that this would turn out to be an evenly matched battle, only to have that hope crushed seconds later. A quick exchange of action and reaction, and I myself have to gasp in shock when Angrod almost gets beheaded due to Sarda's surprising abilities.

Luckily, Angrod decides that the time for playing games is over and gets his opponent with an attack from behind.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

I wince as Angrod goes to town on Sarda, proving himself to be the bloodthirsty sadist I always suspected him to be.

The adults are too horrified to even move a muscle. Everyone is pinned to their place as the torture unfolds. Or should I call it a public execution?

Though, I have to admit that Sarda wouldn't have fared much better with me, had he kept pushing the matter. In any case, I would have been much more sensible about teaching him a lesson. I would have done it in a private environment instead of making a show. A storeroom without any witnesses would have sufficed.

Looking up to our parents, I wait for them to stop the cruelty, but they are just as shocked as our guests, unable to comprehend how mere children could create such carnage.

Okay, that's enough. I have to stop this before someone dies.

Pushing past the people barring my way, I enter the duelling area and pat Angrod's back. “Dear, don't grin like that. You are scaring the people!”

He turns, looking at me with a feral expression, then his eyes flick to the crowd and he remembers where he is. His expression changing, he slips back into his role. “Oh, sorry. Honey, I was a little caught up in my emotions. Hahaha! Seeing him hit on you was something I couldn’t bear to see!”

I nod and quickly check if Sarda is still alive. “That’s… so sweet of you. But I think he suffered enough.” Sarda slipped backwards onto his back, lying down in an awkward position. At least he is still breathing.

Then Angrod raises a finger. “Just one thing! For scientific reasons… and I want a trophy of my first duel.”

Before I can stop him, he hauls Sarda back up and grabs the hair on the back of the boy’s head.

My mind refuses to compute what happens next.

There is a wet, sucking sound and ‘plop!’, and then, suddenly, Angrod is holding a sizeable piece of Sarda's scalp in his hand – with the upper portion of Sarda's head nothing more than a bloody skull!

Letting go of Sarda who is writhing in pure agony, Angrod allows the boy to fall back to the floor and as people start screaming in horror, the prince spreads out his trophy in an attempt to judge its worth. “It might make a good wig once it’s dry.”

Then we are pushed aside by concerned helpers and a group of healers who are intent on saving what can be saved.

Ireth steps next to Angrod and raising a hand she slaps his trophy out of his hands. Grabbing his ear, she pulls. “What do you think you are doing!?”

“Ow! Ow! Ow!” He holds onto her hand, trying to stop her from ripping off his earlobe. “I made a statement! Now people will think twice before challenging me to a duel.”

“They will also think that you are insane!” Ireth counters while getting blood onto her dress. “Look at your cheek!” Finally, she lets go of her son.

“Just a shallow cut.” Angrod downplays the matter and shrugs.

“I think his insanity was never in question,” I mumble and gesture at Angrod’s cheek. “You should heal yourself. I can see your teeth when you talk.”

“Really!?” His tongue sneaks out of the wound in his cheek. “Dmamn! Ou mare mright!”

While our parents are horrified by the action, I can only marvel at how exceptionally long and flexible his tongue is after his transformation. The genetics of this world is flabbergasting and incomprehensible to me. There is no way that this could have developed naturally. Why would a male need such a tongue?

Though, there might be some interesting applications on the female anatomy.

Ireth knuckles Angrod over the back of his head. “Stop that! You will widen the wound!”

I also slap myself. And then again for good measure.

Angrod looks at me, looking concerned. “What are you doing?”

“Driving out evil thoughts!” I reply matter of factly. How could I even think of that!?

“Okay. Playtime is over!” Arthur claps his hands together. “Get back to our private quarters! Nicol and I have to sort out this mess! It would be better if you aren’t here to cause any more trouble.”

Angrod bends down to pick up the scalp, but Ireth lifts him bodily off his feet before he can do so. “Let that be! Maybe the healers can reattach it!”

“No! Rose! Get that! It’s my memento!” Angrod yells while Ireth carries him off.

My eyes wander to Rose who shudders as she looks down at the bloody piece of skin and hair.

I purse my lips and pick up the scalp. Normally, I wouldn't care for it one bit… but it’s Sarda’s. If the healers have to regrow his skin completely, it will itch like hell. And it’s already off, so I might as well keep it.

“Don’t, princess! That’s icky!” Rose steps forward, trying to take the piece of skin from me.

“Ah, it’s okay.” I quickly follow Ireth, avoiding Rose’s hands. “Sarda doesn’t deserve getting it back.”

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Rose grumbles but follows us dutifully. “I just hope that the rumour mill won’t get too bad regarding what happened today.”

“Rumours?” I ask as I follow Ireth.

“You know how the peasants can be. Today’s debacle wasn’t only witnessed by a bunch of nobles. There were at least twice that number of servants and guards,” Rose explains calmly. “The fact that you were the only one to stand up to save Sarda’s life won’t be forgotten. The very one who he mistreated!”

Rose was right. Days later, I was mortified to hear the rumours of the gentle flower, the only one capable of taming the magical beast! The bloody horror of a prince, the slaughterer of his peers. The servants and the common folk feared the day that the princess of Stricc would no longer be around to stop the mad prince of Tirna.

***The World***

***Angrod***

It took some time to mend my cheek, even with my mother’s help. Eventually, cleaned up and restored, we were allowed to return to the party.

Upon entering the hall, I note that Rose’s maids did a fine job at cleaning up the mess. Aside from the damage to the chandelier and the scratches on the floor, nothing reminds the unknowing eye of the previous battleground.

Kneeling down, my mother corrects my outfit, then hugs me, whispering into my ear. “I am glad that you are alright, but you will pay for that chandelier once this is over! It was a family heirloom from my grandmother which I had transported here – all the way from our castle in Tirna’s capital!”

She squeezes me and lets go, then gets back to her feet. Surveying the ballroom, she bristles. “At least the fucking Meltheims took their leave. That gives us the chance to get some real negotiations done.”

Studying the hall, I notice that there are fewer people. If I had to guess, I would say that at least a fourth of the nobles took their leave. It’s also noticeably quieter compared to before. Even though the music is playing and the people are talking, the atmosphere seems more relaxed than before the duel.

Arthur and Nicol notice us and come over, excusing themselves from their respective company.

Ireth bows slightly to Arthur when he reaches us. “I am sorry for the behaviour of my son, he should’ve known better than to cause an incident like this.”

“It’s not a problem. In fact, this seems to have worked out in our favour,” Arthur states while obviously trying hard not to grin. “Odlef Meltheim bowed to Nicol and me in public, apologizing for the scene his son had caused. He and a whole bunch of his followers excused themselves.”

Nicol steps over and starts patting my head. “Good work! Odlef looked like he just bit into something sour. Best face I have ever seen. It was a good decision to leave you to Nicosar.”

I sigh in relief, thanking the multiverse that at least my father approves of my actions.

Ireth looks down at me, voicing silently, “That doesn’t change anything. You were ordered to refuse a duel and you broke the chandelier. I will make sure that you never again give me such a fright!”

I try to look for help, anyone! When my eyes fall on Celes, she wears a satisfied expression and her tail waves from left to right in a pleased manner.

Witch! I helped you and now you revel in the fact that I receive all the chiding! She got me into this in the first place, by setting me up against those two! It was she who placed me between herself and the two brothers instead of handling the situation herself.

“Guys, I will go back to the kids who I befriended earlier. If there is nothing you need me for?” Celes informs us and walks off after having confirmed that her presence isn’t required.

“How about letting Angrod go, so he can enjoy the rest of the party?” Katrine asks Ireth.

After a moment of consideration, Ireth gestures for me to get out of her sight and I happily excuse myself.

With nothing better to do, I decide to follow Celes. On my way, I notice that the people are giving me more space as I walk past them. Before the incident with Sarda they gave Celes and me about two meters, but now they keep to a safety distance of at least five metres.

I quickly find Celes and the other kids at the buffet.

“Celes, you ran off without me! I felt abandoned!” I grin as I walk up to them.

“Angrod! I thought you might be hungry, so I went to get you the stuff you like the most!” She holds out a plate and I eye the food warily.

Indeed, it is stuffed with all the food I tend to like. Furrowing my forehead, I take the peace offering, finding it strange that Celes would pay attention to what I like to eat. This is the witch we are talking about, so where is the trick to this?

Finding no reason to refuse, I take one of the summer rolls and have a hefty bite, savouring the taste of fresh vegetable, meat, and a hot sauce.

Sticking to my role, I nod in appreciation once I swallowed. “Thank you, Celes. What would I do without you?” I continue eating, abandoning the thought that Celes might have poisoned or oversalted such delicate food. It tastes wonderful.

If it turns out that Celes did anything to it, I would have to avenge not only myself but also the cook for having his creation violated.

“Hahaha, Angrod, you sure went nuts on that guy!” Tanja Morden restarts the conversation. The other kids put up forced smiles and look at me warily. It’s like they suddenly think of me as some sort of dangerous animal.

“I just didn't want to give others the impression that a duel with me would be without consequence by going easy on Sarda,” I explain. “If I allow them to think that there is no downside to challenging me, they would turn duelling me into some sort of sport. I have no time for that.”

“Thank you, Angrod. If it weren't for you, I would have had a seriously bad time,” Celes states, appreciating my involvement. “Thank you for taking the fallout.”

I glare at Celes. She was about to stab Sarda with her hairpin. Thinking about it carefully, I might’ve even saved the bastard, but nobody else sees it that way.

I sigh and continue listening to the conversation between Celes and the kids while eating my food.

It turns out that the Cygnus siblings are recognized geniuses. Their family owns the most famed schools, universities and research institutes and they are strong supporters of the crown. Even though they hold no official title, their deep involvement in Midhold’s educational system bought them the invitation to this party.

Tanja Morden’s family governs the land on Stricc’s side of Midhold. During the war, her people were infamous for having the best assassins and intelligence networks.

I learn that Sven Hjavars is a childhood friend of Tanja’s. His family has an amazing history of high-ranking military accomplishments. But when I look at the shy little boy, I don't really believe it. Apparently, his predecessor’s got a dud when Sven rolled for his genetic heritage.

As we talk, the party slowly comes to an end and we have to say our goodbyes. At the end of the day, having made only four new acquaintances, I somehow feel like I was avoided.

Celes and I return to the embassy’s private area, but I am left feeling like I'd forgotten something important. Soon afterwards the whole family is gathered upon Nicol’s orders. Yes, strangely enough, I came to regard Arthur and Katrin as family members.

“I can proudly inform you two that you are going to be enrolled to Midhold’s most prestigious private school!” Nicol lets the bomb explode!

“All things and the minor mishap considered, you did very well at the party. I must admit that I had a few sleepless nights, fearing that it would be too soon to expose you to society. Or that you would start fighting each other. It would have crushed all our efforts for peace. But after today’s performance, nobody will believe that you two can ever be separated.”

I pull a face. Oh, Hell! I want to lie down and die.

“So, next month you will join the Midhold Private School. Everything is already arranged thanks to the Cygnus Family. It's a highly regarded school which takes its students through all educational levels, including university. I hope you two won't let me down!” Nicol raises a glass of wine, looking proud of himself.

All I can do is to let out a deep, mental sigh. What are they thinking of us?

The reincarnation process is messing with my memories and new ones pop up every now and then, leaving me with the feeling of having a déjà vu. Even so, right now I have access to what feels like several lifetimes of memories.

Give me the final test for the university and I will start teaching the idiots who call themselves teachers.

But I stay silent. Maybe going to school once more would turn out to be a nice experience. It’s like having an extended vacation. Lying low until I can be sure of my knowledge and power also isn't the worst idea, taking into account that the crown has quite a lot of enemies.

For a while, I stay in my own world, allowing my thoughts to flow while sitting on the sofa.

Then I notice that all the others have left and that Celes is standing in front of me.

“Angrod, I have to tell you something.” She crosses her arms in front of her chest, looking defensive.

“What?”

“Thanks again for taking the fallout of this mess. Even though I could have managed alone, I think that I didn’t express myself properly earlier.” She offers me a hand.

“Okay.” I take her hand and shake it. “I hope you won’t forget it too quickly.”

“Stupid hermit!” She leans forward and kisses me on the forehead, then leaves the room.

I am too stunned to react. Reaching up, I wipe the spot where she kissed me, feeling it tingle.

What was that? Could she...

NOOOO! Stop it!

I shake my head vehemently. She is trying to mess with my fucking mind!

Jumping out of the sofa, I drop to the floor and hit my head against the carpet in an attempt to smash the forming thought out of my mind!

Rose enters the room. Carrying Ghost, she looks at me with a bewildered expression. “Is something wrong?”

“No! Everything is fine!” I get back to my feet and point at my purring familiar, not wanting myself to be the subject of interest. “And why does it suddenly look like the two of you are the best of buddies!? When I got him, you didn’t want to touch Ghost!”

Smirking, Rose shrugs. “Turns out that razorclaws have two kinds of people. Those who give them food, and those who are food. Making sure that he is well-fed is enough to be categorized as a friend.” She squeezes the purring cat and puts him down. Then she leaves the room.

“Come here, Ghost.” I really need some cuddling after Celes’s attempt to manipulate me, so I hold out my hands, gesturing for him to come to me.

Ghost looks at me, then towards Rose. It only takes a moment for him to decide to dash after the maid.

I just remain standing there for a whole minute, trying to process what just happened.

“TRAITOR!”