***The World***

***Angrod***

The days of being sheltered and trained for our future role in society continued in blissful ignorance of the outside world. Our parents did everything within their power to shield us from any exposure to the political factions of the nobility. Whether that was to our own or to their benefit, I couldn't say, but I wasn't opposed to taking a vacation from the political schemes of those who thought themselves to be powerful.

There were the times of Nicosar's dreadful instructions, but overall, Celes and I enjoyed a pretty good life. One could have it worse than to get acting lessons four hours a day.

When the day of Nicosar's approval came I almost couldn't believe it. It felt like we had walked the trail to hell and back.

Unfortunately, it also meant that our parents had no further reason to sequester us away from society. They organized a large party to celebrate our tenth birthday and invited members from all noble houses of both countries. The whole thing wasn't just only meant as our introduction to the public. It also meant that we were ready to visit a semi-private school in order to get a degree and to mingle with our future subjects.

۞۞۞

I twiddle my thumbs, waiting patiently with Celes in one of the embassy's private rooms. The festivities are about to start, but Rose saw to it that we would only run around the house once all the guests had undergone a proper screening.

In light of the regular attempts on our lives, I couldn't find fault with taking precautions.

Nicol, Arthur, and Nicosar are also with us. They preached for more than an hour about how important it is to show a good face to the public. This would be our first official appearance and first impressions stay with you for life.

"I have a really bad feeling about this," Celes states from her spot on the couch. She is sharpening one of her hairpins. Sometime along the way, it became a habit of hers. Whenever she is anxious, nervous or bored, she starts playing with her toys. Probably a way to deal with her inability to sit still, though I doubt that the simple metal will last long under that kind of stress test.

My eyes are drawn to her weaponry. The hairpins got an upgrade since we were toddlers and are now more like little knives or daggers! As I watch, she redoes her hair, using the sharpened objects as decorations.

“I still don't get how you don't cut off your hair each time you do that,” I comment, more than a little bewildered by the act.

“It's all about the proper mana circulation,” she explains casually.

“I...” My voice trails off. Wouldn't she need to circulate mana through her hair to achieve a strengthening effect? I wouldn't even know where to start doing that. Hair is dead matter without mana channels. The most I can do without my god-aura is some lesser form of stone-skin.

She grins at me, clearly feeling like the superior being.

I shrug my shoulders, unwilling to admit my shortcomings. “It's not like I couldn't achieve a similar effect with a Stone-Skin spell.”

“Yeah... but you would have to recast the spell at regular intervals. And using a spell also wastes a lot of mana,” she counters.

I decide to change the topic, aware that I couldn't possibly win this argument. “Why do you have a bad feeling anyway?”

"It's because my third-grade cousins and their family will be at the party. I heard from my father that their families are pestering the throne to have one of them marry me. It's been going on ever since they found out about me, but like with you, my parents always refused them access. If I am correct, then they will try to petition directly to me as soon as I am introduced to society.” She pulls down the corners of her mouth. “I just hope that they aren't too distasteful when they offer me a marriage.”

“I suppose that you will face the same problem,” my father informs me with a solemn expression.

“No, thanks.” I wave my hands. “One arranged marriage is more than enough.”

Celes scratches her cheek. “There are two cousins of mine who aren't too different age-wise. Their names are Sarda Meltheim and Senda Meltheim. They should be about fourteen and nine years old. Their parents are Mara and Odlef of Meltheim.”

“According to Katrine they are sure to cause a ruckus,” Arthur informs us. “Please do your best to resolve any situation as smoothly as possible. I don't want the headlines of tomorrow's newspaper to report some sort of catfight.”

Nicol shakes his head. “Unfortunately there are people like that from our side too. Angrod, please be wary of the Tulhelm family. Marta Tulhelm and Vaida Tulhelm are their leaders. Iris Tulhelm is a nine-year-old daughter of theirs. They control a large area in the north of Tirna.

“It's hard to keep their power plays in check. If it weren't for their excellent ability to have others do their dirty work I already would have gotten them for treason several times, but somehow they always come out clean after the investigation. It's mortifying. In case of a rebellion, I am sure that they would stand in the front lines. If I could, I would execute the whole bunch on suspicion alone.”

Wow, that's the first time we have heard so much about politics from our parents. Is the end of the world nigh? Then again, we are about to be exposed to the upper society, which means that nine of ten people have more in common with rats and cockroaches than with decent human beings.

Arthur gives me another piece of advice. “Ah, yes. There is also a high possibility that someone will challenge you to a duel if they get the chance. As long as there isn't a five-year difference in age, they can do it. It's an easy way to kill you legally! The old code of honour is still in effect among the nobility, so don't give them an opening by insulting someone.”

He nods to himself, trying to think of other possibilities of how this could go wrong. “If they challenge you anyway, just refuse! Refusing will cost you a little reputation, but so be it. As long as you stay alive it's fine.” Arthur wears a complicated expression as he tries to think of other things that might turn out to be important.

“That's barbaric!” I complain but wave my hand to dismiss their concerns. “Don't worry. As long as they don't force me to fight an adult, I will see to it that I am never challenged again.”

Celes's expression turns worried. “I don't like the sound of that.”

Nicol scowls. “Listen, young one. You won't start a fight out there!”

“Of course not.” I nod. “But I will end it.”

“Hahahaha.” Nicosar starts laughing heartily and pats Nicol's back. “Don't worry, son. I've seen what Celes and Angrod can do at their age. If our enemies can’t pull some fighting genius out of their hat, then Angrod is in no danger. I highly doubt that any child close to his age could beat him in a fight.”

“I am not worried about him,” Celes mumbles. “I am worried that Rose won't be able to get the stains out of the carpet in the banquet hall.” She looks at me. “Try not to kill anyone. Don't forget that the idiot who might challenge you is a child.”

Arthur tries to laugh off the matter, joining Nicosar. “Don't worry. I am sure that we are overreacting. Challenges are an old tradition and hardly used in this day and age. If they try to play that card they won't get any credit for it from the other houses. And it's not allowed to deal killing blows to a defeated opponent in a duel, but accidents can happen," he finishes.

I grumble to myself while looking out of the window. And there I thought that this evening might actually turn out to be interesting, but it’s all about good, old mortal power plays.

"If they are really stupid enough to try something, they will be used as pincushions. I wonder where I should stab first?" Celes’s expression turns scary. “We could also lock them in a room with Ghost and switch off the lights.”

Arthur sighs at the antics of his daughter, then turns his attention to me. "Please! Just refuse any duels! They are sure to have some nasty trick, maybe even send someone far older than you. Remember that the maximum age difference is five years."

Normally, Arthur would be right, but I don't believe it. An older opponent might have a superior body, but I don't think that a teenager would be as adept in using magic. As long as I am allowed to use spells, they will show up with fists to a gunfight.

Even though Nicosar praised us, the truth is that Celes and I have hardly shown anything of our true capabilities. In the worst case scenario, I would just curse my opponent with something nasty.

"Talk of evil and it is bound to appear. And don't scare the children, they can look out for themselves. Let's make our entrance. The guests are surely waiting by now." Nicosar ends the discussion and gestures for us to get going.

We get up and make our way towards the festival hall.

When we enter, I find the large, normally empty ballroom transformed. Now there are dozens of tables and a large, free space for dancing, enough to house about two hundred guests.

Impressed, I follow my father’s lead towards a podium.

As soon as we step onto the stage where Katrine and Ireth were waiting, a huge amount of people bow to us. Rose is also there, patiently waiting for something that requires her intervention.

I take the chance to survey the room with its nicely decorated tables, laden with the finest food. Above the dancing area, the chandelier which was up until now always covered in sheets of cloth is revealed, its gold and diamonds sparkling in all colours of the rainbow.

Silently, I admit that whoever set up this party did a fine job.

“Guests! The rulers of Tirna and Stricc welcome you to the festivities! Let us celebrate the joining of the ruling houses and thank them for upholding the peace. Today, they introduce to you their heirs. Prince Angrod of Tirna and Princess Celes of Stricc!” Rose declares with a strong, clear voice.

I force myself to smile and wave to the masses, trying to project kingly confidence, just as Nicosar taught me. Celes also smiles and does a curtsy.

Our efforts are rewarded when the masses begin to clap, though I suspect that they would have followed the social protocol even if we had made idiots of ourselves.

Suddenly, I don’t want to be here any longer than necessary. Stupid events like this are the worst. I am sure that everyone down there is either a boot-licker or wants us dead.

“Then let the festivities begin!” Nicol announces and motions for the people to socialize.

The masses start to disperse as some people head towards the food and others gather in groups to socialize. On a smaller stage in the corner of the room, a small orchestra starts playing music while some couples use the chance to dance.

My parents lead the way off the stage and we start mingling with the crowd. Well, as far as it is possible. Everyone gives the king and his guards at least three meters of space.

Our parents nod at us, then head off into the crowd to test out the political waters with the other adults. Surely, they will be busy with entertaining some important people.

“I will be off too. Haha, there are many skirts to be chased!” Nicosar rushes off leaving Celes and me standing alone in the rain. There are only the four guards who were tasked with our protection, though they are holding a respectful distance, making sure not to be in the way of anyone who might want to approach us.

“Hum!” Celes grabs my hand and leads me to the dancing area. “We will dance! As long as we do that it will be hard for any idiots to approach us. The less we interact with other kids, the fewer chances for problems to pop up!”

She is right, they would have to be extremely rude to disturb a dancing couple, so I follow her without question. “Good plan.”

And so we start a silent dance, smiling at each other. I notice that several of the younger people are throwing careful glances at us. They are clearly waiting for a chance to approach.

“We will get wrinkles at a very young age with how much we have to smile,” I joke jovially.

“That seems to be our fate, my love,” Celes answers, playing her role perfectly.

“You don't have to play now. We can't be heard at this distance anyway," I reply with a lowered voice. We are at least five meters away from any of the other dancers and the music is loud enough to mask our voices.

“It’s preferable to stick to our roles, at least as long as we are near people. Just in case.” Again, that heart-warming smile.

I wish someone else would smile at me like that and actually mean it. Shrugging, I decide to play along and we continue dancing.

We are at it for as long as the music lasts. Sadly, it’s a constant of the multiverse that all good things must end. When the musicians take a well-deserved break the people stop dancing. Most join one or the other group of talking people, while others raid the buffet.

Celes and I wander off to a quieter area of the hall, hoping that we won’t attract too much attention from the wrong characters. Luckily, most of the other children are too shy and stick to their parents.

My companion sighs at my side. “This is boring, as expected. It surely doesn't feel like this party is meant for us.”

“Don’t jinx it. I am sure that our enemies will make a move when they see the chance. And regarding their reservation, what do you expect? To them, we may be the heirs, but we are also just kids.” I shrug. “I doubt that it would be taken well if any of the adults approached us without our parents present. That's why they left us alone. And their children...” I study a girl who is holding onto her mother’s skirt. “Well, they are children.”

That’s when Celes spots a group of girls and boys around our age and pulls me with her.

She sure likes to do that. “May I have a word in this? I am not a pet!” I complain.

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

“Hush! As you said, we are children. So wouldn't it be strange if we aren't even trying to mingle with our age group? Besides, the kids of today are the patriarchs and matriarchs of tomorrow. It doesn’t hurt to have a good relationship with them," Celes argues. “And I think that I recognize those. They are the offspring of one of Arthur’s supporters. I’ve seen them in pictures. We should associate ourselves with some allies before the crown's enemies can make a move.”

I understand, but talking to children while being mentally ahead of them is a pain. I won’t say that I am above childish behaviour, since hormones are hard to overcome. Still…

Pulling a face I follow Celes, but slip back into my role when she looks back at me.

“Hi, I am Celes and this is Angrod. Can we join you?” Celes opens the conversation with the group as we reach them.

“S- sure. I am Margerie Cygnus! This is my big brother Stephen Cygnus. We are from Tirna,” a little girl of around seven introduces herself and pats the boy who is lurking next to her on the shoulder.

He bows to us and introduces himself. “I am Stephen.”

Both of them have fox ears and tails. Right now I want to know their bloodline abilities, but I am not sure if it would be rude to ask.

“I am Sven Hjavars... from Stricc,” another boy introduces himself shyly. He is younger than us and has elven ears. Now that I see him from up close I also recognize him. Celes meant him when she mentioned that she recognized some faces, since he visited once with his father. The both of us only got a glimpse of him in the reception hall before Rose shooed us back to our studies.

The next girl has a cat tail and fluffy ears. She boldly grabs Celes’s hands to introduce herself. “Tanja Morden here! I am fifteen and also from Stricc! Oh, I wanted to talk to you. I have heard so many rumours about the two of you. Is it true that you have already kissed? How is it to live with a boy? Have you already been in his room? Is it true that the goddess herself...”

My eyes widen as a waterfall of words spills out of Tanja’s mouth, threatening to drown Celes. I allow myself a devilish grin as I notice Celes’s flustered expression. She surely found the right person to quell her boredom. With the older girl’s relentless verbal assault, Celes doesn’t even get the chance to answer as she is bombarded with a never-ending stream of questions.

“Whoa! Are you a meanie?” Margerie comments upon noticing my expression. “What do you think about the party? Boring is it not? They really could have set up some games for us kids.”

I blink and nod upon noticing Rose’s obvious omission. “Yeah, reading a book or playing a game would be more interesting. I suppose they want us to show that we can behave like adults if we have to.”

“You like reading books? At your age? I like reading the "Science And Magic" journal. It’s from Midhold’s new university! Every year they publish a whole book about their achievements.” Margerie starts hopping up and down.

“I-” I wet my lips, trying to find an appropriate answer. “Isn't that quite the heavy stuff for someone at our age?”

“Oh, no problem. We from the house of Cygnus are all very smart from birth! Eidetic memories. I'll have to show you my laboratory if we ever get the chance! Currently, I am researching a way to levitate stuff without magical devices. It would lessen the strain on resources and the conflict potential between our countries,” Margerie replies, smiling broadly.

Anyone, help me! There is a bloodline for perfect memories? What are these children!?

I notice that I have a prickling feeling in my hand. Celes still has it in her grip, while she smiles at Tanja Morden who is still talking. She hasn't gotten out a single word with the lanky girl.

Worse, her grip on my hand is turning tighter and tighter like a vice!

I look down and notice that my fingers are turning blue!

“Celes?”

“Yes, Angrod?”

“I really like you, but any further and my fingers will fall off. Control your strength!”

Celes looks down. “Oh, sorry!” She abruptly lets go of my hand, which was exactly the wrong thing to do!

IT BURRRNNSS!!!

“H- H- Heal!” Thank the multiverse for this spell!

“Honey, I am so sorry!”

Why are you grinning then? Witch!

“Hahaha, you two are funny.” Morden is unfazed by the little drama.

“Wow! You can use healing magic without a full incantation!?” Both Cygnus siblings look at me like they found a new lab rat.

Wringing my hand, I hide it behind my back. Judging by their faces, it’s better if they don’t find out that I have no need to recite spells. Constructing a spell-matrix in a half-assed way like I did just now was just to lessen the burden on my concentration.

“Hahaha! Yeah, my only good point! My magical affinity is pretty much through the roof for people my age. At least that’s what I was told. Could I excuse myself for a moment to get some cold water over it?” With that, I run off to leave Celes to her doom.

As soon as I am far enough away, I walk slowly to the toilets, no haste here. My guard follows me at a respectful distance.

As I walk, I take another look at the party. Our parents are still talking to the same group of people and they don't look very happy. As I think about it, I reach the toilets and lock myself inside one of them.

Taking my time, I do my business, considering whether it would be feasible to spend the rest of the evening in silent isolation. Unfortunately, my guard knows where I am, and people would come looking for me if I stayed away for too long. With a heavy sigh, I finish up, nonetheless taking my time.

A few minutes later I am back at the party, returning to the spot where I left Celes. She is still there with the other kids, but two new faces are with them.

They are two boys who look almost identical. Two red horns are stabbing straight upwards out of their grey hair, then sharply angle forwards. Their faces are haggard, meaning that they are likely enduring a lot of stress. One of them seems to be about my age, while the other must have at least three years on me. With those Horns, they are royalty for sure.

They are facing off with my companion and her friends, which tells me that the newcomers aren’t exactly welcome. Celes looks really pissed, but her guards apparently don’t deem it necessary to intervene.

Judging by her body-language, anyone else would think that Celes is happy with her new acquaintances and perfectly fine. But the fact that she is playing with one of her hairpins tells me that she is planning murder. If I’ve learned one thing about Celes during our time together, then it’s to back off as soon as she touches her stabby toys.

Our new friends from earlier look unhappy. As the oldest, Tanja is taking an aggressive stance, while the intellectual twins back her up. Sven, the youngest, is hiding behind all of them.

While the two newcomers aren’t openly threatening, they are breaking etiquette by standing entirely too close to Celes.

“Come on, we just want to take you to a small date where nobody else can disturb us. Nothing harmful in it,” the older boy pressures.

“I am sorry, but I am already with company,” Celes replies nonchalantly, tilting her head. “Why don’t you take a step back? You are a little too close for comfort, considering that we don’t even know each other.”

While the younger backs off a step, his brother doesn’t get the hint. “That’s exactly why we want to spend some time with you.”

Okay, that’s enough. I should step in and stop this before Celes turns the poor children into shish kebab. I close the distance and rudely insert myself into the discussion. “Hi, I am back! Were you lonely without me?" I ask Celes. For a moment, I play with the thought of annoying her by kissing her cheek, but that would probably end up with bloodshed, given her current mood.

“Oh! You two have to get to know my fiancé, Angrod! I don't know what I would do without him." She grabs me and places me between herself and the two boys.

They don't look happy.

“Hi! I am Angrod.” I wave a hand in greeting.

“I am Sarda Meltheim,” the older one introduces himself and I notice that he has snake-eyes, just like me.

“Senda Meltheim,” the younger one says. He has normal eyes and averts his gaze when I make eye-contact.

Dismissing him, I decide that the leader is this Sarda fellow. To break the following silence I ask, “So what did you want from my most beloved fiancée?”

“It has nothing to do with you. We just wanted to take her on a little date and a dance, that's all. Maybe a short walk through the hallways to have some privacy,” Sarda explains while sizing me up. His expression tells me that he doesn’t think much of what he sees.

I nod, smiling patiently. It’s unfortunate that I have to play the nice guy here. Otherwise, they could have Celes and be gone for all I care. Though, it’s likely that they would turn up dead in some closet, given their current behaviour.

Did Sarda’s parents send him to pester us?

“I am really sorry, but I can't allow that. She is my fiancée after all. It would look bad if she were to be seen with other guys without a chaperone. There’s nothing to be done about it,” I explain calmly.

“You want to order us around?” Senda asks.

Suddenly, Celes tugs frantically at the hem of my shirt.

Ignoring her, I try to solve this mess peacefully. “If I have no other choice and you continue to be persistent in being a nuisance, I will have to request your immediate departure. The party must go on after all and having someone around who spoils the atmosphere is no good.” I reply carefully, hoping that relying on my status as the prince isn’t too rude.

Celes pulls me backwards to her side and whispers, “You can't order nobles from other countries around! Have you forgotten Nicosar’s lessons in etiquette!?”

Oh! I suddenly remember the old codger saying something about heeding the line of command. Which means that Celes shouldn’t give orders to anyone from Tirna, while I should avoid ordering around anyone from Stricc. If I remember correctly, being given orders by the nobility of another country is a grave insult.

“They can make a duel out of that!” Celes whispers.

“Naah…” I shake my head. “We are just kids. They wouldn’t do something so stupid!”

“HAHAHA! NOBODY FROM TIRNA CAN ORDER ME AROUND! I DEMAND A DUEL TO REGAIN THE HONOUR THAT WAS TAKEN FROM ME!”

Sarda screams for all the world to hear and the whole hall goes silent. Looking confident, he points at me with a flourish.

“Then again, he was probably coached by his parents to do this all along,” I comment, speaking to myself, only now realizing how stupid I was for making assumptions. “That’s what I get for trying to protect these fools.”

The other kids go pale.

“Stop talking to yourself and give me a proper answer, or are you too afraid to fight me?” He sneers. “What a pathetic wimp. And something like that is to become the future king!”

I shrug. “Oh, okay! But I refuse to take responsibility for any resulting damages. Killjoy, I didn’t even get to taste some of that fantastic food before you had to go and spoil the evening.”

Hearing quickly approaching steps, I notice Nicosar who is running up to us with two bunny girls in tow, their plentiful chests bouncing with each step. I can only gape at the scene, admitting that I have absolutely no idea how someone his age managed that feat. Did he pay them off? Are they hired companions for the evening?

“What do you kids think you are doing?” he asks red-faced.

“Accepting an honour duel?” I reply with a question of my own and look him straight in the eyes.

Our parents come up to us with fearsome faces. The people who were with them follow close behind. Comparing the two brother’s horns with the adults, I make the assumption that they are the parents of the idiot brothers. It’s also quite the giveaway that they seem to have expected the situation and are grinning.

I was right to assume that this was a planned drama. Is it only aimed at costing us face, or is Sarda supposed to kill me?

Looking at the older boy, I try to assert whether he is capable of pre-planned murder. He looks like nothing more than a bully, but I already misjudged people in the past. Better to assume the worst.

I suddenly realize that I am really mad at stepping into this proverbial pile of shit. If I hate something, then it is politics. If I hate something more, then it is playing games like this one.

Nicosar shakes his head. “The honour duel has been announced and accepted. Clear the dance floor! Bring some training weapons!”

I raise an eyebrow, wondering why the old codger specified training weapons. Earlier, he announced his confidence in me and now he wants to protect me? I give a mental shrug, it’s not like his reasoning matters. Nicosar probably chose them because they are dull.

“I demand real swords! It is my honour,” Sarda states.

“I want two!” I follow happily, raising two fingers which flabbergasts everyone.

Looking me in the eyes, Nicosar just nods. Servants and guards rush over to clear the area. Swords fitting our size are brought and Sarda and I take positions in front of each other while the crowd backs off to the side of the ballroom with the dining tables.

The geezer steps between us and looks at everyone while I play with my swords. They are short like a gladius, but the blade isn’t so wide. Furrowing my forehead, I wonder why anyone would have miniature long-swords like these at hand. Further proof that the mastermind wanted someone to get hurt?

An honour duel might not be to the death, but accidents can happen.

Sarda takes a fighting stance, but I just stab my two swords into the dance floor and put my hands into my pockets.

Some people laugh, thinking that I want to provoke my opponent.

They don’t know what’s coming. While I requested my own swords, I am a mage. If I can avoid it, I don’t even touch close combat weapons. Back in another life, the most I did was some hand to hand combat as a monk. Maybe wielding a staff or a knife from time to time.

“Are the both of you ready?” Nicosar asks. “The fight lasts until one party gives up or is unable to continue.”

“I am ready!” Sarda calls out, then Nicosar looks at me.

I concentrate and both swords lift into the air. There is a gasp from the crowd as both weapons slowly start rotating. Putting more effort into the force magic, they spin faster and faster until nothing more than two shining circles can be seen and a humming sound fills the hall. It’s like I’ve summoned two razorblades to my assistance.

Telekinesis of that level doesn't take that much magic power. I never understood why some mages just use their power to throw huge rocks at the enemy or try to directly move a heavy person, collapsing completely exhausted afterwards. It's just plain stupid if you could just drive a light, sharp object at high speeds through the enemy.

Tilting my head from side to side, I roll my shoulders as I test my control over the weapons.

Then I give Nicosar a thumbs up. “Ready to slice and dice, grandfather!”

Nicosar needs a second to snap out of his stupor but jumps out of the way. “Go!”

One of my weapons shoots out at Sarda, but misses him as he dodges. Proceeding forward on a straight trajectory, it dices one of the tables instead.

The idiot at least has some survival instincts.

Strangely enough, he seems unimpressed and grins as he advances on me.

Does he think himself in the advantage because I just lost one of my weapons?

Suddenly Sarda jumps forward at incredible speed, surprising me. I barely manage to move my second weapon between him and myself to block him.

He tries to get past, but his weapon impacts my impromptu shield with a ‘clang’, throwing a shower of sparks. Without risking his arm being cut to pieces he won’t get past my defence.

Pushing my shield forward, I force him to retreat and reach upwards, pulling the chandelier from its socket in the ceiling.

Sarda only manages to dodge because of the screams from the watching crowd. Jumping sideways, he rolls off on his shoulder and suddenly vanishes, leaving me without a clue on his whereabouts.

Had I been a normal child, I would have lost at that moment. But instinct and old memories take over and I spin my swordshield around myself, assuming that Sarda either used some short-range teleportation, or can become invisible.

Something bites into my cheek and there is another impact of steel on steel, showering my face with sparks.

Scowling, I reach up and my fingers come away covered in blood as the now visible Sarda retreats back to a safe distance.

Grinning, he points his sword at me. “Do you yield?”

I press my lips together, angry at myself for allowing this oversight. He may be a child of high society, but even children can kill. If they are taught so from an early age they are even better killers than many trained soldiers.

“I think that I am done playing around,” I comment without emotion and reach out with my mind.

There is the ‘ding’ of a sword impacting wood, and then the slight vibration of spring-steel that struck something with a lot of force.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

Sarda’s scream echoes through the room, sounding like music in my ears. I pulled my first sword out of the sliced table and shot it at him. Entering his calf from behind, the sword nailed Sarda’s left foot to the dance floor.

Still screaming, he goes to one knee and drops his sword.

Reaching out with telekinesis, I pick the weapon up and rotate it. Gesturing downwards, I send the weapon up to the hilt into the floor, pinning his other foot and immobilizing him completely.

I walk up to him and take a boxer’s stance.

Dodging a flailing arm, I close in and plant a good right hook in his jaw, sending teeth flying thanks to circulating a little internal magic. I am by no means as proficient as Celes at this skill, and I would lose horribly should I ever try to challenge her on that field, but I know enough for a little mortal self-defence.

He tries to protect himself as I rain blow after blow down on him, splitting his lips and landing a good punch on his right eye.

Thanks to the way he is pinned, he can’t go down and roll up in a ball, which leaves me all the time I need to work out my aggression. Phew! It’s really hard to educate children these days. Modern societies just pat the heads of murdering minors, saying they can't be held responsible for their actions.

I don't believe that! He tried to murder me! Did he think I was just some small kid three or two years younger than him? Easy prey?

Punishment must be dealt accordingly.

As I lay down the law of what to expect from challenging me, the hall is strangely silent. Only the meaty whack of my fists can be heard as the adults observe the scene in horror.

I ignore them. What did they expect? That we would roll around on the floor and have a little childish brawl?

Noticing that Sarda is only protecting his face, I sweep out with a low-aimed Mawashi-Geri, landing a hit on his kidney. Satisfied, I notice something give and rest assured in the knowledge that he would be pissing blood for at least a week – at least without a greater healing spell.

Someone pats my back. “Dear, don't grin like that. You are scaring the people!”

Stopping, I turn sideways and find Celes standing next to me. My immediate instinct is to snap out, asking why she is disturbing my fun. Then I remember just in time that we aren’t alone. “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!”

Celes nods, her eyes flicking to my victim. “That’s… so sweet of you. But I think he suffered enough.”

Frowning, I look at Sarda who isn't much more than a bloody something. As I watch dispassionately, he silently slips backwards onto the floor.

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

Grabbing his collar, I pull him back up and sink my fingers into the hair on the back of his head, testing my hold.

Let’s see if I remember how to do his.

I give his scalp a good yank... and people start screaming.