Chapter 73 - 73
"Experience is nothing in the face of overwhelming power," Klaus retorted with a chilling calmness, his voice cutting through the tension with an air of cold confidence.
Roman’s laughter echoed through the arena, a sound filled with a mix of incredulity and amusement. His sudden shift from disappointment to amusement caught many off guard, including Raoul Lionhart, who struggled to conceal his irritation at Klaus’s demeanor and his son’s defeat.
"Indeed!" Roman’s voice boomed with authority as he addressed the crowd. "Fine, let’s go through with your request!"
Raoul attempted to compose himself, his expression a blend of frustration and tension as he observed the exchange between Klaus and his father.
Raoul’s eyes blazed with fury as he directed a piercing glare at Klaus, his thoughts seething with anger at the audacity of the younger Lionhart. The tension in the air was palpable as Raoul’s gaze bore into Klaus, conveying a silent threat that resonated throughout the section reserved for direct line members.
Meanwhile, the other occupants of the direct line section remained silent, their eyes flickering with uncertainty as they avoided Raoul’s intense stare. They knew the consequences of intervening in the matter, especially if it meant acknowledging defeat to someone they considered beneath them. The prospect of kneeling in submission to Ludovic was unthinkable to them, fueling their reluctance to act against Raoul’s wishes.
’Pathetic cowards,’ Raoul muttered under his breath, his disdain evident as he surveyed his brothers and their children with a mixture of contempt and disappointment.
Raoul’s frustration simmered beneath the surface as he observed the reluctance of his brothers to confront Klaus’s challenge head-on. Despite their shared belief in the need for humility, none of them were willing to risk their own kin in a confrontation that could potentially undermine their standing within the Lionhart hierarchy.
"Spineless fools," Raoul muttered disdainfully, his disappointment palpable as he struggled to comprehend their lack of resolve. Klaus’s challenge was a direct affront to their authority, yet they hesitated to take decisive action.
Turning his attention to his second son, Ygriss Lionhart, Raoul’s gaze hardened with determination. It was clear that if no one else would step up to face Klaus, he would take matters into his own hands.
Raoul’s mental message to his son Ygriss resonated with urgency and expectation. As he awaited Ygriss’s response, a sense of reassurance washed over him as his son’s confident reply echoed in his mind.
{{|Ygriss! You better not lose to that runt!|}} Raoul’s voice reverberated within Ygriss’s mind, conveying a tone of stern command layered with paternal concern.
{{|I know Father, you don’t have to worry about anything,|}} Ygriss replied confidently, his mental voice projecting assurance and determination. {{|Although I have to admit he is quite strong for his age, but he still doesn’t stand a chance against me. |}}
Ygriss’s unwavering confidence in his own abilities was evident as he stood up to accept the challenge. Raoul watched with a mixture of pride and anticipation as his son addressed Roman with the utmost respect and determination.
"I will be his opponent, my lord," Ygriss declared aloud, his words punctuated by a gesture of respect as he placed his right arm on his chest and bowed politely to Roman.
Roman observed Ygriss carefully, his brows furrowed in thought as he processed the young Lionhart’s response. Ygriss’s words seemed to carry a layer of sincerity, but Roman couldn’t shake off the nagging suspicion that there might be more to the story.
"That will be a bad match-up for Klaus," Roman mused aloud, his tone reflecting his concern for his grandson’s well-being. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Sensing Roman’s skepticism, Ygriss maintained a composed demeanor as he replied, "No, my lord. I just want to face my little cousin. After all, he defeated my youngest brother. I’m just curious to see just how strong he is."
Ygriss’s words sounded convincing, but Roman couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to the situation than met the eye. Nevertheless, he nodded in acceptance of Ygriss’s decision.
"As you wish, Ygriss. May the best fighter emerge victorious," Roman replied with a tone of finality, signaling his acceptance of Ygriss’s choice to face Klaus in the upcoming duel.
He then shifted his gaze toward his fourth son
"Raoul Lionhart!" Roman’s voice echoed through the arena, commanding the attention of everyone present. Raoul, feeling the weight of his father’s gaze, swallowed hard before responding.
"Yes, My Lord," Raoul replied, his voice barely above a whisper, betraying his inner turmoil.
"You know what will happen if Ygriss loses right?"
Raoul’s silence spoke volumes, echoing throughout the arena with a weight that seemed to hang in the air like an impending storm. His mind raced, grappling with the weight of Roman’s question and the gravity of the consequences that loomed over him like a dark cloud.
He couldn’t bring himself to utter the words, couldn’t bear to acknowledge the possibility of Ygriss faltering in the challenge ahead. The thought of kneeling before Ludovic, of admitting fault and apologizing in front of the entire crowd, was a bitter pill to swallow—one that Raoul was not prepared to face.
But Roman’s gaze bore into him with unwavering intensity, demanding an answer, demanding accountability. Raoul’s resolve wavered under the weight of his father’s expectations, the pressure mounting with each passing moment of silence.
Finally, with a heavy heart and a voice laced with reluctance, Raoul spoke. "Yes, My Lord, I understand the consequences," he admitted, his words tinged with resignation.
Roman’s words cut through the tension in the air like a sharp blade, his voice carrying a weight that reverberated throughout the arena.
"What will happen if Ygriss loses, Raoul? Say it out loud!" Roman’s voice boomed, pressing his fourth son into admitting in front of the entire audience what would happen if Ygriss lost to Klaus.
"I would have to kneel and apologize to the trainee 401 parents," Raoul replied, his voice tinged with reluctance. He avoided mentioning Klaus’s name, aware of the anger it would stir within him.
"And why would you apologize? What did you do?" Roman’s words cut through the tension in the air like a sharp blade, his voice carrying a weight that reverberated throughout the arena. The audience watched in anticipation, their eyes trained on Raoul as he reluctantly confessed to his transgression, his admission hanging heavy in the air like a dark cloud.
"I ordered for his parents to be seated in the commoner section, despite both of them being from noble lineage," Raoul admitted, his voice betraying no remorse.
The silence that followed was palpable, punctuated only by the soft murmur of the crowd as they absorbed the gravity of Raoul’s confession. Roman’s unwavering gaze bore down on his son, his expression a mix of disappointment and resolve, his steely demeanor betraying no hint of sympathy.
"Now that the reason has been established, Ygriss Lionhart, make your way to the stage and entertain this old grandfather of yours," Roman said with a faint smile on his mouth, his words carrying a sense of finality.
***
Melo, Roman’s right-hand man, observed the scene unfolding before him with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
’He really is enjoying himself,’ Melo thought, his gaze fixed on Roman, who seemed to be relishing the moment. It was a rare sight, considering Roman’s usual cold demeanor.
’It’s the first time in a decade that I’ve seen him act carefree like that, especially towards everyone,’ Melo reflected, feeling a twinge of happiness and nostalgia. Serving Roman as his loyal companion for over three decades, Melo had grown accustomed to his lord’s stoic nature, but today was different.
’All that changed started with him...’ Melo’s thoughts drifted to Klaus, whose calm demeanor seemed to have an inexplicable effect on Roman, thawing the icy exterior that Melo had grown accustomed to over the years.
***
As the stage cleared, Ygriss Lionhart strode confidently towards Klaus, his long black hair elegantly tied back in a ponytail. Standing at 1m85 tall (6’1), he towered over Klaus, who, though considered tall for his age, appeared diminutive in comparison.
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Locking his emerald green eyes with Klaus’s cold blue gaze, Ygriss flashed a smile. "Impressive! I can see from your eyes that you’re not even a bit scared," he remarked.
"For what reason should I be scared of you?" Klaus retorted, tilting his head slightly to maintain eye contact with Ygriss.
"Well, unlike you, I’ve already killed a human before, and to be honest, I really enjoyed the feeling," Ygriss boasted, a dark smile playing on his lips as he tried to intimidate Klaus.
"Who said that I’ve never killed a human before?" Klaus countered, his eyes glinting with a cold blue hue.
Ygriss couldn’t believe Klaus’s claim. ’Is he serious? There’s no way! He’s still a trainee at the Lionhart Youth Training ground; he’s too young to even join any Lionhart armed forces,’ he thought, brushing off Klaus’s statement as a joke.
"HAHA, you’re pretty funny, aren’t you?" Ygriss chuckled, attempting to downplay Klaus’s words.
"To be honest, you’re the funny one," Klaus replied calmly.
"Oi, just retract yourself from this stupid fight. I don’t want people to think that I’m bullying you," Ygriss warned, releasing a faint killing intent.
Unfazed by Ygriss’s intimidation tactics, Klaus maintained his composure and flashed a confident smile. "I’ll be the one doing the bullying," he declared boldly.
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