"Beautifully done!" Izark exclaimed, his voice ringing with delight as he clapped his hands together, thoroughly pleased by the match's outcome. The exuberance in his expression was hard to miss, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction, reflecting the light of the grand chandeliers hanging above.
"Such precise control over Inner Force." remarked one Duke, his voice a mix of awe and admiration as he stroked his neatly trimmed beard, the glow of the chandelier above reflecting off his silver hair, giving him an almost ethereal appearance.
"His swordsmanship is very impressive." added another, his tone imbued with genuine respect.
"Well, at the end, it's just potential." a more skeptical Duke chimed in, his lips curling into a slight sneer as he adjusted his monocle, skepticism evident in his narrowed eyes.
The room was alive with a buzz of animated conversation, a symphony of voices mixing with the soft strains of a string quartet playing in the background. Crystal goblets clinked together, and the faint scent of exotic perfumes mingled with the aroma of roasted meats and spiced vegetables wafting from the banquet tables, tantalizing the senses.
"Humph... You won this time, Izark. I don't like it, but I have to admit, your kid gave me a surprise." grumbled Duke Martin, his thick brows furrowed in displeasure. He ran a hand through his graying hair, his eyes briefly flickering with grudging respect. The tension in his voice was palpable, a blend of rivalry and reluctant admiration.
He thought privately, 'I made a miscalculation. Seeing Zain's Grade 3 power, I took him for an easy target. It seems there are still a few little monsters being born in our Empire.' The realization gnawed at him, but he forced a tight smile, his pride wounded but not shattered.
Though Duke Martin wasn't happy with his defeat, he wasn't too upset either. Ben had given his best, and they hadn't expected Zain to be this strong. Plus, they had still gained half the territory of Marquis Renis. The thought offered some solace, like a cool balm on a burning wound. He could already envision the strategic advantages and resources that this new acquisition would bring.
Izark, on the other hand, was gleeful despite losing a small part of his territory. He had earned much more in return. 'It's just fertile land; my Gremory Dukedom has plenty of it.' he thought, his mind calculating the wealth and resources he had gained from the resource-rich Donby Barony. He envisioned the lush, rolling fields of Donby, its rivers glittering under the sun, a trove of untapped potential now within his grasp. The image of verdant farmlands and prosperous villages filled his thoughts, promising a bountiful future.
On the other side of the grand hall, Zain had parted ways with Ben Marker after a brief farewell and a promise of a rematch.
"So, how was it?" Zain asked, finally reaching Lilith and Draig, who had been watching from the sidelines, their expressions a mix of anticipation and excitement.
"Not bad, but I would've defeated him quicker." Draig replied, his tone carrying a hint of playful arrogance as he crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and a half-smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Draig, don't be rude. Zain, you did the best." Lilith chided Draig, her voice soft but firm. She then turned to Zain, her eyes shining with pride. "Well done." she added, her smile warm and genuine, her admiration clear in her gaze.
A familiar voice, filled with affectionate pride, interrupted the moment. "Well done, indeed." the voice said, accompanied by a gentle pat on Zain's head.
Zain turned around to see Raina standing with a bright smile, her presence always a source of comfort. "Of course, I learned from the best." he responded, his heart swelling with happiness at receiving his teacher's praise. Her approval meant the world to him, a beacon of validation in his journey.
"Here, take this. You must be tired." Raina said, handing him a small vial of glowing blue liquid. The potion shimmered in the light, its surface swirling with magical energy. Zain quickly gulped it down, feeling the revitalizing effects almost immediately as a wave of cool energy spread through his body, easing his fatigue.
Though Zain had appeared unaffected by the match, it was a facade. In truth, he was utterly exhausted. For a Grade 3 to utilize his mana and Inner Force at the level of a Grade 5 was a difficult task, taking a great toll on both body and mind. If the battle had lasted any longer, the result might have been different. Despite his Grade 5 control, he didn't have the same energy and endurance, a fact that gnawed at his pride but also fueled his determination to improve.
He had been able to turn the battle in his favor only because of his excellent control and technique, honed through countless hours of rigorous training under Raina's watchful eye. Her training was demanding, but it had prepared him well, instilling in him a discipline and precision that had proven invaluable.
"And why did you not tell me that you have such excellent control over your Inner Force?" Raina asked, pretending to be angry, though the twinkle in her eye gave her away.
"Sorry, teacher. I thought it would be a surprise for you." Zain replied with a smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He enjoyed the playful banter, a rare lightness in his otherwise demanding training regimen.
"Haha... Yes, it was quite shocking. I was stunned seeing you materialize Inner Force. You are a great student." she praised, her voice filled with pride and affection. Her words were a balm to his weary spirit, reinforcing his resolve to continue striving for excellence.
"Your old man is still laughing from the joy of receiving Donby Barony. You made a great contribution to the Dukedom. And also, congratulations on acing your coming-of-age ceremony." Raina continued, her smile widening, the pride in her eyes unmistakable.
"Thank you very much." Zain said, bowing his head slightly, his heart swelling with a mix of pride and relief. The ceremony had been a significant milestone, and the recognition from those he respected most meant everything to him.
The hall returned to its previous setup as the nobles resumed their conversations, with occasional mentions of the battle echoing through the spacious room. The Dukes' stage was bustling as Duke Izark and Duke Martin finalized the deed for the new territory in the presence of the Emperor, whose regal presence commanded respect and awe. The Emperor, dressed in resplendent robes of deep purple and gold, his crown gleaming with jewels, observed the proceedings with a keen eye. Normally, such a transfer of territory required officials from the grand court to survey the land and pass the contracts. However, with the Emperor present, no one would dare contradict the land deeds made before him. His mere presence added a layer of solemnity and gravity to the proceedings.
Soon, large transactions of different resources, such as land and weapons, were conducted between the Dukes. The clinking of gold coins and the rustle of parchment filled the air as deals were struck. Even the Royal family was involved in some sales and purchases, their presence adding to the significance of the event. The grandeur of the hall, with its towering columns and elaborate tapestries depicting historical battles and legendary heroes, served as a fitting backdrop for these high-stakes negotiations.
At a corner table in the hall, the star of the night, Zain, was feasting with Draig and Lilith. The table was laden with an array of sumptuous dishes, from roasted meats and seasoned vegetables to exotic fruits and delicate pastries, all prepared to perfection by the palace chefs. The aromas of the feast mingled in the air, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge.
"Zain, the meat tastes better than usual. Maybe we should host such a banquet regularly; it adds to the taste of the food." Draig said, his mouth full of juicy roast, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He tore into another piece of meat with gusto, savoring each bite.
"Draig, where are your manners? And don't speak while eating, you idiot." Lilith scolded, her tone both exasperated and fond as she watched Draig with a mix of amusement and annoyance. Her eyes softened as she glanced at Zain, her expression one of genuine affection.
As the trio continued their feast, a voice rang out, cutting through their conversation. "Sis, look at them, eating like pigs. Hahaha..." The voice belonged to a young girl, her eyes gleaming with amusement as he watched them.
