"I heard that you've reached E-raly, Lisa. gratutions." ［Lionel］

  "Ehehe. Thank you so much, Brother." ［Lisandra］

  "Well, should I get you something as a gratutift, Lisa? It's been quite a while since I bought you something, hasn't it?" ［Lionel］

  "Ah! N-No need! Your words are more than enough, brother!" ［Lisandra］

  It was a normal awarming versatioween siblings, both smiling ever so happily as they told stories about how they lived their past weeks. Lisandra was especially cheerful, uo hide her smile as she chatted with her older brother.

  There was quite a rge age gap betweewo, but they got along just fine. Ever since she was a child, Lisandra had always admired Lionel and looked up to him. His figure when he held a sword when he was younger was still etched inside her mind as if it was just yesterday,

  It was as if they were the only two people in the world, Lisandra ag like a spoiled young child despite being a full-grown, prim, and proper princess now. Her soft ale giggles resounded in the air.

  Yuna, don't act too surprised, okay? ［Grey］

  Hmm... Is something the mattー Eh?! Ehhh?! ［Yuna］

  Unfortuhe same couldn't be said frey and Yuna. Grey had shared what he saw with "Appraisal", and Yuna was just as shocked as he was the moment she saw the prince's status s. She would have let out a squeal had Grey not warned her.

  Though quite on in many of the fial wrey had read and seem ba Earth, measuring another person's bat power is quite difficult uhe one being measured uses aura ic for that matter.

  In Merusia, mana is everywhere and as such, sensing bat power which would feel like ting droplets of water in an o. Only when someone maniputes mana and creates a "ripple" could the others feel another's prowess.

  One would need either an appraisal ability or some special teique for them to do so. Even Kris who uses his aura to feel other's bat power has his limits, only able to feel the other's rank roughly. He could oimate how much weaker or strohe other party was.

  To top it all off, one could even ceal their strength by suppressing their mana as much as they could. A teique the prince was using so cautiously as to not get caught in a hall with High-Rankers here and there.

  Does Lisa know about this? ［Yuna］

  No, I don't think soー or rather, nobody here knows... The prince have hidden his tracks perfectly well all this time. ［Grey］

  Amazing... That sounds so cool...! It's like having a secret identity! ［Yuna］

  Yuna... This is no time to be amazed by that... ［Grey］

  What bothered the two the most was that the Sed Prince, Lionel, was supposed to be "sickly", mostly spending most of his days and weeks in his bedroom. Even now, he looked quite pale pared to the others.

  However, being High-Rahemselves, Grey and Yuna knew full well that getting sick was almost impossible. Only injuries and curses could get them bedridden, and evehey could quickly heal it with magic or something of the sort.

  Though... Seeing as to how his status s indicated he was "Healthy", it seems that there was nothing like a curse affeg him. He erfectly faking his illness, and perfectly at that, fooling everyohout a shred of doubt.

  Mmn... I wonder why he's hiding his strength... ［Yuna］

  I'm also curious, but well... I don't think he's using his powers for something distasteful. We shouldn't pry any further than this, ［Grey］

  That's true..l wonder if he have a match with him... ［Yuna］

  That would probably be hard. He's hiding his strength, after all. ［Grey］

  Fortunately, there was o worry too much about the priher than the fact that Grey's eyes had judged him as "good", if he were to be someoh ill iions, Grey and Yuna could easily take her down.

  From surprise about the prince's hidden prey and Yuna's topic devolved into something more trivial, talking about the dishes they just had and flirting a little bit like they usually do. It was a time of bliss for both pairs.

  "You must be Archduke Grey and Archduchess Yuna. My name is Lionel myr Lantre Graystone. I apologize for meeting you so te." ［Lionel］

  "No, it's okay. We've heard of your circumstances. It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Lionel. We've heard a lot about you from Princess Lisandra." ［Yuna］

  "We'll be in your care, Prince Lionel." ［Grey］

  "Then, I'm in the same boat, Yhness. I'll also be in your care." ［Lionel］

  They greeted and shook one another's hands, Grey and Yuna ag as if they knew nothing of the Prince's secret, only greeting him with beaming smiles. Lisandra was fully unaware, only happy that everyone was getting along.

  The prince was quite the actor as well. His hands were trembling quite evidently, his handshake was very weak, and his smile looked strained. If it wasn't frey's eyes, they would have surely been fooled by his iy.

  "Hahaha. I hought I would meet such heroes on this fine night. I have heard tless tales of heroism about the two of you. Is it true that you had fought against Garudas before?" ［Lionel］

  "Well, yes... It was quite the surprise, but we still mao get through it until the end. It was all because of everyone's help." ［Grey］

  "How humble of you, I'm sure I heard differently. Didn't you just defeat them with all but a single spell? I heard it was quite the spectacle." ［Lionel］

  "Uuu... So embarrassing... Did they really write about that." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I heard that bards were singing about your tales oreets and taverns. I believe even the kids already know your names." ［Lionel］

  It wasn't long before they got fortable with one aheir topic about Grey and Yuna's biggest embarrassment. They already knew how much their tales had spread, but they didn't know it was so embarrassing to su extent.

  Not only were many of the parts greatly exaggerated, some were straight up made up by the creative imaginations and maations of the bards and story writers all over the pce, taining even parts where they fought against a whole territory or how they subjugated a legendary dragon

  Like the butterfly effect where a butterfly's gentle fpping of wings turn into a violent tornado, such stories only brewed up into a devastating storm mixing and matg stories until such wild fantasies were born.

  "I also heard about your familiars just yesterday. Not only are they powerful, but beautiful as well. There were eight... No, nine of them, right?" ［Grey］

  "That's right, Brother! I had the pleasure of riding them yesterday!" ［Lisandra］

  "My, how enviable. I wonder when I will get an opportunity as well." ［Lionel］

  Soon enough, Lisandra joined in on the versation and talked about her experience riding Rigel yesterday. They chatted and they chatted, wasting their night away with delightful expressions painted on their faces.

  The music ged, and so did the dancers. At some point, it was Grey and Yuna's turn, dang gracefully like a pair of majestic swans in a ke. The moment they took the stage, they once again grabbed the limelight, prang about in their own world.

  Such a peaceful sery tio py out until the musially came to a stop. The King then took the ce to take the stage, all eyes on him as he grabbed the attention of everyone present, aed expression on his face.

  "As you may all have known, the ival of Swords has been a part of our history and of who we are as citizens of the Kingdom. It not only honors the passing of King Parsifal but also to honor our strength and pride as swordsmen.

  For what was but a little celebration had now bee a national treasure. I, as your King and as a swordsman, couldn't be any happier to host the ival of Swords again this year. I'm sure it would be full of surprises yet again..." ［Ar］

  The King tinued his lengthy speed the nobles nodded after him, showing pride in their beautiful festival which was unlike any other. All were listening carefully, eagerly expressing how much they looked forward to it.

  "However... It has e to me that we have been shackled too much by the past. I believe it is time that we make a small but vital step towards ge." ［Ar］

  "Pa-Pardon?! Y-Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?!"

  "Your Majesty, please think wisely! Let's not do anything rashly!"

  "E-Eh?! What does His Majesty mean by that?! Is... Is something wrong...?!"

  Panid u quickly struck the crowd with the King's annou, everything desding into chaos. Even the Prind Princess were in shock, their eyes wide open from disbelief as they looked at their Father's dire.

  However, one person remained unfazed, and it was her and Grey. He already sort of knew su annou was along the way, a subtle smile breaking from his lips as he sipped his gss of chilled apple juice.

  "Silence! His Majesty is speaking!" ［Harold］

  Shouted the General, and the chaos was quelled. The people once again looked at their King, bowing their heads slightly asking for an apology for the otion they caused, u still welling iheir hearts.

  "I know you have your own doubts, but fear not. This is not one which will harm our beloved tradition, but rather, strengthen us as a nation... This year, we will be adding 'divisions' in the ival of Swords." ［Ar］

  "Divisions...? Wh... What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?"

  "Did His Majesty say divisions...? Aren't brackets the same thing?"

  "I don't know... I don't think we ever had that before..."

  The King announced with fidence surging in his heart, smiling as he looked at Grey. After all, the tter was the one who suggested such a thing to him, and after p and sulting his ministers, he finally came to a clusion.

  The feeling of panid u was now exged with fusion and bewilderment from the unknown. It was just like Grey had expected. The people were so fixated oraditions, they never sidered adding a ouch to spice things up.

  "Listen closely, divisions are a way to divide people into different categories, and this time, it would be by age. There would be three divisions in total, and,....." ［Ar］

  The King expi just like how Grey expi to him. From the main cept all the way to how it would be carried out and how it would be the Kingdom iure. A cept which would be expanded after some trials and errors.

  For now, the high cil has decided to have three divisions, he "Junior" division for those below 15 years old, the "Intermediate" division fes 15 to 19 years old, and the "Senior" division fes 20 and up.

  All divisions would be carried out in the Grand Colosseum in their desigimes and everyone could register themselves as long as they are fident, the King and Ministers expeg a rge influx of younger swordsmen in the event.

  As for the rule, they decided to leave things as it has always been for the moment, only adding muards and referees to make sure nothing goes wrong. It was a step worth taking for the geions after them.

  "That sounds wonderful, Your Majesty! Truly an outstanding decision!"

  "Ohh! I am surely going to make my son participate!"

  "Mine as well! I'm sure my granddaughter will crush everyone in the Junior division!"

  The people weled such a ge with open arms, eyes brimming with excitement as they imagiheir children and grandchildren participating in su event and taking the championship. It portunity they never had before.

  However, despite all the celebration aement, a certain group of figures still remained indifferent, a certain princess in particur, more fused than she was excited, heart beating nervously as she stared at her father.

  "Sorry it took a while, His Majesty o seek out the Minister's opinion first. Thankfully, everythi well." ［Grey］

  "Oh? You knew about this, Lrey?" ［Lionel］

  "Yeahー or rather, I was the one who suggested it. I just thought the ival of Swords was missing a little bit of a kick to it." ［Grey］

  Lionel really didn't uand what Grey was going on about, but he khat he must have do for his friend, Lisandra. The very same princess who was still in shock, tears starting to form in the er of her eyes, visible under her mask.

  "Good for you, Lisa..." ［Lionel］

  "Thank you... Thank you very much, Grey... I... I'm really happy..." ［Lisandra］

  Or so she says but her eyes were full of tears. If they weren't in such a public space, she would have already bawled her eyes out. It has been her long cherished dream, after all. She still couldn't believe it was real.

  The King soon g their dire, a gentle smile showing on his face. He lifted his lips and closed it without making a sound, only moving subtly. Grey couldn't hear him, but he knew what he was saying... Words of gratitude were what they were.

  "Oh, and before I fet... There would also be exceptions in who join which divisions. Even if you belong in the same age group, you would not be allowed to enter if you are to for your peers.

  For the Junior Division, only Low-Rankers could join, and simirly, only Mid-Rankers could participate iermediate Division. Otherwise, you would have to join the division above you. That is all." ［Ar］

  Grey and Yuna didn't eveo hear anymore, the King's words were practically for the two of them whom one wouldn't even dare sider normal, the tter's eyes sparkling brightly as he looked at the two.

  Well, not that they would want to joiermediate divisioher way. Otherwise, they would have easily crushed the petition without breaking a single drop of sweat. It wouldn't even be a challenge, but just a quick break from boredom.

  "Whew... Thank God... I thought I would be fag Grey and Yuna iermediate Division. What a relief..." ［Lisandra］

  "Hey now, it isn't that bad, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Easy for you to say. That's because you haven't fought against a strid demon-like teacher like yourself, Yuna!" ［Lisandra］

  "But I actually have though... And I'm even more le, you know?" ［Yuna］

  Yuna's face paled at the mention of the topic, memories about her training fshing baside her mind. It wasn't just during battles, but during alchemy, smithing, and everything else which she o learn. Grey was a demonー no, the devil.

  "Yuna, I wasn't even that strict. You're making me sound like a bad guy." ［Grey］

  "You were though... Do you know how much my muscle ached every time I waked up? It felt like my arms were falling off every time." ［Yuna］

  "But I didn't yell or scold you, didn't I? Rather, wasn't I encing you?" ［Grey］

  "Uuu... Grey, I hate you..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna couldn't even cry about her past misfortunes. It was lucky that she was good at adapting to situations, otherwise, only god knows when she would have run away from how difficult it was, fighting vionsters day after day.

  On the bright side, Yuna has now bee very powerful, barely anyone in the world could touch her, plus she gained a fiancé along the way, who also happeo be her demonic teacher. Now, she even wonders why she fell frey in the first pce. All's well end's well, I guess...

  The night tinued and the music pyed oer another, beautiful serenades filling the air as men and women danced by the ter of the ball. The merriness only got higher as the night went deeper and the winds blew colder.

  "Lad, Lassie, here, have some cupcakes... It's tasty..."

  "O... Oh, thank you...." ［Yuna］

  "Hohoho! No problem. Young 'uns must eat a lot to grow healthy."

  At some point in time, an olden nobleman even approached them and offered them some cupcakesー or rather, what the old man thought were cupcakes, but iy, they were apples... They were all apples... The old man was drunk.

  And it wasn't only the old man. The wine served was quite strong, and so, from young dies all the way to the distinguished knights and captains, feeling tipsy after a few gsses of wine, some even speaking gibberish and walking groggily.

  Of course, royalty was no exception. The Queen only drank a single gss, but the sake couldn't be said for the King. He drank a whole dozen gsses all by himself, faow flushed as his breath reeked with the fragrance of alcohol.

  "Miranda, I'm going off for a bit. I'm just going to stretch my body." ［Ar］

  "Dear, you aren't going to cause trouble again, are you now?" ［Miranda］

  "Trouble...? Do you think your husband would cause something like that in such a grand celebration? I'm a King, remember?" ［Ar］

  Or so he says, but there was no sign of trust and fiden the Queen's eyes as she looked her drunk husband in the eye. She already krouble was heading her way, hesitantly heaving a sigh as she gave up on the King.

  The King waved his hand and his ste ring glowed dimly. A sword appeared by his side and a mischievous smile appeared on his face. His eyes were locked to one figure, g his hands tighter and tighter as he drew closer and closer.

  "Eliazar! I challenge you to a duel! Draw your sword if you're a man!" ［Ar］

  The King's voied throughout the main hall, all eyes befalling on him as he pointed his sword towards the Captain of the Royal Guards. His eyes gleamed with seriously, just as sharp as his bde. He had caused trouble yet again.

  "Huh...?! You sure talk big for someone who always loses in our duels... Shut your mouth will ya, you bastard King!" ［Eliazar］

  The Captain of the Royal Guards was just as drunk as the King, speaking crude words whie could get executed for without a care in the world. He drew his sword soon after, pointing it against the King.

  "Your Majesty, don't worry! I shall stay by your side and protect you!" ［Gahad］

  "You fool! I shall be the oo protect his Majesty!" ［Harold］

  "Whoo!! Your Majesty! Please give us a good show!"

  "I'm betting on Lord Eliazar! Please teach His Majesty a lesson!"

  The General, Gahad, and the other Lt. Generals soon joined into the fray, drawing their bdes without giving a single damn about the ball. And rather than stop them, the people even instigated the duel more, eveing on who will be winning.

  In just a quient, the masquerade ball which was once full of grad dignity quickly turned into a pce of frivolity and rowdiness. The music even ged to one which would be pyed during wars and duels, a loud and chaotic beat.

  It wasn't the first time such a development happened, rather, it happened every time there was alcohol involved. The nobles have also gotteo it, accepting it as it is and having fun in their own little ways.

  "Oh, dear..." ［Miranda］

  "Father...." ［Lisandra］

  A barrier was sooed, and the sounds of metals g repced the graceful music. Their strengths had beericted so there was o fear blood being spilled, the people only cheering loudly as they watched the chaotic mess unfold.

  The King brandished his sword and sparks flew out all over the pce as he cshed with Eliazar's. Their swords were fast as lightning, shockwaves resounding time and time again. It was a ball Grey and Yuna had ever seen before.

  "Oi! Grey! Yuna! e and join the fight! Don't hide like cowards!" ［Ar］

  "Yhnesses! Let's verse with our bdes!" ［Gahad］

  The King made a provocation and Gahad extended an invitation, but the two figures iion decided to igher of them. They just tinued eating their snacks, enjoying the desserts as if there was no tomorrow.

  "Oh! Grey! This is super good! Here, have a try!" ［Yuna］

  "Mmn... Ohh...! It's sweet and chewy. I wonder how they made these..." ［Grey］

  "Right～? Let's eat as much as we ! Everyone's watg the fight anyway." ［Yuna］

  They were in their own little, dreamy world, tasting ead every food and asking the servers what they were. They may be fighters, bcksmiths, alchemists, and all those things, but they were also cooks. They couldn't help but be curious.

  Meanwhile, Lisandra couldn't even calm down because of their father's recklessness. The happiness she once felt when he annouhe news before was now gone, only exhaustion growing inside her heart.

  "Here, Lisa, have a taste of these. They are really good!" ［Yuna］

  "A-Ah, thank you..." ［Lisandra］

  "And this ooo! And this ohen this oneー Ah! These ones here too!" ［Yuna］

  With Yuna handing her all sorts of sweets and treats, there was no time for Lisandra to be worried about her father. Before she could eve a ce to speak up, a mountain of desserts already formed atop her pte.

  There were mas, cupcakes, jam rolls, sweet buns, fruit cakes, cream bread, tarts, custards, sables, and many more. All were sparkling magnifitly like the eyes of the silver-haired young dy before her.

  "Finish them all, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "E... Eh...?" ［Lisandra］

  The night was still long....

  CHAPTER 313 END