After training ended, Viola and the princes decided to stop by The Circle. Captain Brigg took his men out to get massages after the day they had. After cleaning up, the princes were ready to leave with Viola. They were still a bit low on energy but rather than having Viola take them there they took the normal route. The sun had already started to go down and the surroundings were cool. The air was refreshing and it was a relaxed atmosphere. Along the way they were able to greet many Ancillians. They also noticed the increase in guards patrolling. Before entering The Circle, Viola and the princes stopped at a checkpoint. There were three guards present documenting all who entered and left and at what time. After passing through the checkpoint, they made their way to the arena. Many soldiers were still in training. The bruises on their bodies and sweat covered appearance were a testament to their hard work. As the training period should have already ended, there weren't any structured drills taking place. The Circle was more crowded than the last time they visited. This time around General Stacks was accompanied by General Willey and her group of soldiers. They had an aura about them that allowed them to easily stand out among the men. Viola and the princes gradually approached them.
As soon as General Stacks saw Viola he rushed over to greet her. A grown man such as himself was acting like a child excitedly running to their parents. The princes could only look on as he treated them as though they weren't there. The soldiers' eyes also seemed to lit up at the sight of Viola. Her ponytail blew in the wind as she stood before them. General Stacks continually complimented Viola and shook her hand. General Stacks was disappointed that he wasn't able to speak with Viola at the meeting so he wanted to make up for that. General Willey soon stepped in and greeted the princes before it became even more awkward. The princes were used to people's reactions when they saw Viola but it was still unusual for them to see a General such as Stacks act that way. After greeting the princes, General Willey managed to get between General Stacks and Viola.
General Willey mustered up her courage to greet Viola.
"Hello, I'm General Rebecca Willey, I didn't get a chance to introduce myself to you at the meeting last time. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Viola followed General Stacks's example and shook General Willey's hand repeatedly while trying to maintain the same strength he used. It appeared as though Viola wasn't able to consistently maintain the same level of strength, however, as General Willey seemed as though her entire body was being shaken. The Crown Prince and Second Prince couldn't help but laugh, even General Stacks found it hard to hold it in. After Viola finished shaking her hand, she started looking around again.
"Those men seem too young to be a part of the military," stated Viola with a confused look on her face.
"They are. Some of them actually help with small tasks like moving training equipment or cleaning up and we provide them with a stipend. The others would come here sometimes to train with their older brothers. Since the Briswold Academy's tournament is coming up, they need to give it their all. After all, the higher they get placed the better," advised General Willey.
General Stacks also nodded in agreement.
Competitions are normally held between the different schools within the kingdom but the Briswold Academy tournament was the most popular. The Briswold Academy tournament wasn't only used as an internal ranking system but also as a way to select talents for the Kingdom. Only students in their third and fourth years would be eligible to participate. For those that are able to make it to the top ten, they'd receive monetary prizes, resources for training among other benefits. These individuals may even get offers to join powerful families as well. This was the main reason the Briswold Academy stood above the other institutions within the kingdom. Students of other institutions would normally need to go through the formal route of applying for posts or request permission to participate in the Academy's tournament. It was rare however for students outside of the Briswold Academy to participate as they found it difficult to meet the criteria.
"Getting a high placement in the tournament can help to change their lives for the better," said General Stacks.
"Agreed. It was through the tournament that I was able to become acquainted with General Stacks and grow even further in the military," added General Willey.
"I see. Did you two also participate?" asked Viola as she turned to the princes.
"Yeah, I got first place in both years I participated," stated the Crown Prince proudly.
"What about you?" inquired Viola of the Second Prince.
The Second Prince was hesitant to respond but felt as though he had to.
"Uh, well, I participated in my third year but I didn't manage to reach the top ten. In my fourth year I wasn't able to attend as I had to care for my mother. I didn't mind it though," answered the Second Prince as he chuckled awkwardly while scratching the back of his head.
The Second Prince's response created a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere but it didn't seem to bother Viola in the least.
"I see. Will the Princess also participate?" asked Viola as she changed the subject.
"Yes. She didn't participate last year but this year she decided she would," advised the Crown Prince.
"Have Blossoms ever had tournaments or anything like that?" asked General Willey.
"No… We can only wait to be summoned. We don't even know each other," answered Viola.
She had her usual indifferent look but there seemed to be a melancholic tone in her voice.
"Well then, would you do me the honour of having a friendly spar?" asked General Willey as she smiled.
"That sounds… fun," said Viola as she matched General Willey's smile.
Before they could begin, they were interrupted.
"That's my girl!" shouted a figure excitedly as they approached.
"This is so embarrassing!" muttered General Willey as she exhaled.
General Willey's cheeks had become flushed.
The figure got closer and could now clearly be seen. It was General Vaughn Blare.
"Sorry, I'm late. I had a hard time separating from the crowd," said General Blare as he stood next to General Willey.
Everyone turned and looked towards the checkpoint to see multiple women outside clamouring to get in. General Stacks looked at General Blare then shook his head.
"I'll take care of this," advised General Stacks as he took two soldiers to accompany him at the checkpoint.
"Since that'll be taken care of, I'd like to join the fun too. What do you say? Would the princes like to spar with me?" asked General Blare.
He seemed to have come directly from training but still seemed brimming with energy.
"Count me in," said the princes.
"Good! I hope you guys don't disappoint me. Since the ladies made a match first then we'll go afterwards."
General Blare got all the soldiers to quickly clear the arena. They took seats within the colosseum-like structure. General Stacks also made it back before the match started. The two women looked at each other intently. It was like a clash of two beautiful Goddesses. Everyone was eager for it to begin.