The competition yesterday wrapped up with minor issues about Carlix Florian. He ended up withdrawing from the contest for using illegal drugs to make himself stronger, which was not fair for the knights who are fighting relying on their own strength.
"Asher, won't you tell me anything about this?" I asked the magician who is sitting elegantly on my couch while munching cookie.
I showed him the white flower that is glowing.
"Hmm, well, that's a Holy Flower,"
"I already know that," I sighed in disbelief while he just laughed at me. He really knows nothing but to annoy people. Oh wait that's not quite right. He knows everything as well as to annoy people.
"Hmm, just wait and you'll see," Asher said, walking towards me and then placing his hand on top of the glass that is covering the flower. He poured mana inside of it and it glowed gold for a while before going back to its white color.
"What's the need to do that?" I asked, he teleported back to the couch and sat there as if he's a freaking ruler of a country.
"It's necessary if we want it to live," Huh? Well, a holy flower really needs to live. But is it just for display? Or is it going to help me with my overflowing mana problem?
"Also, what was your brother's gifts? I'm quite curious," Oh...well.
"Brother Dae made me a garden in the Antares Palace. Brother Aeli gave me a key to a library, I only found out when I opened his gift...as for Brother Heli, I don't know..." He said he'll keep it a secret for now but until now, I have no idea about it. When is he planning to give me his gift?
He slowly nod his head and take a sip on the juice made for him. He's really living his best life, huh?
"By the way, Asher. Who was that Carlix--"
"Oops, I think it's already late. Maybe you should sleep now, Your Highness," he stood up and stared at me as he snap his fingers. What the heck, he intentionally avoided my question and...
Now I'm feeling sleepy.
Damn this magician...
***
"Let's all welcome the knights who passed the first and second round! Today is the last day of the competition and we can see the Young Lord of the Ducal House of Ciera leading the points ranking from yesterday's round, Young Lord Caelus Ciera, followed by the youngest knight present, Young Lord Kafziel Laverde and the third one, from the Eunier County! Young Master Bleu Eunier---!"
The emcee continued to introduce the remaining nine candidates. Yes, only nine remained. I'm glad Ziel and Brother Caelus were able to reach the last round, but whoever win among all of them will have to face my third brother.
Look at Brother Dae's expression, I don't know if he's excited to spar with the winner or if he's planning to kill them...
This time, the battle will be a one versus one battle. It was said that there will be seven rounds, the first round will be the ranked 9 and 8. Whoever win that battle will face the seventh ranked knight, and whoever win that round will have to face the sixth ranked knight and so on, until they reach the top ranks.
I just hope Ziel will be safe in this battle.
By the way, I wonder where Asher is? I haven't seen him since I woke up. Is he working on something? Does it have anything to do with that Carlix? I'm rally curious about it. I thought Asher would right straight up tell me what's going on, but it seems like he's keeping it hidden from me now. Does that mean it has nothing to do with me? Dang that guy...all of a sudden he chose to keep it from me, huh? And now he's not showing himself to me--
"It seems like Her Highness has missed me quite a bunch,"
"My mood was the best when you're not here," Did I manifest it by thinking why he hasn't shown himself to me yet?
I shouldn't have done that, now someome's here to annoy me again. And he just appeared out of nowhere!
"Well? Where were you?" I asked. He stayed quiet for a moment and scoffed at me. What the heck is with that reaction?
"I see that you're curious about what happened yesterday, you could've just asked me last night," I WAS GOING TO BUT YOU FREAKING MADE ME SLEEP!
"Are you serious right now?" I glared at him and he just laughed at me.
"Ali? It looks like the Astra is annoying you," That's right, Brother Heli. You should just send this guy away to the Magic Tower and ask Sir Abel to be my Astra instead!
"Not at all, brother. It's just he won't answer my questions--oh, maybe I should ask Brother Heli about it instead!" Right, why did I not think about it.
"No way he's telling you," I ignored the words of the almighty Astra and faced my brother.
"Okay, what is it, dear sister? I shall answer your every question,", Brother Heli answered, giving me a genuine smile. I swear, he knows how to smile properly now! Did he practiced a lot?
"What happened to Sir Calrix yesterday?" I asked. It's not like I'm familiar with that person, but his actions yesterday was enough for many people to be curious.
"That...well, it's something that Ali should not need to know," What? Didn't you say you're gonna answer my every questions?! I can feel the gaze of my other family members as well, then that event yesterday must be very important!
"Pfft--" and it's even more annoying with Asher!
"Ohhh, I see. It's not an important matter then!" I replied and clapped my hands together. I wanna smack this Astra beside me so bad.
"The first round is about to start, Ali," Brother Dae smiled, pointing at the battlefield.
Now, I'm kinda nervous again.
***
I took a deep breath as I look at Ziel standing on the battlefield. He's now facing the third ranked knight, which is Sir Bleu. Before Ziel, Sir Bleu fought with the fifth ranked knight who won against the fourth ranker. His name is Roz Fiden, a knight that is not born to a noble house. He's an ordinary citizen before he became a knight. I heared he was once a slave before Brother Heli saved them. And after that, he swore to protect my brother---my brother don't need protection though...
"Oooh, Eunier against Laverde? This battle will be exciting," Brother Dae mumbled. I actually don't know this Bleu, but based on his rank and performance on the first and second rounds, I can say he's strong.
And based on Brother Dae's words, he's quite amazing. I'm nervous for Ziel. Still, it turns out Sir Bleu is also a teenager, he's three years older than my eldest brother. So, he's nineteen.
Eleven years old versus nineteen years old...
What the heck!?
"Let this battle begin!"
Right after the emcee announced that, a strange green thing appeared on Ziel's sword. And his eyes are glowing as well! What!?
"Ooh...the Young Laverde really is a genius," my dad spoke. What?
"To be able to use both magic and aura at a young age, he's quite amazing," Brother Aelius added. Ohh...I see, that green thing that's covering his word is an aura, and he's currently using his allure vision right now. He never used allure vision during the first and second round though?
"To think that he really passed the first and second round without using aura together with his magic...uhh, am I gonna lose?" Huh? I turned to Brother Dae with a creased forehead. What is he saying? He's doubting his abilities now?
"B-brother...there's no way you would lose, right? You're stronger than anyone else!" Well, except Dad and Brother Heli.
"Oh, Ali. I'm not referring to a fight, but our bet..." Ohh...
"Ahh, so it's a bet, hehe," I scratched the back of my head and giggled because of embarrassment.
"Still, I'm happy to see Ali being worried about me. It looks like Ali really believed that I can win any fights, huh?" Oh, brother...you forgot being an MVP in a freaking war at eight years old?
"Of course! Brother Dae is amazing after all!" I replied. For a moment, I was a bit nervous right there when he mumbled about losing even thought I want Ziel to win this competition!
Ziel's been using his magic but not his aura. Now he's using both, and with allure vision too! Wow, in the novel I read he solely relied on his aura and refused to use magic. But, now...he's using both at the same time!
I turned to his opponent and I can see that he can use aura as well, as his sword is covered with blue light. But, he's not using allure vision?
Both of them took their stance and then---
*Boom*
My eyes widened when all of a sudden, both of them disappeared and a huge sound of explosion can be heard all over the battlefield! I can't see them because of the smoke! I can still hear the sounds of swords clashing against each other but I cannot see the two knights!
What--what!? How's Ziel?!
I gulped as I look at the screen projector that's floating above the battlefield and that's when I saw their silhouettes clashing.
I clasped my hands together as I watch the silhouettes of the two. I can't see clearly what is happening, what's with that smoke? It's not fading away at all!
I took a deep breath and stared properly, trying to look where Ziel is--but all of a sudden the smoke was blown away by some unknown force showing both the candidates.
What---Sir Bleu is already injured!
And Ziel...he's still clean!? What!?
You're actually winning against someone who is eight years older than you!?
They both attacked with their swords, causing it to collide with each other, and then suddenly the aura on Ziel's sword became more visible and larger, which made Sir Bleu even more surpised! Then Ziel smirked as his eyes glowed even more, the aura on his sword suddenly became larger and it started to cover his whole body!
And then suddenly, Ziel disappered in front of Sir Bleu, teleporting behind him--he struck Sir Bleu with the sword's pommel and when Sir Bleu was about to fall on the ground, he kicked him away!
E-eh...?
Sir Bleu is knocked out...
What just happened?
Eh?
"Eeehhhh!?"
"Woooooohhhhh!"
My reaction and the crowd's reaction seems different. They are not surprised at all that Ziel won against Sir Bleu!?
"W-what...? Eh?" I was worried for nothing!
"Pfft---hahahaha, Ali you seem really surprised. It looks like this is the first time you saw Kafziel fighting seriously," I turned to Brother Dae with an expression I can't describe! I don't know if I'm happy or surprised! And Brother Dae just called Ziel by his name?
"Ohh, yes...I guess I was worried for nothing," I forced a smile and placed my hands on my chest before taking a deep breath.
Thank goodness, he's not injured---but, Sir Bleu is!
"Well, it's already amazing that he can use both aura and magic at the same time, I wonder what the trendsetter think of that," What...trendsetter of what?
"Did you know, your favorite playmate is hiding something?" Wow, Asher has been quiet since the battle started and now that's the first thing he's going to say?
'What are you saying?', I asked. Because this is the first time he's telling me this.
"Hmm, aren't you curious why he's so powerful at that age?" Huh? What does that mean?
'Well, obviously because he's amazing?' I answered, which made Asher scoff.
"Hmm...well, it doesn't matter. He's not a threat anyway," Huh!? What's with the cliffhanger!?
'Seriously, what is it?' I asked. Asher shrugged his shoulder and sat on the wide arm of my throne! He's even crossing his legs while leaning on me! Well he's light, so it's fine I guess?
"Can't tell you. It'll be disrespectful to the lime," Wow, the disrespectful person considered respecting Ziel's privacy? Turns out he still have some manners intact within him.
'Wow, I think that'd the first and last time you'll be considerate to someone,' I prevented myself from sighing because of him.
"Right," he didn't even deny it.
"We'll have a three hours break again before we proceed with the final battle between the Young Lord of Laverde County and the Young Lord of Ciera Dukedom!"
Goodness gracious, now it's a fight between Brother Caelus and Ziel...
Since Brother Caelus is a Ciera, the amount of his mana is definitely much larger than Ziel. And no doubt, he can probably use both aura and magic at the same time too. From the novels I used to read, I knew that aura is for knights only, while mana is for wizards...but it seems like this world is different.
"Three hours break, what do you want to do, Ali?" Brother Heli asked, hmm...
"Oh, can I visit Ziel?" I asked--wait, what's with those reactions, I can absolutely tell they hate the idea!
"You'll see him later anyway, Ali. Why don't we spend time together--"
"But, I want to congratulate him...and I want to see Sir Bleu as well!" Dad looked really hurt when I cut his words off--while his sons are just chuckling at him.
"Alright...Ali...let's visit them..." Wow, Daddy sounds really exhausted? But he was just sitting there?
"Woah, you hurt the heart of an old man" Asher said, which made me chuckled. He's seriously calling my Dad an old man? Really? Coming from someone who lived for many centuries?
'You're the old man here, dear Astra,' I replied and I heard him click his tongue. Right back at you, jerk.
***
"Ziel!" I called as I spread my arms and run towards Ziel, however right when I was about to hug him, I felt cold shiver behind me and Ziel forced a smile as he glance to certain people.
So I decided not to do what I was planning to do for Ziel's sake.
"Congratulations, Ziel! You were so amazing earlier! You're so cool!" I spoke, Ziel smiled at me before he replied.
"It's an honor to receive a compliment from Her Highness the Princess, I will continue to do my best and stand by your side very soon," Stand by my side? Uhm, doesn't that sounds like a proposal?
"Heh, sorry to burst your bubbles, you're not going to stand by my little sister's side at all," Brother Dae spoke, he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Ziel. The latter just looks at my brother and smiled at him without saying anything.
"What? You think you're gonna last a minute against me?" Well, maybe he can actually last a minute against you, Brother? Let'd not underestimate him!
"Oww, that hurts. Why does it sounds like you're confident that I'd lose against Kafziel?" We all turned to the door of the room when we heard someone spoke. It's Brother Caelus and...
"Eli!" I called when I saw my baby cousin cutely running towards me. She throw herself at me and we both giggled.
"How are you, Sister Ali? Hehe, you look really pretty today, Sister Ali..." I heard her giggling before clasping her hands together and stare at me with those round, big, and cute eyes! Ahhh, she's so cute!
"You look absolutely adorable as well, Eli," I spoke, pinching her cheeks. She's only few years younger than me, but I see her like a baby! Is it because my mind is not seven years old at all?
"So? Do you hate the idea of fighting against me, dear Zain?" Brother Caelus really likes teasing my brothers.
"Hmm, you know you can't hold a candle against Laverde, right?" Eh!?
"Eh? For real, Brother Caelus?" I turned to my cousin with my eyes widened in surprise. But...he ranked first on the last round?
"For real, sweet cousin," Huh?!
"What? I don't believe you," I said, I even cocked my brow and he only laughed at me. Brother Caelus turned to me and smile, that looks forced...
"Right? It's disappoting for a Ciera, isn't it?" He asked as he force a laugh. I blinked for a couple of times as I stare at him. I can also feel the atmosphere changing because of those words.
"He's actually a half-blood," I turned to Asher but I decided to look away from him right away.
'What half-blood?' I asked.
"His mother is a commoner, she died from being poisoned by the current Duchess, Lady Eli's mother, who was a Countess in Yukarta Kingdom. Well, that's what I heard, who knows what really happened," W-what...? Their family is quite complicated, huh? Then, he have a commoner blood within him? But...
How could that Duchess poison someone else's mother? That's just...so cruel. However, Asher don't consider that as the truth, then does that mean Eli's mom was framed? I mean, Brother Caelus is okay with living with Eli's Mom, right?
"I believe the Young Duke is much powerful than me. The amount of his mana is larger than mine, and he can also use it together with an aura. You were my inspiration for training hard to be able to use my magic and aura at the same time," Whoa--Ziel is amazing! Brother Caelus looked at him with his eyes widened.
"Right, weren't you the one who made that a trend within the knights? Using magic and aura at the same time," Brother Heli spoke.
"I even ended up training it as well," he added. Really? That kind of trend exist within the knights? So, you're the trendsetter!?
But, I haven't seen my brothers using both--
Oh well, I haven't seen them fight seriously either.
"Hehe, brother Caelus believes he's a disappoinment but others sees him as inspiration. Keep up that self-esteem, Brother Caelus!", I spoke, Brother Caelus smiled at me while giving me soft-gazes. Looks like we're able to encourage him!
"Still, can't deny the fact that I can't win against Laverde," Ehh...
"I only trained earlier than you, Young Lord. But you are considered a genius for creating a new way of fighting by using both aura and mana at the same time. I'm sure I'm the one who won't be able to win against His Grace" What!? An eleven years old trained earlier than the fifteen years old!? But, dang...Brother Caelus really is amazing, huh? Was he bored that time and decided to try using mana and aura at the same time?
But dang, it looks like Ziel entered the knighthood earlier than my cousin...
Well, the age does not matter anymore. I don't know what to think about anymore. This world defies logic...
"Well...I told you, your favorite playmate hides a secret," Asher should just shut up if he doesn't plan to tell me about it. He's only making me curious about a lot of things. I don't want to think about complicated stuffs for now.
"Oh, I'm going to visit Sir Bleu as well!" I spoke and hug Eli back, who's clinging on to my waist. She's so adorable!
"Do you want to go with me, Eli?" I asked, Eli smiled at me and nod her head. She's so cute! Ackk--my heart!
"Then, shall we go?" I held her hand as I start walking.
"Ziel, good luck to your battle against Brother Caelus later! And congratulations again!" I waved my hand from Ziel and the little fairy with me did the same, I saw Ziel smiling at her and that made he giggle. Well, a pretty guy smiling at you will definitely make your heart flatter.
"I should be the one receiving a good luck..." Brother Caelus. I have no idea why the trendsetter of aura x magic is afraid to lose against his fan. Or is he simple being humble?
"Thank you, Princess," Ziel smiled at me softly as he now again.
"Tsk. Brother Caelus you better defeat that kid," My cousin forced a smile as he sigh.
"His Highness the Third Prince himself just said that I can't hold a candle against Laverde," Brother Caelus replied.
"But, duh...it's for my sister, so hold a candle,"
"Oww, I'm touched that my dear cousin trust me to be his little sister's knight,"
"Huh? You think you can defeat me?"
"Why not? Who knows, maybe I actually have some ace up my sleeves?"
"How about you think about defeating Kafziel first?"
They get along so well.
***
"The long-awaited final battle between the Young Lords of Laverde County and Ciera Dukedom has finally arrived! Let's welcome to the battlefield the youngest knight that joined this competition! Young Lord Kafziel Laverde!" Right after the emcee announced Ziel's name, the audience cheered, they are so loud that both Eli and I were startled by the sudden volume of the cheers!
Ziel walks on the battlefield with a serious face. Wow, he looks really determined to win this round, huh? I wonder if he'll be able to win against my brother cousin? Even though Brother Caelus admits being weaker than Ziel, I still doubt that.
"And our Young Duke from Ciera Dukedom, Young Master Caelus Ciera!" After the emcee announced Brother Caelus' name, he appeared out of the blue on the battlefield and raise both his arms which made the crowd become even more loud!
Wait, where is his sword?
As the emcee speak, Ziel prepared himself as he hold his sword properly with both hands. As for Brother Caelus, he spread his palm and suddenly, a sword appeared!
Whaaat!? Where did that came from?
Brother Caelus closed his eyes and when he opened it, his eyes are already glowing red, they're so fiery! And he's even smirking that he looks like an actual villain! Also, his sword starts glowing red too!
The cheers are not stopping...
"Let this battle begin!"
I covered the ears of Eli who is sitting on my lap when another explosion happened due to the two magics colliding.
Like earlier, the smoke slowly disappeared as if it was blown away by a huge force of wind and now I can see both Brother Caelus and Ziel.
Now not only their eyes and sword are glowing but their bodies too.
Ziel leaps forward to Brother Caelus as he swing his sword but Brother Caelus disappeared and appear above him, planning to attack him off guard---my cousin couldn't find an opening in front, behind, and Ziel's side that he chose to attack from above!?
Ziel looked surprised when he look up but immediately jumped backwards to avoid Brother's sword. However, my brother cousin upon landing immediately swing his sword towards Ziel and he was just in time to block it before jumping again backwards---however, Brother Caelus again appeared behind him!?
"Is he just moving fast or teleporting...?" I mumbled. I turned my head to my brothers and noticed how immersed they are in the battle.
"He is dashing fast, Ali," Brother Heli answered as he smile at me.
He hit Ziel's back with the pommel of his sword and the guy flew away from him! But Ziel managed to control his body and immediately landed properly, he even slide a bit as he prevent himself from falling by stabbing his sword on the ground as support.
Both of them stopped moving as they look at each other.
This time, Ziel is the one who looks beaten up.
"Don't go easy on me, Kafziel," Brother Caelus spoke, smirking at the little guy.
"I don't plan to, Young Lord,"
Ziel then run towards Brother Caelus and swing his sword towards my cousin, but he blocked it easily, however it seems like he was thrown away by Ziel's force, Brother Caelus did three continuous back flips, and right when he was about to land on the ground Ziel immediately attacked him again, but Brother Caelus used his sword as support. He stabbed it on the ground and Ziel ended up clashing his sword to Brother Caelus' sword. My cousin freaking forced his body to kick Ziel midair, but the guy blocked it with his arm---still, he flew away! Brother Caelus landed on the ground and pulled out his sword from the ground.
"Brother..." Eli mumbled. It looks like she's nervous for her brother. I looked at Asher.
"Asher...please call Eli's nanny and get her out of here," I said, the Astra cocked his brow and stared at me with annoyance all over his face. I can see that he didn't like the idea of me ordering him.
But, welp...
He does it anyway. He disappeared, so I did my best to entertain Eli in order to distract her from the battle that is happening right now, and then a few moments later, Eli's nanny appeared.
"Sister Ali, let's meet again later," I smiled at her and ruffled her hair while nodding my head.
"Right, you should rest, my dear Eli," I replied, pinching her cheeks.
When they were gone, I smiled at Asher.
"Thank you, Asher," The Astra just stared at me for a moment before he faced the battlefield again where Brother Caelus and Ziel are fighting.
Both of them are now injured and beat up. What the heck? I just looked away for like ten to fifteen minutes to entertain Eli while she waits for her nanny and now they're both beaten up!?
I can see them catching up their breaths as they glare at each other, and then they both leaped towards each other. Another explosion! And then black smoke surrounded the battlefield, it took a few seconds before it disappeared and...
"What?"
"Whooooooo!"
"You were both amazing!"
The crowd cheered after the smoke vanished, and both Ziel and Brother Caelus are lying on the ground with their swords placed distanced away from them.
Eh?
"It looks like they exhausted their magic and aura, and themselves as well," Asher spoke.
I see...
"Unfortunately there is no winner!"
WAAAAHHH! WHY!???!?
"The result of the battle is draw! Therefore both lost against each other, resulting with zero winner," The emcee explained.
Dang it...
"Heh--so Brother Caelus wasn't just relaxing in Yukarta," Brother Aeli said as he teleported to the middle of the battlefield. He healed both the knights who did their best to fight for the position of my personal knight.
They are amazing...
The crowd is still cheering as Brother Aeli heal both Ziel and Brother Caelus. When both of them were finally cured, they shook hands and that made everyone cheered loudly.
It's a shame that no one won, I don't get to see Brother Dae fight for real...
But well...I still enjoyed this day!
Hehehe ~
***