Robust and commanding, Duke Lorcan was exactly as Rex expected.
He stood at the other end of the grand hall, spine straight, one hand resting behind his back—a stance both composed and commanding. Though his aura was unseen, its weight pressed upon the chamber as if he were wearing a bloody crown, compelling all who t his gaze to bow.
Every subtle movent, every breath, spoke of royalty.
Not rely inherited, but earned.
A loose royal green and white robe that still emphasized his robust stature draped across his body.
Intricate patterns blood like flowers with the winged-star crest at their orbit.
Beside him was a breathtaking woman.
Princess Davina stood—with effortless poise, hands clasped in front of her stomach, draped in a green gown befitting of royalty that shimred like cut eralds beneath the natural light. Translucent white fabric cascaded from her sleeves, catching the wind in slow, graceful ripples, flowing like waves drawn toward so silent shore.
Her gown matched the Duke's robes perfectly.
Not by accident, but by declaration—highlighting their unity at the mont.
Despite her pleasant appearance, her silk-smooth, beautiful face betrayed her.
Though stoic, it bore a faint tinge of annoyance, like a goddess mildly displeased by mortal trivialities.
She was untouchable, and she knew it.
Once he was right in front of the grand hall, the knight bowed politely and stepped to the side.
He gestured for the contenders and their patrons to step inside.
Rex followed Rosa's lead, sticking close to her.
Crack!
As they took only a few steps into the grand hall, a streak of green light shot down—striking the floor right before Rex and Rosa, who stood at the far right, forcing them to halt. The beam then swept sideways in a sharp line, cutting across all of them and halting them all in place.
A clear sign for them not to take a single step further.
Rex turned to the side and saw another woman.
She's a light brunette—her hair is so long that it drops past her bottom.
From the stark similarity between her and Princess Davina, she must be family, and with the mature air she was exuding, Rex could safely assu that this woman was Princess Davina's sister, Liliana. She was the one who fired the beam.
"You're sweating, Rosa."
Rex whispered silently from behind.
He noticed the bead of cold sweat running down Rosa's neck, which was a worrying sign.
"I took our deal seriously, so of course I'm nervous."
"I only asked you to bring here," Rex placed a hand on Rosa's shoulder, assuring her. "It's fine."
Rex wasn't a fool.
Though Rosa was doing her best to fulfil her part of the deal, the problem between the Duke and the Marquess isn't sothing—that could be handled easily. No matter how much she wanted to fulfil her end of the deal, it's not that simple.
But all he asked was access to this tournant.
As for how it ended, it was entirely up to him.
Visibly, Rosa relaxed a bit, smiling inwardly as his words took a massive weight from her shoulders.
Rex stared ahead again and was surprised to find Princess Davina was looking his way.
He was caught off guard, but he quickly recovered.
She never saw in my Human form. I'm sure she wouldn't recognize , not in this form.
Despite being stared at, Rex remained composed.
Giving Davina any reaction would only encourage her to pay closer attention, and Rex didn't want that.
At least not in the way that was non-romantic.
Just then, an old woman could be seen entering the grand hall from the far left, needing a guard to help her walk. Even her appearance looked extrely old, which could only an that this old lady's age is beyond what Rex could fathom.
She began from the left, smiling and holding the contender's hand.
It was an inspection, from the looks of it.
Rosa naturally leaned towards him.
"Like I said, she would be checking your age. Don't panic and let her do what she must."
"Not a problem."
About three minutes later, the old lady finally reached Rex.
She offered a friendly smile.
"It might be my old brain, but I don't know who you are. May I know your na?"
"Rex Silverstar," Rex returned the smile. "And no, your brain hadn't failed you. We've never t."
"I was only joking." The old lady laughed. "I would rember a handso face like yours if we'd t."
Then, the old lady reached out both of her trembling hands.
"May I…?"
"Please."
Rex extended his hand, and the old lady received it with both of hers, her touch gentle and deliberate.
A notification appeared as soon as she did.
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