The insults flying back and forth grow increasingly vile, catching the attention of many minor nobles. Shazo turns to his guardian knight, "Go and bring Maxi over here."
Upon hearing this, Daniel steps back, ceasing his verbal assault. Maxi, thinking he's won, continues to taunt smugly. But soon enough, he quiets down and obediently makes his way to the box. Seeing that Prince Shazo is indeed present, Maxi reluctantly steps forward, "Your Highness, I didn't expect to see you here!"
Shazo sets down his wine glass, "You're both grown n now! Resorting to childish na-calling in public is disgraceful."
Maxi chuckles awkwardly, "Your Highness, you heard it yourself—Daniel started it!"
Daniel protests, "You scoundrel! How dare you twist the truth to slander ?"
"See, Your Highness! He's doing it again!"
Shazo sighs, "Daniel, calm down."
With a gesture from Shazo, his guards bring over two chairs. Invited by Shazo, the two sit across from him, though they notice they're seated a bit too close for comfort. Instantly, both drag their chairs away, expressions of disdain evident.
Though Shazo intends to diate, the feud between the two families runs deep. Not even a prince can bridge their enmity. Even King Ulysses has tried multiple tis to force reconciliation between the dukes, only for hostilities to resu shortly after. So Shazo's influence seems ineffective as the two appear ready to brawl.
At that mont, Shazo notices Bloodhorn approaching and an idea forms in his mind. "Mr. Bancolo!"
Hearing the prince's call, Bloodhorn steps forward respectfully, "What can I do for you, Your Highness?"
Shazo gestures toward the two n, "When spectators start arguing like this, how is it usually resolved?"
"Your Highness, people co here to have a good ti. If disagreents occur, they typically settle it in the arena. After all, this is a gladiator arena!"
Shazo nods, "I see. So, tell about the arena's rules."
"Your Highness, it's not so much a rule as it is a common practice. If there's a conflict, each side sends soone to fight in a match. Regardless of the outco, the issue is considered settled."
Shazo chuckles, "Interesting... Let's do that, then! Both of you, send soone in."
Daniel turns to Bloodhorn, "Bring in your champion gladiator!"
Maxi, on the other hand, calls out, "Get Pike over here!"
Soon, a burly man arrives at the door, "Master Maxi, your orders?"
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Shazo and the others' expressions change. This Pike is of knight rank. Daniel's face turns cold: he has skilled knights too, but he can't just throw them into the arena. His knights are either family mbers or highly paid recruits. Knights have their pride and would be unwilling to fight in the arena.
If Daniel were to force this, his knights might harbor resentnt. Maxi's knight, Pike, however, is a different story. He was once a knighted noble but was stripped of his title due to serious misconduct, earning the label of a disgraced knight. Pike, with no chance of becoming a noble again, has nothing to lose and doesn't care about appearances anymore.
Just as Daniel finds himself in a tricky situation, Keppel speaks up again. "Why not send Henwell? He's got a gladiator background! He was called the Flash!"
Hearing this, Bloodhorn looks puzzled. The na sounds familiar, and then he rembers the Flash. Following everyone's gaze, he spots a tall young man. Despite the years that have passed, Bloodhorn recognizes him as his forr star gladiator. Since Henwell left, Bloodhorn hasn't enjoyed the lucrative days he once did, so he rembers Henwell quite well.
After Keppel's suggestion, Arius stands up slowly, his expression calm. "Why send Henwell? If you're so eager to insult my brother, why not just insult directly? Co on, let's settle this ourselves! Sign a contract—life or death, no holds barred! Do you dare? If I don't take your head, I'll take your surna!"
Karitan wants to intervene, but the guardian knight beside her gently shakes his head. She understands that Arius is defending his honor, and she can't interfere rashly.
Keppel finds himself in a tight spot. Arius is undoubtedly of knight rank, while he's not even close.
If they were to fight, Arius could easily take him down in a few moves. Keppel tries to deflect, "I just wanted Daniel to win! After all, Daniel invited us, and it wouldn't be right to just watch him get humiliated. If Henwell doesn't want to go, then he doesn't have to! Why are you so worked up? As a hereditary noble, there's no way I'd step into the arena. We nobles of the kingdom have our own code of honor and wouldn't stoop to such barbaric acts!"
Arius scoffs, "Coward! You better keep quiet from now on, or I'll beat you every ti I see you!"
Maxi crosses his arms, watching the drama unfold with a mischievous grin. If Prince Shazo weren't present, he might have even whistled. Seeing the situation fizzle out, Maxi turns to Henwell, "So, you're the Flash? I've heard you're quite skilled. Want to show us what you've got?"
Arius glares at him, "You looking for a beating too?"
As Arius rolls up his sleeves and steps forward, Maxi quickly jumps up, "Just kidding! Can't you take a joke?"
Before Shazo can speak, Karitan interjects, "Arius is a distinguished guest! Joking like this is disrespectful. If word gets out, people will mock our kingdom's nobles for lacking etiquette. Making a guest uncomfortable ultimately reflects poorly on us."
Well, it seems she's already siding with her beau even before marriage! But none of those present, including Prince Shazo, refute her words. Karitan is not just any noble; she's a princess and a legitimate countess. Most here haven't inherited their titles yet, and only a couple have their own lands. Karitan's territory is vast and prosperous, with a formidable private army. Even after inheriting titles, they'd have to treat her with respect.
At that mont, Robin steps forward from behind Arius, "I'll fight!"
Henwell glances at him, thinking, does this guy just love the spotlight?
Arius responds calmly, "Go ahead. They all seem eager to see the prowess of Vorry's warriors. Robin, show them well, lest they think our nation is weak."
Robin eagerly heads off with Bloodhorn to prepare, determined to showcase his skills. Henwell sighs at Robin’s foolishness. As Robin leaves, he shoots Henwell a smug look, as if he's gained so advantage.
Arius sends Robin because he holds no title, so the outco doesn't matter. Standing up for Henwell is partly due to their nominal brotherhood and partly because Henwell is a knight lord of the duchy. In essence, Robin is a nobody, and his victory or defeat is inconsequential compared to Henwell's status.
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