Chapter 73: Countermeasures
On the day of registration, in the morning.
Shiron moved towards the building where the registration was taking place, accompanied by Lucia.
Of course, it wasnt just the two young children traveling. Given the previous ambush incident, they were surrounded by a tight escort.
Inside that armor barrier, Shiron yawned widely and massaged his neck.
The events of yesterday might justify this, but isnt this a bit too much?
Shiron felt a bit stifled. His view was completely blocked in all directions, and he spent a few minutes just staring at Johans back.
Knight, when will we arrive at the registration place?
Lucia seemed to feel the same way. Squinting her eyes, she looked up at Johan, who was leading the way.
Well be there soon, Miss. Just a little more walking.
Johan replied without even looking back. His voice, which had been silent for a while, now felt gravely serious.
Under normal circumstances, he would have made light-hearted jokes, show them around, and explained things. But his attitude now was unusually cold.
Soon after, Lucia naturally realized the reason behind Johans behavior.
Clank-
From up ahead,
The sound of armor clashing began to echo. And it wasnt just one or two. The repetitive noise, loud enough to be a bit noisy, signaled the approach of a group in armor.
Isnt this Knight Johan?
Lucia looked at the scenery visible between the gaps of the big men.
The owner of the voice was a man in red armor. Without a helmet, his face, like Johans, was filled with scars. These werent from a blade. His face looked rugged as if it had been crushed multiple times and then recovered.
Ha ha ha. Indeed, its Knight Johan. I heard you went on an expedition to the Red Dragon Valley? I thought you were dead from the rumors, but its good to see you well.
He burst into hearty laughter and spoke to Johan.
Its been a while, Dexter Dras. Werent you supposed to be on a mission in the Red Dragon Valley? From the news, I thought you were dead, but its good to see you alive and well.
It seemed like a formal exchange of greetings. But Johans voice was icy cold towards Dexter.
Im in a hurry. Could you give way?
My apologies.
Dexter gestured to his men.
They made way, just enough for one or two people to pass.
A strange tension began to flow between them.
Heh.
Johan chuckled lightly. Where did his previously heavy and serious attitude go? He stared at Dexter with a vacant expression.
Dexters intentions werent lost on Johan. Lucia and Shiron also knew.
Whats with that guy picking a fight?
Oh. Finally
Lucia widened her eyes at the unexpected provocation, and Shiron covered his mouth with both hands.
Dexter, what are you trying to do?
Didnt I just give way?
Heh. Really, how old are you to play such childish pranks?
I just turned forty this year.
Dexter stretched his neck as if warming up.
But, I dont see Knight Hugo this year at the subjugation festival.
So, did it look like a good opportunity?
Yes.
Johan covered his mouth and chuckled.
Before long, spectators began to gather around the two groups.
-Is it a street fight? Whos fighting?
-Sky Knights and Red Lion.
-Knight Hugo isnt visible.
-Then Ill bet 500 shillings on the Red Lion.
The spectators, with their rugged hands, stroked their beards or crossed their arms. They all looked like they knew how to throw a punch.
Before they knew it, small wagers had begun between them.
And then.
In front of Dexter.
In front of Johan.
Men in armor stepped forward, trudging heavily.
Holding the hands of Shiron and Lucia, Johan retreated slightly.
Charge!
Die!
Men in azure armor and men in red armor charged at each other.
Clang- Clack- Boom-
The sounds of a brawl echoed. No one seemed to be using magic, but their clashing fists alone produced yellow sparks and resonated with loud noises.
All of them were skilled at harnessing protective energy. Blue energy glowed on their fists, and white teeth and red blood flew in the air.
Just wait a moment. Itll be over in a few minutes.
Ah, yes
Standing in the perspective of a mere spectator, Lucia nodded towards Johan. Somehow, the festival 500 years later seemed more primitive than the previous one.
Even the so-called barbaric Silleya people didnt act like this.
Lucia took a bite of the jerky Shiron handed her and mulled it over.
Admittedly, young age often led to being overlooked wherever one went. If you were participating in a competition, wouldnt they gratuitously label you the youngest participant?
Challenges from the surroundings, excessive attention, lack of experience.
Having overcome all these and showcasing their skills to win gave the title of youngest even more prominence.
Shiron had a clear idea of what the Emperor expected of him.
Probably, he expects me to show exceptional skill.
He felt he had already demonstrated exceptional skill but the Arwen Plateau during this period required a different kind of exceptionality.
During this time at the Arwen Plateau, new faces from various clans and groups showcased their skills.
A thick mist covered the vast plains, and from it emerged endless hordes of magical beasts.
However, unlike the beasts near the magical boundary, these beasts pouring out from the mist werent too powerful.
But they were still magical beasts.
If they seeped into other territories within the empire, theyd pose a huge threat to the empires security.
In the end, you need people and money to deal with them. Hence, the form of a festival was the most efficient solution.
By making clans and groups compete, the empire didnt have to spend much, and the young participants gained valuable experience.
But Lucia had no reason to know these intricacies.
Why have such a place? Was this even a festival to begin with?
Lucia rubbed her throbbing head and pondered.
Once the scuffle had ended and they reached the temporary building for registration, Lucia began to notice something strange.
I can accept brawls since its a festival and people here are full of vigor but
Lucia looked at Johan, who, stained with blood, stood at the forefront. While she had thought hed just be observing from a distance, he did not hold back against Dexter, who rushed at him like a petty thug.
Why are armored knights brawling? And why is no one stopping them?
Many questions filled her mind. Lucia sneaked a glance at Shiron, who was leisurely walking next to her.
Shiron.
Hmm?
Why are we the only children here?
From Arwen Station to this place, during the day-long journey, it was not that Lucia hadnt noticed other children her age. However, in this place, in the line for registering for the subjugation festival, only Lucia and Shiron were children.
Occasionally, she saw boys who looked about four or five years older than Shiron. But that was it. Everyone else seemed to be around twenty adults who had undergone the adulthood ceremony.
And for some reason, everyone is staring at us.
Its only natural that when a group of bloodied knights gathers, they will attract attention, right? Dont mind it.
Is that so?
Yes, it is. Besides, children tend to attract attention wherever they go.
Right.
Lucia nodded slightly and took her place at the end of the waiting line.
As people moved forward one by one, Lucia soon found herself facing the receptionist.
?
The receptionist momentarily widened her eyes upon seeing Lucia. However, she quickly regained her composure, offering a slight nod towards Lucia.
Here, here, and here. Please write your name, age, and affiliation.
Okay.
[Lucia Prient]
[10]
[Prient Family]
Following the instructions, Lucia began writing. She then turned to look at Shiron, who was standing idly next to her.
Shiron, why arent you writing? Not participating?
I forgot. Slipped my mind.
Shiron took out a fountain pen from his pocket and began writing on the paper.
Sorry, Lucia. I despise danger.
[3rd Princes Friend]
[Age of the 3rd Prince]
[Immortal Friend of the 3rd Prince Victor]
What is this?
The receptionist frowned upon reviewing Shirons application.
How can he casually jest with the royal title like this
But she chose not to delve into it. The boys grinning face had a clear mischievous intent. Reacting to a nobles prank would only lead to unnecessary complications. The receptionist knew the manual well on how to handle situations like this.
Confirmed.
The receptionist politely greeted the two. Naturally, Shiron was not added to the participant list.
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