“What the hell was that, Boram!?”

  A red-headed prince grabbed Boram’s collar and pushed him to the wall. His emotions clearly were at boiling point.

  Boram, no longer ever young like Miquella, stayed silent but his eyes showed no apology. The display from someone three years younger angered Croix more.

  In the Latias Grand Prix private waiting room there were three other individuals besides Croix and Boram. The white-haired Level 4 Darkness Pathseeker, loyal knight of the prince, Alfred; a golden-haired human beauty and a golden-haired elf beauty, Ciel and Elvina.

  The others were trying to break up the fight but the prince was not listening.

  “You know how important this tournament is for me! You know how precious each victory is! If you lost after giving it your all I wouldn't blame you one bit, but what were your antics just now!? You weren't even trying!”

  “I have my reason,” Boram replied.

  “You’d better be... Well? Out with it.”

  “I will not say. My reasons are my own,” Boram’s eyes were unyielding.

  Croix looked like he was about to explode but he took a step back and inhaled a deep breath.

  “Boram, I’m your friend. You can tell me and I swear I will not betray your confidence,” Croix said with a softer tone.

  “...No, Prince Croix. It is kind of you to think so but I am a slave and you are a prince. Our status is too different. We cannot be friends.”

  “Wha–?” The shock on his soul could be seen through his eyes. “After all we went through together, after three years together at the Academy you still doubt me?! I thought you’re a better man than this!!”

  Croix pushed Boram again. Victa was bleeding out from the uncontrollable emotion. This was often the moment someone did something they later regret.

  “Prince!”

  “Prince Croix!”

  “Brother, no!”

  Alfred, Ciel, and Elvina shouted and took action. However, they all stopped because of the sharp sound of a door opening.

  “...Am I interrupting?” Viers, as Avel, asked.

  ***

  Round 2 of the Latias Grand Prix was over. The format was a team-on-team battle among the 16 teams that passed Round 1.

  Team Croix had a tally of 8 wins, 4 losses, and 3 ties.

  Considering Croix’s team only had three members participating, it was not a bad score. However, it was not what Croix wished.

  The 4 losses were dealt by team Princess Celestine, Prince Cassian, Prince Vadym, and lastly, by team Farley and co.

  Cassian and Vadym were the favorites to win the whole Grand Prix. While Celestine was relatively unknown before the Prix, she shocked everyone by possessing a black dragon, just like Croix.

  The thing was, in Round 1 and 2, Celestine had the number one spot while Croix floated in the middle. Simply put, Celestine stole Croix’s thunder. Croix realized this and felt the pressure.

  “It was that Knight, Stratos Gaelos,” Ciel said. “Princess Celestine’s stellar achievements are mostly because of him. Stratos’ brother is a renowned Paladin of the Silver Legion and rumors are that the little brother is even more talented. Apparently, Stratos refused to enter the Legion and swore loyalty to Celestine because he fell in love with her.”

  “Hou,” Viers commented.

  “I’m afraid he’s the strongest person among the contestants. According to my estimation of the guy, he should have a power equal to or greater than a Level 4 peak. It's truly amazing. Forgive my lack of strength, Prince Croix. Even though he and I have the same role, my performance is lackluster,” Ciel bowed her head.

  “No, Miss Valentine! You’ve won all your matches. No one can ask more of you.”

  The 3 ties were against teams Prince Lutz the Unlucky, Leth Silveray and his three girls, and Theus Mercea. Theus was a progeny of one of the four dukes, the Draco Malfoy to Croix and Boram during their time in Sinclair Academy, and the latest Arrogant Young Master that the universe threw in front of Viers’ way. He got the hots for Ciel and because Avel and Ciel were playing fake lovers, he set his jealousy beam at Avel.

  Now Viers came to hear why Croix and Boram were almost fighting.

  The last match was against Theus’ team, Ciel won and Croix tied against their opponents. Then it was Boram and Theus’ turn to meet at the arena.

  However, until the match was over, Boram simply stood tall with arms crossed. He didn't move or attack, only defended himself. For ten minutes, Theus fired Arte after Arte at Boram but the Little Giant was damn tough and refused to budge. When the need arose Boram used defensive Arte but other than that, he did nothing.

  After ten minutes, the match was over. According to the rules, one must make the opponent unconscious, forfeit, or out of bounds to gain victory. If both sides were still standing it would count as a tie and so Boram got a tie.

  Since Avel was not participating, it was a loss by default. The score against Theus’ team was 1 win, 2 ties, and 1 loss.

  “You could have attacked. You could have won... But you didn't!” Croix said with a blaming tone.

  Seeing this, Boram remained silent but not apologetic. At this time Ciel opened her mouth.

  “You said something to Theus at the end,” she asked. “Something that made him seethe. What was it?”

  In the following silent seconds, there was a knock on the door and a man’s voice.

  “Prince Croix and his team, please make your way to the arena. Duke Lucan will deliver the closing ceremony of Round 2.”

  “Coming,” Croix answered. “Avel, what about you?”

  “I’ll be returning to the infirmary,” Viers feigned coughs. The story for his absence in Round 2 was the injury he sustained during Round 1. “Everyone, and Princess Elvina, let’s discuss that matter tonight.”

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  “I see. We’ll be off then,” Croix said.

  “Okay,” Elvina replied. She hoped it would be about her mother’s rescue plan which was postponed because of Avel’s injury. The princess was oblivious that her mother was already in this very city. Viers was about to break the news like a surprise birthday gift.

  Ciel gave Viers a sideway look before following Croix out.

  Boram bowed to Viers before leaving but he stopped at the door because he heard Viers’ telepathy in his head.

  “What were you saying to him?”

  “I said: You cannot even defeat his immobile punching bag of a slave yet you dream of defeating my Master? Know your place, you whiny daddy’s boy.”

  “Fuh,” Viers chuckled in his mind. Boram knew his Master would get it and felt validated. “Ciel already got an inkling of what you’re trying to do. Now go.”

  Boram did as he was told.

  Before the Grand Prix, Theus humiliated Viers at the Dance Ball. After a little life lesson, Boram was determined to end Theus’ life. He stoked Theus’ anger in Round 2 because the match forbade killing like in Round 1. Boram was counting on him to charge like a bull in the next round and then... accidents happened.

  Boram must have thought that even if he had won the battle against Theus he wouldn't have been able to kill him if the referee got in his way. A deliberate malicious act would also cause trouble for the team. He opted to keep his true strength hidden and hammer Theus with his gigantic shock and awe later.

  They grow up so fast. Hehehe.

  Viers was happy his disciple was getting into a habit of exterminating problems to the root. In a power fantasy world such as this, it was a good mentality to have.

  Well, the scheme was still shallow. Boram is not at Agent 47’s competence yet, but he’s trying and it counts.

  ***

  “I am sorry.”

  “Why are you apologizing?”

  The elven princess knew her brother had had a trying few days. Round 2 was over and they had been given the briefing about Round 3. Her tired and kind brother should be looking forward to some blessed rest but he was about to organize a rescue on foreign land.

  “Think nothing of it. When in trouble, we help each other out. Isn't that what family is supposed to be about?”

  “But...”

  Her mother was important. Her most important person in the world to her. However, the one known as Avel seemed to be crucial in the rescue. But he was injured in Round 1 and must be absent in Round 2.

  Would this rescue remove Avel from his brother’s team roster again? Croix’s team was already in a difficult position in the Grand Prix. The hope of victory would become even more distant if that was the case.

  Should she take advantage of her brother’s kindness who asked nothing in return? Even if it cost him his future? Elvina’s guilt was rupturing her heart.

  While she was considering sneaking out of Latias and going to Zetel on her own, the two arrived at the destination. Her thoughts were interrupted by colorful confetti, bright lights, and celebratory popping sounds.

  In the room, she saw a figure that was like her reflection in the mirror but two decades older, smiling and holding back her tears.

  “Mother!”

  Elvina prayed it was not an illusion and if it was, she tried to grasp it before it disappeared. But when her hug met her mother’s bosom, hope turned into inexplicable joy.

  “Elvina, you’ve grown up,” Sylisa shed tears and hugged back.

  “Thanks to you.”

  As the mother and daughter reunited, there was a round of applause.

  “To a happy reunion. May their future be blessed,” Viers said with a raised glass.

  Boram, Croix, Alfred, Jessica, and Ciel were present and blessed the mother-daughter pair.

  ***

  The gathering also served as a modest party for finishing Round 2. There were some drinks, music, and revelries, kindly donated by the late Tower Master Baharir. Authorized by Viers on account of the previous master’s death. Even though the team’s achievement was a bit lacking, the mood was a happy one thanks to the elven mother and daughter.

  When Viers informed them earlier, Croix and Alfred were surprised to see Sylisa in person. Like the others, they thought Viers was bedridden. His injury was not faked but he just got better faster than most, a lot faster in fact. Boram’s surprise was mild. Something outlandish as this was as expected of his Master. Only Ciel knew that Viers was going to Zetel. Seeing him successfully rescue the elf and not die nor missing any limbs alleviated the worry that had been weighing on her heart.

  “So how was the Tower Master? Did he find you?”

  Elvina and Sylisa were discussing something with Alfred and Jessica. Croix and Boram were both apologizing to each other for their earlier spat. Ciel scooted over beside Viers who was trying to drink in a solitary cool way.

  “Sure did. He hit hard, but I hit back.”

  “Riiight,” Ciel let out a snide remark. “You tried to hide it, and hid it well, I might add, but I know you’re injured.” Her eyes turned serious. “How bad?”

  “I’ll survive. You should have seen the other guy.”

  “V, no need to act tough. It’s impressive enough to run away from a Level 4 peak while you’re a Level 4 low, with a hostage no less!”

  Ciel’s assumption was backed by common sense. Viers just gave a mysterious smile and did not elaborate further.

  “Oh yeah, here,” Viers gave Ciel’s ring back. The ring that she gave before he sneaked to Zetel via Dia’s Biome. “It actually saved me. Thanks.”

  The high-quality magical item provided quite a bit of damage reduction in his fight against Baharir and Lykin.

  “It’s why I gave it to you in the first place,” Ciel took the family ring back and examined it. “...Fell?”

  Lykin’s Fell affinity, to be exact. Without the ring’s protection, Viers would have suffered a greater effect from Lykin’s desperate attack.

  “Remember Lykin the Lighteater, the cultist assassin we met at Valkut? She was there. Fortunately, she won't trouble anyone ever again.”

  “That’s... good news! I’ll pass the news to the Church. I’ll try to get her bounty for you too. Do you have any proof?”

  “Will this suffice?” Viers gave Ciel Lykin’s claw weapon. He could give her Lykin’s severed head currently inside his inventory item but it might be too bloody and ruin the occasion.

  “Yeah,” Ciel said with a smile. “One less demon cultist in the world. Good, good.”

  “Remember she took your blood? I tried to find out for what but her client is shrouded in mystery. I failed since she didn't know it either.”

  “Well I already received protection for that matter but I’ll reinforce it just in case. Thanks.”

  As a bonus, Lykin also possessed a favor from Viers. A deal they made in Valkut. However, since Lykin died it was null and void. Till the end she didn't know Viers and Ghost were the same person. No more loose ends.

  Shortly, Elvina and Sylisa approached, expressing their gratitude.

  “I didn't do much. Prince Croix gave the order and I just passed the words to some other guy. It’s all thanks to them.”

  Based on the agreement with Croix, Viers made Croix take the credit for the rescue, despite the former’s reluctance but Viers was adamant. Jessica, who personally rescued Sylisa in the Tower, kept things vague about who she was actually working for. Both mothers had bonded and become pretty good friends.

  Croix needed merits to boost his standings. Meanwhile, Viers was trying to reduce the harem element of his club. Elvina was pretty talented and an elven beauty plus a princess. The groundwork was there to make her a heroine. Still, since he was not trying to become a harem MC, he diverted Elvina to Croix instead.

  If Croix would be king one day, he needed allies that he could trust.

  “I know, but the Prince also claims he didn't do much, despite all of you having done so much for us,” Sylisa said. “And the Ghost person-”

  “What are you planning to do next?” Viers changed the subject.

  “The elven enclave of Liapris. Miss Jessica recommended it. Apparently, it is close to Prince Croix’s domain. We wished to live in peace away from the politics and nobles for a while,” Elvina said.

  “I only hope they are welcoming to a couple of outsiders,” Sylisa added.

  “Prince Croix has their gratitude because of his virtuous nature a few years back, saving their village. Has Jessica told you the story yet? She was there. Anyway, I’m sure the elves would not turn down one of their own.”

  “I see. Nevertheless, I owe you all a debt for my and my mother’s life. This could not have happened if not for all of you,” Elvina bowed to everyone. “I will not forget this debt until the day I die.”

  When the waterworks began again and the others confronted Elvina, Viers whispered to Ciel.

  “I heard Round 3 will be organized by the Valentine Duchy?”

  “Yes. Round 3 will take place in my father’s land.”

  “Oh? Not in the Capital? That means this is a homecoming for you, isn't it?”

  “Yeah...” Ciel sighed. “How bad is your injury?”

  “My wounds are pretty much healed. I can't use water affinity for a few years but other than that, it’s all good,” Viers said lightly.

  “What!?”