Chapter 3 — The Challenge

  — This is the most absurd statement I have heard in my entire life! — the teacher exclaimed, striking the table furiously. — Was it not enough for you that you placed Elvaria and Crowen in the same class?

  — It is necessary, Lufus.

  The director’s voice was completely calm and did not tremble.

  — They must compete.

  — You must be joking.

  — Not in the slightest.

  — Do you want our academy to turn into a battlefield between the North and the South? — Lufus Raita shouted. — Why deliberately provoke those whose houses are already ready to tear each other’s throats out? Do you want to destroy the academy? Regardless of who wins and who loses, one side will grow resentful toward the academy! The neutrality we have preserved for years will collapse in a matter of seconds!

  — Do you think I do not understand that?

  The director’s cold voice cooled the teacher’s anger as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him.

  — Then why? — he asked hoarsely.

  The director sighed.

  — I know how much you love this academy, Lufus. I love it as well.

  He stood up and walked to the enormous window that overlooked the square in front of the academy building. He often watched the daily lives of the students from that window. It always brought him a sense of calm.

  — There are reasons for everything, Lufus, — he said heavily. — I cannot explain everything right now, but trust me, this will benefit the academy.

  Unlike usual, this time his gaze lifted toward the sky, as if searching for support.

  The sky was clear and cloudless. A gentle spring breeze rustled softly through the trees covered in fresh leaves.

  But to the director it felt like nothing more than the calm before a storm.

  The teacher entered the classroom with quick steps. His expression was stone-like, yet Ryan easily sensed the anger he was trying to hide.

  — Let us begin with an announcement, — the teacher’s dry voice stopped the students who were already taking out their notebooks. — A competition will take place soon. For you, it is a chance to prove yourselves and show what you are capable of. Participation is not mandatory.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  The students exchanged excited glances. It was clear that anyone who respected the name of their house would participate.

  — You may compete in teams of two students, or fight alone if you believe you are capable of it. Open your notebooks.

  He immediately began the lesson, as if nothing important had happened.

  Hm, Ryan thought lazily.

  He is clearly not pleased. I wonder what angered our cold Lufus so much. Though it does not matter. In this tournament, I will undoubtedly win.

  I must. Such a chance does not appear every day.

  A satisfied smirk appeared on his lips.

  When the tournament ends, Kael will finally be forced to acknowledge defeat. He will finally stop looking at him as if he did not exist at all.

  And then… then he will have to speak to him properly. He will no longer dare treat him with such indifference.

  Kael will finally look at him differently.

  Yes. That is exactly how it should be.

  When he wins, Kael will understand his place.

  Then everything will be as it should be.

  Lost in his fantasies, Ryan stopped noticing what was happening around him. Even though it was his favorite lesson.

  Suddenly he flinched.

  The bell rang.

  The lesson was over.

  Kael calmly gathered his notes. There had never been a lesson in which he did not take notes — notes so neat and perfect that even the teachers sometimes asked to see them.

  Ryan lazily spun his pen between his fingers, glancing sideways at him.

  — Do you really write down every single word? — he asked in a deliberately monotonous voice.

  — Yes.

  Kael did not even grant him a glance.

  — Even the things you already know?

  — Repetition strengthens the foundation.

  Ryan smirked.

  — Or demonstrates it.

  Kael turned his gaze to him.

  — Does something bother you?

  — Not at all, — Ryan’s words sounded gentle, yet a faint trace of poison could be felt in them. — I am simply curious why the heir of the North tries so hard to show diligence.

  Several students in front turned around cautiously.

  Kael placed his notes into his bag and slowly turned toward him.

  — And why does the heir of the South try so hard to show indifference?

  The pen in Ryan’s fingers froze.

  The silence became tangible. The entire class watched the unfolding drama.

  — You think I am trying? — Ryan asked more quietly. — Do you really believe such pitiful subjects would force me to try?

  — I believe, — Kael answered calmly, — that you pay too much attention to how others see you.

  Ryan leaned slightly closer.

  — And you?

  — I only care about the result.

  Their gazes met. For a long moment they simply looked at each other in silence.

  Ryan was the first to look away, returning to his lazy posture.

  — Then we shall see whose results are better.

  Kael did not look away.

  — We shall see.

  And at that very moment, someone else approached their table.

  — Greetings, young Duke of the South, — he said in a soft, almost melodic voice. — Would you care to be my partner in the upcoming competition?

  Ryan slowly raised his eyes.

  Before him stood a young man so handsome that he resembled a porcelain doll: flawless features, short wheat-colored hair, and bright emerald eyes.

  The young man smiled.

  — And who are you supposed to be? — Ryan asked with slight irritation.

  For a moment the young man seemed surprised, but quickly concealed it.

  — The Fourth Prince of the Empire, Nazar Kashtaleon, — he replied with a smile. — Now we are acquainted. Shall we go together?

  — I do not need partners, — Ryan’s irritation became obvious. — I am not some weakling who cannot win a tournament alone. Clear?

  For a moment the entire class froze.

  It was a clear insult toward the prince.

  However, Nazar only smiled.

  — I see, — he said calmly. — I had no intention of interfering with your rivalry. I hope you win.

  For a moment his gaze rested on Kael.

  The prince’s smile widened slightly.

  — This will be an interesting tournament.

  And only then did realization flash through the entire class:

  in the upcoming tournament, Kael Elvaria and Ryan Crowen would face each other in a duel.

  And neither of them intended to yield.