RTYY 320 - An Unwanted Invitation

Still bowing, his back as straight as always, CalRimRan didn't move an inch as he replied to CarFan's obvious trap.

"No such thing. It's just that our fighting style isn't suitable for individual demonstrations. But if my Lord may be willing to pair up with me, I will be more than honored to show you all a few moves."

TenWan was so excited by CalRimRan's answer that he was practically jumping up and down on his chair, his hands squeezed against his chest in silent prayer, his green eyes glowing from enthusiasm.

CarFan, on the other hand, seemed more than taken aback. He looked positively scared. He obviously hadn't expected CalRimRan to comply with his request. Much less ask him to be his sparring partner.

More than one head taller than CarFan, CalRimRan would easily tower over his adversary the moment the two men stepped closer to each other. Not only that, even though he kept bowing in that annoying humble position, a cold, almost dangerous aura kept emanating from him. One that only got heavier and scarier when CalRimRan raised his head ever so slightly, just enough to peer at CarFan, who actually took a step back. FeiWan was sure that all the stories about the Demon Clan that had also scared him, ten years ago, were now dancing back and forth inside the other man's head.

Well, it served him right! He should at least be smart enough to try and learn a bit more about his enemy, before he took it upon himself to openly antagonize him. The obnoxious coward! Now that it had come to this, FeiWan was certain that, no matter what, CarFan would never risk being beaten to a pulp in front of all those people.

"Hm, I guess the esteemed CalDai is right. This is hardly the place for such rowdy activities," CarFan quickly admitted, averting his gaze, his cheeks palling. "Then how about we postpone our friendly duel until the Tournament?"

To FeiWan's annoyance, it was CalRimRan's turn to look slightly taken by surprise. Not that he openly showed it in any way, not even when he finally lowered his arms and straightened his back. It was the small things, that exposed him. Like the small twitching of his fingers, or the way his shoulders seemed to stiffen. He obviously hadn't considered the possibility of being included in that Tournament.

"But honorable Minister. Surely you haven't forgotten that only members of the noble Clans of Wen can participate in the Annual Imperial Tournament," one of the other guests thought it better to remind him, and CarFan folded his arms, looking pensive. Which he obviously wasn't. Of course, he had already taken that into account. He would never have suggested that CalRimRan participates in the Tournament otherwise.

"So it is. But that's actually a fairly easy problem to solve. Since I took third place in last year's Tournament, I'm entitled to invite a new contestant of my choosing to take part in this year's Tournament," he declared, as if the idea had just popped into his mind, and this time many heads around the room nodded in agreement. "What says our esteemed guest? This will be a wonderful opportunity to strengthened the relationship between our two people. Not to mention that I'm sure our noble El'Lin will be more than pleased to witness her potential suitor's bravery firsthand."

As if someone had just shouted her name directly into her ears, Wen NimRen literally jumped on her chair at the sound of those words.

Now FeiWan really wanted to punch the bastard! And he was definitely starting to regret the fact that the other bastard had failed to kill that prick, ten years ago.

"That's right!" CarFan went on. "Why don't we make things a bit more interesting? I wonder if our noble El'Lin would be as kind as to indulge us, humble contestants, by awarding this year's winner a special gift?"

NimRen's face became so ashen that FeiWan was sure she was about to faint. Still, she tried her best not to lose her composure, sitting very straight, her head held high. And yet, even though she did open her mouth in an attempt to answer, no sound came out of her delicate lips, her blue eyes clearly panicking as she couldn't figure out how to answer that.

"Well, why not?"

Surprisingly enough, the answer came from the top of the dais, where everyone's attention was immediately focused.

With an open smile on her face, LinDou raised her head, the light of the flames catching on the many golden chains and precious stones adorning her hair.

"Our honorable Minister did make some valid points. So why not do it like this? Unless a suitable suitor comes along before then, the winner of this year's Annual Imperial Tournament, not only will be granted all the customary prizes and honors, but will also earn my daughters hand in marriage," she openly declared, dozens of murmurs immediately filing the room. "If the winner is a woman, she may decide which man from her Clan will receive that honor."

It was all NimRen could do, to just sit there and simply not collapse.

It couldn't get any worse, FeiWan thought, feeling sorry for her. A bit more and LinDou would be publicly auctioning her own daughter away!

From how heavy CalWan's scowl was, FeiWan could easily deduce that, not only he hadn't had the slightest idea that his mother would suddenly spout a scandalous idea like that, but he didn't like it one bit. Not to mention that LinDou had obviously decided al that on her own, when important matters like the marriage of the Imperial Children had always to be discussed with the El'Dur beforehand.

Not that their father would have anything to say about it, much less about NimRen's, the disgraced El'Lin's, possible marriage. In fact, he was probably hoping she would marry as soon as possible, so that he could get the justification he needed to finally strip her of the Wen surname. Only then would he be able to successfully shut up all the voices that kept arguing that she did not have what took to be considered and Imperial El'Lin.

Nevertheless, LinDou was clearly overexerting her power. LaoTin would have a field day with that, once she learned about what had been said and done that evening.

"Now that's what I call an amazing incentive!" CarFan exuberantly declared with a deep bow. "I am sure this year's Tournament will be overflowing with amazing accomplishments! As I am positive that the esteemed CalDai will not be able to pass on an opportunity like this! I will be looking forward to the chance of meeting such a renowned warrior in an appropriate combat arena!"

Fuck!, FeiWan grunted, chewing the insides of his mouth out of sheer irritation.

CalRimRan didn't answer. He just stood there, as still and silent as a winter tree, simply looking at the blond idiot who was now laughing happily with his companions. What else could he do given the circumstances? What else could FeiWan do?

Maybe once the party's hyped moods calmed down, and heads began to think more clearly again, maybe then FeiWan could come up with some way to get him out of that mess. A mess that would inevitably end up swallowing them all. Because that asshole had no idea of what he'd just done.

CalRimRan in a tournament? Competing against normal people like them? It was a recipe for disaster!

If he simply lost the Tournament he'd definitely be looked down on by the entire Empire of Wen, which in turn meant that his people would be looked down as well. And that could hardly be a good thing.

One of the reasons why the Demon Clan was able to maintain their peaceful way of life, even though they were a lot less in numbers than any provincial army of Wen, was their infamous reputation. The people of Wen feared them. Even the El'Dur feared them. And not without reason.

Attacking their lost village in the middle of the Heavenly Mountains would undoubtedly result in a lot of bloodshed and deaths, and in a very uncertain result. But if suddenly people's vision of their dangerous neighbors were to change, then there was a high probability that Wen might just decide that it was past time they tried to expel the problematic Demon Clan from their borders.

On the other hand, if CalRimRan were to win the Tournament, which FeiWan had no doubt he would be able to do with both eyes closed, then he'd be seen as ungrateful towards his imperial hosts, and rudely boastful of his overwhelming powers. It would almost be like a grown-up man, arrogantly tormenting a bunch of weak little children just for the pleasure of it. People would be even more scared of the mysterious Demon Clan, and they might just feel it was safer to quickly return him to his faraway home. Not to mention that CalRimRan was in no condition to participate in something as energy-challenging as the Annual Imperial Tournament.

"I wonder if I would be able to win!" someone wondered out loud.

"Wouldn't that be nice? Being able to actually marry a distinguished, royal lady like Wen NimRen!" someone else added and FeiWan sighed.

Looking at NimRen, sitting on the other side of the hall, he couldn't help feeling sorry for her. With a mother like that, who needed enemies?

"As I see it, no matter who will be lucky enough to earn my beautiful cousin's favor will most definitely be a very blessed man!" Ren JinWan suddenly stated, his strong voice successfully overshadowing everyone else's, a warm laugh on his voice as he raised his cup.

Now, that FeiWan hadn't been expecting. That Ren JinWan would actually come to NimRen's rescue. Because, with just those simple words, he had swiftly and successfully returned the power to choose her future husband back to NimRen. Suddenly she was no longer a mere prize to be claimed at the end of the Tournament. She was a young woman again, with a will and a mind of her own.

"A toast to my beautiful cousin!" he proposed, and his joyful presence immediately centered everyone's attention on him.

Following his example, and eager for an excuse to drain their cups once more, everyone happily raised their cups, echoing JinWan's cheerful toast. CalRimRan included, FeiWan noticed, who skillfully used this opportunity to silently return to his seat.

Drinking from his cup, FeiWan saw as NimRen blushed timidly, some color finally returning to her cheeks.

"And a toast to my Imperial cousin, who, in this joyous night, celebrates his twenty-eight birthday! May he be blessed with the longevity of our Imperial forefathers!" JinWan declared out loud again, this time raising his cup towards CalWan, and everyone in the room happily followed his example, echoing his warm words.

FeiWan almost choked.

Glancing sideways at CalWan he saw his cheeks pale, as he too raised his cup and drank, nodding gracefully in recognition, a brittle smile on his lips.

LinDou, sitting right next to him, could hardly contain her outrage, her cheeks beet-red, her fists clenched with so much strength that her pale hands were shaking.

Longevity? What longevity? Their grandfather, the El'Dur Wen FonWan, had mysteriously died at the age of sixty-two. His supposed successor and JinWan's father, Wen LaiWan, had lived even less, dying at the age of twenty-nine, before he could even ascend to the throne. CalWan was celebrating his twenty-eight birthday, only a year younger than LaiWan had been when he had died. What kind of longevity was JinWan wishing his Imperial cousin?

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Author's Note: Hmm, I would definitely have an overwhelming headache by the time I left this so-called party. 🤕

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