Chapter 8

"Where are his guards? You weren't doing your job, and that's not my fault!"

She stopped, realizing she'd said too much. If anyone found out about her plans to marry the king, her life would be in danger.

Darian's jaw tightened, his anger barely contained. "You insolent girl! Do you even know the rules of this palace? Prove to me that you're worthy of respect."

He threw a sword at her feet, then raised his staff, pointing it directly at her. "Show me your worth, Roulan. You want real training? Then fight me, you powerless hybrid!"

His booming voice echoed through the hall, drawing the attention of every knight-in-training nearby. Though he had planned to introduce Roulan to the recruits later that afternoon, her defiance had forced his hand.

No matter. This impromptu lesson would serve as an unforgettable introduction for all the trainees present.

... 

"Well, Rick, I raised you and your brother, and I know you well. Tell me the truth—did you never want this throne? For the past two years, you've been complaining about the kingdom's responsibilities. Didn't you long to return to fighting in the devilish rifts? Isn't that your passion? Tell me, what has changed?"

His aunt took a deep breath and exhaled slowly when she received no reply. She added, trying to control her growing frustration, "Did you break your promise to your brother? He worked so hard to become the next king, the one who would lead this kingdom to a prosperous future."

A sly smile spread across Rick's face—he smiled like this when he was sure everything was going in his favor.

He sat in a chair facing the large window overlooking the training arena where his new knights practiced. The soft light from the setting sun reflected off his aunt's jewelry.

"First of all, I never promised anyone that I would abdicate the throne. It was all of you who insisted I focus on saving the kingdom from the threat of the devilish beasts, that I was the only hope. So, what happened, Aunt? Do you want me to use the time reversal skill…"

Before Rick could finish his sentence, his aunt moved quickly and forcefully closed his mouth, "Don't you dare mention that skill. Don't forget, it's the reason your mother disappeared."

Rick nodded in understanding, seeing the deep sadness in her eyes. He barely remembered the painful memories of the day his mother disappeared. Few knew the truth—many believed she had died.

"Fine, I get it. You're king, you can do as you please. But remember, the entire responsibility of this kingdom, its protection, and its future lies on your shoulders," his aunt sighed deeply. Her gaze was sharp. Although they had pressed him a bit, Rick was not one to change his mind once he had made a decision. Deep down, she hoped his decision to remain on the throne had nothing to do with that girl, Roulan.

It seemed the conversation wouldn't end quickly. Rick stared out the window, fully aware of the position he had put himself in. "And all of this... is for you, Roulan."

He furrowed his brow as his eyes followed Roulan, walking with a few new knights behind her. They were likely preparing for a magical duel. The arena was designed specifically for such contests.

"Rick, the girl you're defending, Roulan, is a storm of trouble. I warn you," his aunt said as she exited the room, her words falling on deaf ears. Rick remained focused on the window, not even sparing her a glance.

---

In the Training Arena

The magical barrier was set to its maximum level. The new recruits whispered excitedly, "I heard Sir Darian comes from a noble family, and he was able to defeat a devilish rift of the 11th rank."

Admiration for Darian's strength sparkled in their eyes.

"Of course, this girl doesn't stand a chance against a water magic user like him. He's the master of the seas," said another, his gaze full of scorn for Roulan. They all assumed she had no magical abilities, unlike the rest of her family.

Rick clenched his fist and ran his hand over his face. Yes, he was angry, but he couldn't intervene in Roulan's duel, especially after lowering the magical barrier over the arena. If he interfered, it would only draw more attention to her. He was certain his aunt wouldn't leave Roulan alone if she knew his true intentions regarding the girl.

---

A sudden interruption

"Your Majesty, there's an emergency. A devilish core exploded, creating a rift ranked at 19. We need you immediately, sire," a knight bowed before the king, who was already in a fit of anger.

At first, it was Roulan's behavior that frustrated him, then his own thoughts—he didn't even understand why he was so angry.

Rick left the room and cast a lingering glance at Darian, who had already taken command of the situation. Darian's smile was unsettling, as though he was certain of his victory before the duel even began.

"I heard Sir Darian possesses one of the five forbidden skills," another recruit murmured, watching Darian with admiration, his moves were skilled and smooth. 

"If you defeat me—and that's impossible, miss—I'll officially appoint you to the royal guard," Darian said, his tone almost mocking. Roulan kept her eyes closed, focusing on her stance. But with every time she shut her eyes, the image of King Rick filled her mind, making her heart race even faster.

"And if you fail, you'll obey my orders," Darian added with a grin.

Roulan scoffed. There were no rules to this duel; the only thing that mattered was winning, no matter the means. The transparent, magical entities—spectral beings designed to record and analyze the duel—hovered around, waiting for the battle to unfold.

"System, do I stand a chance against him?" Roulan thought, fully aware that she couldn't recall any of the fighting techniques she had heard others praise. Unfortunately, she remembered nothing about the arts of combat.