Chapter 16: The Royal Ceremony

The grand ceremonial hall was filled with the echo of hushed voices, and the air was thick with the weight of solemnity. The Kings of each kingdoms in the continent had ordered an elaborate burial ceremony to honor the fallen King, who had died in battle. The day was marked with a heavy atmosphere, where grief and reverence hung like a shroud over the royal city. The Kings, though grieving, had maintained a facade of dignity, ordering this royal occasion to ensure that the fallen King was treated with the respect he deserved. The powerful figures of the continent, the top ten strongest warriors, were all in attendance—men and women whose names commanded fear and respect across the land.

As the ceremony proceeded, the audience and nobles in seriously discussions and greating. Yet, beneath the surface, the true politics of the land were at play. Among the assembled figures were those who had fought in the war, each with their own agendas and desires for recognition. Some hailed Swordmaster Azazel, claiming that his strength and resolve had been the key to pushing back the enemy forces. Others, more self-serving, took credit for the victory, ensuring their names would be etched into the annals of history.

But there were whispers—whispers that circled the crowd like shadows—about a different hero: Asher. It was said that without his efforts, the enemy would have overwhelmed them all. He had contributed more than anyone cared to admit, and some even spoke of his incredible tactical acumen. Yet, as much as the nobles praised his influence on the battlefield, they could not bring themselves to acknowledge him publicly. Their hatred for him, rooted in jealousy and disdain, could not be masked. Usher was a man they could not accept, no matter how vital his role had been.

Asher, however, paid no attention to the glances of the nobles or their hushed conversations. Standing beside was Selena, he maintained his usual indifference. The nobles' refusal to acknowledge him did little to stir his emotions. Sellina on the other hand, could not help but notice the uncomfortable atmosphere. She looked left and right, seeing how the nobles ignored the contributions of the very person who had turned the tide of the war.

"They've barely even acknowledged you," she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "You deserve more respect than this."

Asher, however, merely shrugged in response, his expression unchanged. "Let them talk," he said. "All I care about is the food." His words were delivered with a nonchalance that amused Sellina, who couldn't help but smile.

"You're unbelievable," she commented, watching him scan the banquet spread. "But fine, if food is all that matters, let's go and grab a bite."

As they made their way toward the tables laden with food, Asher's mind was completely consumed by the vast array of dishes laid out before him. His hands moved quickly, piling food onto his plate with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. Sellina followed him, a little less focused on the food, but still amused by Asher's lack of concern for the political drama unfolding around them.

It was then that the Queen appeared, flanked by a group of noblewomen. Her gaze immediately fell on Asher, who continued his feast with apparent disregard for her presence. A mixture of irritation and curiosity clouded the Queen's expression as she approached him.

"Once again, you survive by sheer luck, don't you?" the Queen remarked coldly, her voice laced with disdain.

Asher did not look up, continuing to pile food onto his plate. "Oh, I didn't know you cared so much about me," he replied, his tone light but cutting. "How sweet."

The Queen, taken aback by his nonchalance, attempted to retort. "You think you're clever, don't you? You're nothing but a lucky fool. Don't think I won't have you thrown out of here."

But Asher's response only made things more complicated for her. "Ah, but you're clearly more than just 'the Queen,' aren't you? You must be quite interested in me, to be so focused on me," he teased, his words expertly twisted to make her appear as if she were the one pursuing him.

The Queen's face flushed with anger, but she tried to maintain her composure. "How dare you speak to me like that!" she snapped, her voice rising in anger.

"Careful my lady we don't want the make-up to ruin your beautiful face" he replied with an innocent smile "You ....you have no have no right to say that to a queen . Know your place" .

" I already do ,and I know my place belongs in your heart"

Asher, unfazed, simply smiled.

The noblewomen around the Queen watched in stunned silence as the confrontation unfolded. The Queen, realizing that she had no way to counter Asher's words, huffed in frustration and turned to her friends, muttering angrily under her breath. "Can you believe that? Not even afraid to provoke the King's wife. Such audacity."

Meanwhile, Asher continued to feast, oblivious to the drama he had just created. His casual demeanor only seemed to infuriate the Queen further, as she stormed off with her friends, who giggled at the situation.

But the King, who had been watching from a distance, noticed the exchange. His sharp eyes lingered on Asher for a moment before he stood up and raised his cup, signaling for attention. "Lords and Ladies," he began, his voice commanding the room. "We have all witnessed Asher's courage on the battlefield. His quick thinking and leadership helped us push back the enemy forces. His contribution was invaluable, and for that, I shall reward him."

The room fell silent as the King's words reverberated through the hall. The nobles, ever quick to seize an opportunity, eagerly awaited what reward Asher would receive. One particularly wicked-looking noble raised his hand with a smirk. "Why not reward him with a fight against Azazel?" he suggested, his voice dripping with amusement. "It would be an honor for him to face the Third Blade, and we could enjoy the spectacle. Such a fight would be a fitting reward."

A murmur of agreement spread throughout the room, with several nobles nodding in approval of the suggestion.

Asher, who had been quietly eating throughout the entire conversation, finally looked up, a slight smirk forming on his lips. It seemed that the nobles had underestimated him. They had forgotten that he wasn't just some lucky survivor—he was a force to be reckoned with, and this proposed challenge was just another opportunity for him to prove it.

"Then it is settled" the king said.....