Chapter 150 Ch. 150: Hastilude Festival [3]
A young man with wheat-colored hair and honey eyes who sat there waved his hand enthusiastically toward Adrian.
A thin smile formed on his lips as he recognized them.
It was Péréz and the others.
"Ian, I'm going to reunite with my friends."
Nathaniel announced, his voice reaching Adrian's ears.
Adrian turned towards him and nodded in understanding, acknowledging his desire to catch up with his companions.
"Alright. See you."
Adrian replied, bidding Nathaniel farewell.
As Nathaniel made his way towards his friends, Adrian approached his own group, noticing the genuine smiles that adorned their faces.
Taking a seat, a maid promptly arrived, placing a delicate teacup in front of him and pouring tea with practiced grace.
The moment the maid stepped away from their table, Péréz greeted him with a mischievous smile.
"It's been a while, Your Highness."
Adrian rolled his eyes in boredom and retorted.
"Péréz, you never fail to sound disgusting."
"Pfft."
The others who heard him promptly clamped their mouths shut, stifling their laughter.
While it was true that they were no longer in the academy and obligated to speak formally to him, Adrian found it peculiar to hear them using such formal language after spending a significant amount of time together.
"Oh, His Highness, just scolded me."
Adrian felt a twitch at the corner of his lips, a mixture of annoyance and amusement.
For the first time, he experienced what it felt like to be in Rhea's shoes, and the urge to smack him—
—Whack!
"Arg—!"
Péréz groaned, instinctively covering his mouth, while Rhea, who sat next to him, sipped her tea solemnly.
Péréz glared at her and hissed in a low growl.
"That hurt."
Ignoring his reaction, Rhea placed her teacup down and turned her attention to Adrian, greeting him with a warm smile.
"Ian, it's been a while."
"It has."
Nevertheless, Adrian couldn't help but notice that Rhea's hair had grown slightly longer, now styled in a long pixie cut, but her tomboyish aura remained intact.
=====
[ Rhea Childerich ]
? Overview ?
Title: The Third Princess of the Zenith Theocracy
Race: Human
Age: 12 year-old
Gender: Female
Occupation: Elementalist - 5 Circle
? Character Statistic ?
?Physical:
STR: B+
PDF: B+
TEC: A
AGI: B
?Magical:
MAG: B+
MDF: B+
?Ability:
INT: B+
MP: A+
? Elemental Affinity ?
Water: C
Fire: A
Lightning: B
Earth: A
Wind: B
? Skills ?
[ Astrologist ]
Description: Able to read the stars and predict the future.
Rank: SS-
[ Incantation ]
Description: Raises the speed of spell-casting.
Rank: B+
[ Throw ]
Description: Raises the accuracy of Throw Weapon.
Rank: A+
=====
Soon, the other followed suit.
"Ian, it's been a while."
"It has."
Upon taking a good look at his friends, Adrian noticed that Ralph's body had grown larger since the last time he saw him, and the same was true for Péréz.
=====
[ Ralph Fraulein ]
? Overview ?
Title: The First Prince of the Valfor Kingdom
Race: Human
Age: 12 year-old
Gender: Male
Occupation: Tanker - 5 Tier
? Character Statistic ?
?Physical:
STR: C+
PDF: SS+
TEC: B+
AGI: C+
?Magical:
MAG: B
MDF: SS+
?Ability:
INT: B+
MP: A
? Elemental Affinity ?
Water: D
Fire: C
Lightning: B
Earth: A
Wind: C
? Skills ?
[ Endurance ]
Description: Raises Stamina.
Rank: S
[ Invisible Armor]
Description: Raises Physical and Magical Defenses.
Rank: S
[ Incantation ]
Description: Raises the speed of spell-casting.
Rank: C-
=====
[ Péréz Reinhart ]
? Overview ?
Title: The Second Prince of the Aiden Knightdom
Race: Human
Age: 12 year-old
Gender: Male
Occupation: Lancer - 5 Circle
? Character Statistic ?
?Physical:
STR: A
PDF: B+
TEC: B+
AGI: B
?Magical:
MAG: B
MDF: B+
?Ability:
INT: A
MP: A-
? Elemental Affinity ?
Water: C
Fire: A
Lightning: B
Earth: C
Wind: D
? Skills ?
[ Incantation ]
Description: Raises the speed of spell-casting.
Rank: B
[ Fire Blade ]
Description: Able to embed Fire Elemental into a weapon.
Rank: B
[ Endurance ]
Description: Raises Stamina.
Rank: B+
=====
As a hand retreated from his sight, Adrian looked down and saw a fruit tartlet placed on his plate.
Turning to the side, Sylvina offered him a warm smile.
Honestly speaking, she had grown into a fine young woman, although had yet to fully bloom, but her beauty was already evident.
"...thanks."
"You're welcome."
====
[ Sylvina Rennelius ]
? Overview ?
Title: The Second Princess of the Yvone Queendom
Race: Human
Age: 12 year-old
Gender: Female
Occupation: Elementalist - 5 Circle
? Character Statistic ?
?Physical:
STR: B
PDF: C+
TEC: A
AGI: C
?Magical:
MAG: A-
MDF: B+
?Ability:
INT: B+
MP: A+
? Elemental Affinity ?
Water: SS+
Fire: D
Lightning: A
Earth: A
Wind: B
? Skills ?
[ Incantation ]
Description: Raises the speed of spell-casting.
Rank: A
[ Blood Controlling ]
Description: Able to hear severe wounds and light internal injuries.
Rank: A+
====
In a gesture of friendship, Adrian reached for the pastry thong and carefully picked up a blueberry scone, placing it on Sylvina's plate.
She smiled appreciatively, acknowledging his thoughtful gesture.
"Thank you."
Adrian nodded in knowledge and soon the others reached for the refreshments on the table.
As they savored the treats and sipped their tea, they engaged in light conversation.
Laughter and camaraderie filled the air, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Suddenly, a guard's voice echoed through the room, announcing the arrival of the esteemed guests.
"His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, Her Highnesses the First and Second Consort are entering!"
The announcement prompted all the guests to rise from their seats, showing respect for the Imperial family.
Moments later, Arthur, the Emperor, accompanied by Aerilyn, the Empress, as well as Lucia and Charlotte, the First and Second Consorts, made their grand entrance.
Dressed in regal attire, they exuded an air of authority and grace.
The guests immediately greeted them with reverence and warm smiles, acknowledging their presence.
"We greet His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, Her Highnesses the First and Second Consort."
Arthur nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes scanning the room before he began a brief speech, addressing the guests with a gentle and commanding tone.
The room fell into a hushed silence as they listened attentively to his address.
As Arthur concluded his speech, the other kings in attendance swiftly approached him, eager to engage in conversation and discuss matters of importance.
Meanwhile, their respective wives gracefully made their way toward Aerilyn and the other high-ranking women present, engaging in polite exchanges and sharing pleasantries.
"By the way, Ian..."
Péréz began, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Who's going to open the ceremony?"
"I believe it's going to be my brother."
Traditionally, before the commencement of the tournament, it was customary for the Prince of the Empire to engage in a friendly bout with one of the princes from another kingdom, serving as an opening ceremony.
Péréz let out a disappointed sigh, sinking into his seat as he lamented.
"I wanted to fight you, it's been a while since we had a duel, you know."
Adrian understood Péréz's sentiment.
It had indeed been a few years since they last had a proper duel, and Adrian was curious about Péréz's growth after not seeing him for two years.
As an idea popped out, Adrian responded.
"Well, I think that's doable. I'll talk to my brother about it."
Péréz's expression immediately lit up, his excitement evident as he abruptly straightened his back.
However, before Adrian could say anything further, Ralph interjected, clearing his throat to gain their attention.
"Ahem! Mind you, Péréz, you are not the only one who wants to fight Ian."
Ralph chimed in, his tone laced with a hint of competitiveness.
Péréz looked at Ralph in disbelief, surprised by his statement.
Before he could respond, Rhea added.
"Ralph is right. I also wish to test my skills against Adrian."
"Tsk."
Péréz clicked his tongue in annoyance, feeling outnumbered and frustrated by the sudden turn of events.
He begrudgingly accepted the situation, realizing that he wasn't the sole contender for a duel with Adrian.
"Fine! Then let us settle this with a game of rock-paper-scissors to decide."
Péréz suggested, his competitive spirit reignited.
Ralph and Rhea nodded in agreement, ready to determine who would have the opportunity to face Adrian in combat.
As the tension mounted, Adrian and Sylvina observed the unfolding scene while savoring their tea and refreshments.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Péréz, Ralph, and Rhea prepared to engage in the duel.
"Go!"
Péréz's voice rang out, and the contestants swiftly revealed their hands.
Péréz and Ralph both displayed their palms, showing a paper sign, while Rhea's hand formed a solid rock.
Upon seeing the outcome, Rhea couldn't help but curse in frustration.
"Arg! Why did I choose a rock?! Goddamnit!"
Ignoring Rhea's distress, Péréz and Ralph prepared for another round.
The tension in the air was palpable as they readied themselves for the decisive moment.
"Go!"
Péréz shouted once again, and this time Ralph's face fell into his palm as he realized Péréz had chosen a rock while he had chosen a pair of scissors.
"Hehe. Looks like you're going to fight me, Ian!"
Péréz declared victoriously, his competitive spirit shining through.
Adrian calmly placed his teacup down, meeting Péréz's gaze.
"So, what game do you want to play?"
Since this was a tournament, they needed to choose a game that was pertinent to the event.
"Hmm…"
Péréz pondered for a moment, assuming a thoughtful pose.
After a few seconds, he finally offered his suggestion.
"How about jousting?"
Adrian shrugged nonchalantly, his demeanor relaxed.
"Well, I don't have any problem with that."
Péréz's face lit up with excitement.
"Good! Then it's settled. Don't you dare run away, Ian!"
Adrian chuckled at Péréz's audacity.
"I'm not a coward, Péréz."
With the official start of the Hastilude festival scheduled for the following day, Péréz could hardly contain his eagerness for the day to arrive.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦