Chapter 152 Ch. 152: Crumbling Down [1]
—Bang!
The clash of steel rang out, the sound reverberating through the arena as sparks flew from the collision of their blades.
With a swift motion, their horses passed each other, their powerful strides propelling them forward.
Adrian and Pérez skillfully maneuvered their steeds, their gaze fixed on each other before ultimately launching themselves towards their opponent once again.
—Gallop —Gallop —Gallop
The rhythmic galloping of hooves reverberated through the ground, harmonizing with the deafening cheers of the spectators.
As the distance between them rapidly diminished, Péréz waved his sword in an arc.
However, Adrian swiftly raised his shield, intercepting the incoming attack with a resounding clash.
—Bang!
A burst of fiery sparks erupted into the air, momentarily illuminating the intensity of the battle.
Immediately after crossing paths, they executed a flawless synchronized pivot on their horses and resumed their charge.
—Gallop —Gallop —Gallop
As the horses galloped, their flowing manes danced gracefully in the wind.
Closing in on each other, their horses gradually slowed down and Péréz quickly thrust his sword forward, but Adrian deftly tilted his head.
Seizing the opportunity, Adrian swiftly parried Péréz's weapon sideways with his sword, while his other hand swung his shield.
However, Péréz swiftly ducked, narrowly avoiding the retaliatory strike.
Without missing a beat, Adrian retrieved his weapon and drove his sword forward.
To his surprise, Péréz's horse swiftly sidestepped, evading the attack with a graceful maneuver before swiftly galloping away.
"Tsk."
Adrian clicked his tongue in annoyance as his sword sliced through the empty air.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable as they watched the intense duel unfold before them.
Wasting no more time, Adrian urged his horse forward, chasing after Péréz.
The moment the sound of galloping hooves reached Péréz's ears, he swiftly turned his horse and brandished his sword.
—Bang!
With a deafening clash, their weapons met, sending sparks flying of steel through the air.
Retracting their weapons, they swung them once again.
—Bang!
Their horses sidestepped as the combatants relentlessly exchanged attacks.
—Bang! —Bang! —Bang!
The rhythmic clash of their weapons harmonized with the mingling breaths of the warriors and their steeds.
Nevertheless, despite Adrian and Péréz being only separated by a single rank in strength, the continuous exchange of blows began to take its toll.
Adrian could feel his hands growing numb, but he refused to yield.
As the tip of Péréz's sword lunged at him, Adrian hastily tilted his head to the side.
Upon seeing an opening, he immediately waved his shield, a move mirrored by Péréz, but it was too late.
—Bang!
A deafening clash of steel reverberated through the field as Adrian's shield struck Péréz's armor, eliciting a gasp from the crowd.
However, it was not enough to unhorse Péréz.
The force coursing through his body compelled Péréz to spur his horse, creating a distance between them.
Without much thought, Adrian followed suit, taking a moment to catch their breath.
The crowd, captivated by the spectacle unfolding before them, erupted in cheers.
—Gallop —Gallop —Gallop
They circled each other, their eyes locked in an unyielding gaze.
"Haa… haa…"
Adrian's breath came in heavy gasps, the heat trapped within his full armor becoming increasingly suffocating.
He could feel sweat trickling down his back, dampening his gambeson beneath the weighty plates.
Driven to conclude the match swiftly, Adrian urged his horse forward and Péréz matched his movements.
—Gallop —Gallop —Gallop
The thunderous galloping of their steeds stirred up clouds of dust, lending an ethereal quality to the already mesmerizing spectacle.
The crowd held its breath, their collective gaze fixated on the impending clash.
As they closed in on each other, Adrian released the reins and tightened his grip on his shield, channeling all his strength into his grasp.
With a burst of speed, they simultaneously swung their shields forward, aiming for each other's bodies.
—Bang!
The tumultuous clash of metal against metal reverberated through the arena, the impact rippling through their bodies.
Both warriors staggered under the force, but Adrian managed to maintain his balance.
—Thud!
A deafening thud reverberated through the air, capturing Adrian's attention in an instant.
His heart skipped a beat as he glanced over his shoulder, only to witness Péréz sprawled on the ground, his horse galloping away before eventually coming to a halt.
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of awe and astonishment, their cheers echoing through the grand arena.
"Haa… haa…"
Breathing heavily, Adrian dismounted his horse, his adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
He approached the fallen Péréz, his footsteps echoing in the silence that followed the thunderous clash.
Péréz, lying on the ground, glared up at Adrian with a mix of frustration and disappointment, his breaths ragged and heavy.
"Haa... haa..."
Péréz panted, his voice laced with exhaustion and frustration.
"Dammit! I wanted to win!"
Adrian couldn't help but chuckle at Péréz's sulking, his amusement was evident in his voice.
"Well, you'll have to try again in five years."
"Fuck you."
Péréz muttered under his breath.
Soon, Adrian extended his hand and without much thought Péréz received it.
"Thanks."
Péréz muttered and Adrian nodded in acknowledgement.
They both turned to the audience and removed their helmets, revealing sweat-soaked faces.
The audience rose to their feet, their cheers and applause filling the air, as they celebrated the thrilling display of skill and valor that had unfolded before their eyes.
With a final nod of acknowledgment, Adrian and Péréz returned to the waiting room behind the portcullis.
Suddenly, a resounding voice boomed through the arena, capturing everyone's attention.
It was the herald, standing tall at the center of the arena, adorned in a regal uniform that demanded respect.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us applaud the valiant display of skill and bravery by Prince Adrian and Prince Péréz!"
The herald's voice reverberated through the air, carrying a sense of admiration and reverence.
"Their unwavering determination and unwavering spirit have left us in awe. Let us give them a round of applause!"
The crowd erupted once again, their applause thunderous and filled with appreciation for the two princes' remarkable performance.
The herald continued, his voice projecting with authority and excitement.
"But the games do not end here, my friends! We have more thrilling competitions in store for you! Prepare yourselves for the next joust contest!"
As the herald's words hung in the air, the crowd buzzed with anticipation.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as spectators eagerly awaited the next spectacle that would unfold before their eyes.
.
.
.
Inside his chamber,? Adrian was surrounded by maids who were dressing him for the banquet.
With utmost precision, they fastened the accessories onto his clothes, ensuring every detail was perfect.
As the maids meticulously attended to his attire, they finally draped a luxurious blue cape around his shoulders.
As the first day of the Hastilude festival concluded, the banquet was held tonight.
It was worth noting that the duration of the banquet matches that of the festival itself.
So it was like… during the day, the Hastilude festival took place, while the banquet was held in the evening.
Honestly speaking, it was quite a wasteful expenditure.
However, what could be said?
The nobility thrived on such grandiose displays, and the Empire's coffers were seemingly bottomless when it came to hosting these extravagant affairs.
Interrupting his thoughts, one of the maids spoke softly as they stepped back.
"Your Highness, it's finished."
Without bothering to look at his reflection in the mirror, Adrian nodded appreciatively
"Thank you, you all are dismissed."
The maids curtsied respectfully and left the room, leaving only him and Fredinand.
Turning to his head butler, Adrian made a request.
"Can you watch the night for me? I will join you once the banquet is over."
He and Ferdinand had been keeping watch over the night since their arrival.
Adrian confided in Ferdinand about the arrival of the black-robed man, as he was the only person Adrian could trust at that moment.
What Adrian appreciated most about Ferdinand was his unwavering obedience to his orders, without question.
Adrian was immensely grateful to have Ferdinand by his side as he proved to be an invaluable ally.
"As you wish."
Ferdinand bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Fredinand."
With that, he made his way towards the door, however, Fredinand halted him.
"Your Highness, please allow me to escort you to the banquet hall."
Adrian shook his head and smiled warmly at his thoughtfulness.
"No, it's alright. Just focus on your duties for the night."
"I understand."
Adrian stepped out of his chambers, his footsteps echoing through the grandiose arch hallway.
—Tap —Tap —Tap
The opulence of his surroundings was awe-inspiring.
Golden statues stood proudly on either side, their intricate details catching the light.
The left wall and ceiling were adorned with magnificent tapestries, depicting scenes of valor and triumph of the Lancaster family.
Countless crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting a warm glow throughout the hallway.
To his right, a series of giant glass doors lined the corridor, offering a glimpse of the moonlit night outside.
The night was surprisingly bright, illuminating the watchtower in the distance—
"It's…"
Adrian jolted with surprise, causing him to abruptly halt his steps as a mysterious black figure emerged into view within the watchtower.
'He's here!'
Without hesitation, he rushed towards the nearest glass door, swinging it open to be greeted by the cold gusts of the night.
Summoning a series of earth plates, Adrian formed a pathway leading directly to the watchtower.
As Adrian approached, a whirlwind of emotions engulfed him, causing his heart to race uncontrollably.
Anger coursed through his veins, an unfamiliar sensation that threatened to consume him.
He couldn't comprehend why he felt such intense anger, but he brushed it off, focusing solely on capturing the figure.
Chanting a spell, Adrian created a transparent barrier that swiftly enveloped the watchtower, trapping the black-robed figure inside.
'Caught you!'
Arriving at the castle wall, he leaped onto the parapet and made his way toward the entrance of the watchtower.
There, Adrian noticed a figure in a black robe, trapped inside with their back facing him.
The anticipation in his chest grew, but as the figure turned around, Adrian's pace slowed, his heart sinking with confusion.
"Ian?"
The figure inside the watchtower called out to him, his voice filled with confusion and disbelief.
Adrian froze in his tracks as the moonlight illuminated the face of the figure in the black robe.
The realization hit him like a thunderbolt.
As his mind raced to make sense of the situation, a name escaped his mouth.
"...Nate?"
Adrian whispered, barely audible.
The black-robed figure he had seen in his dreams, the one that killed his mother was… Nathaniel?
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