Chapter 43: Don't Lower Your Head, The Crown Will Fall
Led by Antiope and her squad of female knights, Xi Nian rode through the streets of Themyscira until they ascended a mountain peak.
Riding atop the white horse, Xi Nian's eyes lit up at the sight.
It looked as though the summit of the mountain had been sliced flat by some divine force, forming a vast natural training ground. The grass carpeting the wide platform was soft like a rug, and beyond the edge lay nothing but endless sky and sea.
Dozens of tall female warriors were sparring on the grassy field. Each one was clad in a warrior's skirt, bare-armed, their physiques far surpassing that of normal humans. They fought seriously, blades and spears clashing in fierce combat with real weapons.
Steel rang against steel, sparks flew wildly.
These were Amazon warriors—if matched against a modern army of equal numbers, they would crush them into bloody paste without effort. Against intruders, they would always be the first to charge into battle.
When Antiope arrived on her black horse, the warriors stopped immediately, raising their hands in respect.
"General!"
But the moment they finished, their sharp, hostile gazes shifted to the boy behind her.
No one needed to explain who he was.
A human. A male. On Themyscira, there could be no one else. And most importantly, atop his head gleamed the starry royal crown.
If looks could kill, Xi Nian would have been slain countless times already.
He sighed inwardly. He understood their hostility.
These warriors were fiercer than the female guards he had encountered before, and for women who worshipped strength above all else, he—a mere boy—could never measure up to their princess.
But still!
Understanding didn't mean acceptance!
They could scorn him for being human, but they could not scorn the crown on his head.
Xi Nian, who moments ago could hardly sit steady on his white horse, suddenly straightened with a cold and unwavering gaze. He met each hostile stare directly, his eyes sharp and unflinching.
Bathed in golden sunlight, the star crown shimmered with majestic halos, making Xi Nian—at that moment—look every bit like a true royal heir. Several Amazon warriors instinctively averted their eyes, unable to meet his.
Antiope was startled. She had deliberately brought Xi Nian here to face the fiercest warriors, to humble him, to show him he was unworthy of the crown he wore.
But she had been completely wrong.
Xi Nian knew he could not truly bear the weight of Diana's crown. But as long as it rested on his head, he would never bow, never yield, never let its radiance be sullied.
To lower his head would mean tarnishing Diana's honor.
And that, he would never allow.
Antiope seemed to realize this too. She barked sharply, "Why are you not paying respects?"
The warriors glanced at each other. Though reluctant, they saluted the youth on the white horse, saluting not him, but the crown.
"Greetings… Your Highness!"
Xi Nian gave the horse a light pat. The beast, strangely obedient now, lowered itself in a respectful stance.
Antiope dismounted and gave new orders. "Rest here for now. Training will resume after lunch."
"Yes, General!" The warriors dispersed, weapons put away. Before long, common women arrived, bringing figs, cheese, bread, and freshly roasted meat.
The Amazons sat in circles, eating without restraint.
Xi Nian sat alone on the grass. Soon, a portion of food was set before him.
"Your Highness," Antiope approached, holding a roasted lamb leg. "This is how Amazons usually take their meals. If you're unaccustomed, I can arrange a private dining hall."
"It's fine. Feels like a picnic—new experience." Xi Nian shrugged, washed his hands with clean water, and began eating bread and meat.
He was truly starving.
Antiope watched him eat, and for a brief moment, she seemed lost in thought.
She remembered Diana as a child. After she had been permitted to train with the warriors, Diana too had refused to return to the palace for meals. She always insisted on eating here, on the grass with the others.
"Thank you," Antiope suddenly said.
"Hm? For what?" Xi Nian looked up.
"For defending Princess Diana's honor earlier." Antiope's voice was flat.
"That doesn't need your thanks," Xi Nian replied simply. "She is my family. That is my duty."
"Family's duty…" Something flickered in Antiope's eyes.
…
After lunch, Xi Nian thought he would finally be able to rest. But then he saw Antiope stand, stride to the weapons rack, and pick up two gleaming Greek swords.
With a sharp motion, she held one herself, and thrust the other into the ground at Xi Nian's feet.
"Come."
"What are you doing?" Xi Nian frowned at the sword.
The sudden tension drew every warrior's attention.
"A challenge. This is my duty," Antiope said coldly. "Now it is time for you to fulfill yours. Pick up the sword and fight me."
"I don't know how to use a sword—"
Before he could finish, Antiope lunged forward, her blade cutting through the air with deadly force.
Damn, she's serious!
Xi Nian's pupils shrank. Instinctively, he snatched up the sword stuck in the ground and raised it in front of him to block.
Clang!
The impact sent one sword spinning high into the air, before stabbing into the ground behind him.
Xi Nian's hands throbbed with pain. His sword had been knocked clean out of his grip, his palms burning.
Antiope had feinted, switching from a slash to an upward strike, disarming him in an instant.
"Duty requires strength to uphold it." Her eyes were cold. "Too weak! With this level, you dare to claim the island's most precious treasure? As Diana's guardian, I have the duty to snap your neck at any moment!"
Xi Nian said nothing. He simply turned, picked the sword back up, and tightened his grip.
"Again."
Facing the Amazon's strongest general, the boy wearing the star crown spoke with absolute resolve.
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