A Noble's Manners and a Prince's Humiliation
As Kaiser dissolved into a storm of ravens, Atta couldn't help but smirk.
Reyan raised an eyebrow. "What's so funny, bro?"
"That," Atta said, nodding toward the swirling black feathers. "He's using black magic. My father forbade it in the human kingdom." His smirk widened. "But he's clever—since he's in the Angel Kingdom, he can use it freely here."
Reyan frowned. "Why did your father forbid it?"
Atta's eyes narrowed. "You'll find out soon enough."
---
In the arena, Princess Isha stood her ground as the ravens closed in. "Well, now I—"
Before she could finish, one raven darted into her mouth, lodging deep in her throat. Her eyes widened in panic. She clawed at her throat, fingers straining, but couldn't reach it. She collapsed to her knees, suffocating, her pupils reddening.
Reyan jolted in horror. "Now I get it, bro—this is why black magic is forbidden!"
Isha's vision blurred, but in the split-second before unconsciousness, she pressed her hand to her throat and froze the raven inside with her ice magic. Then, with a desperate punch to her own neck, she shattered it into shards. Gasping, she vomited out frozen fragments and clutched her chest, dragging in ragged breaths.
On the balcony, Atta crossed his arms. "She worked beautifully under pressure. Impressive."
Reyan smirked and elbowed him. "Ohhh, I think Prince Atta is falling for the elf princess."
Atta ignored him.
"Oi! Don't ignore me, idiot!" Reyan pouted.
---
In the arena, the ravens merged once more into Kaiser's human form. He watched Isha still recovering on the ground. "I didn't want to hurt you, Princess. That's why I tried to end it quickly. But it seems I've no choice. Let's fight seriously."
Isha rose to her feet, fury burning in her eyes. "I'll make you pay for that."
She clapped her hands, her eyes glowing icy blue. In an instant, the entire arena floor froze solid.
Kaiser leapt into the air to avoid touching the ice, but Isha shot upward like a spear, fist blazing with frost. She smashed into him mid-air, sending him skidding back.
Kaiser steadied himself, rubbing his stomach. He sighed. "I'm sorry, Princess. I still can't bring myself to strike a woman." His voice rose above the stunned crowd. "I surrender."
Gasps erupted. Isha froze in disbelief.
On the balcony, Reyan nearly choked. "He… he actually surrendered? Because she's a woman?"
Atta pressed a hand to his forehead, laughing quietly.
"What's so funny?" Reyan demanded. "A noble from your kingdom just lost."
Atta shook his head. "I'm not disappointed. I'm proud. He didn't break his principles for the sake of a tournament. That's what true noble blood looks like."
The announcer's voice boomed: "And the winner of the third match is Princess Isha of the Elves!" The crowd erupted in cheers.
---
The celebration was cut short by echoing footsteps. A new figure entered the arena—short, stocky, with an aura of calm dominance. For the first time, Atta saw him: Prince Yoni of the Dwarves, the one who had eliminated both Kaiser and Isha in the last Theoms.
Atta turned. Reyan bowed slightly. "Prince Yoni. Is it your match next?"
Yoni shook his head. His eyes slid to Reyan. "No. Prince Ethan faces you next, angel."
Reyan froze, his face paling. "Ethan…?"
Yoni's gaze shifted to Atta, who stood tall without bowing. His brows arched. "I don't recall you belonging to any noble house. Why don't you bow?"
Atta sighed. "Because I don't feel like it."
A murmur rippled among the onlookers.
"You can't be a commoner," Yoni said slowly. "Not with that arrogance. Who are you, boy?"
Atta turned fully toward him, eyes cold. "I'm Prince Atta of the Human Kingdom."
Yoni blinked, then composed himself. "Ah. I hadn't seen you before. You've never visited our kingdom, correct?"
"I'm not interested in politics."
Yoni smirked. "Of course. You're the child whose birth claimed the life of Queen Farhana. Traumatized from the start. No wonder you avoid politics."
Reyan's jaw dropped. "Bro…"
Atta's veins bulged across his neck and temples as his fists clenched. But instead of exploding, he exhaled sharply, then smirked. "Hey, Yoni. I met your father once—the King of the Dwarves. You don't really look like his son."
Yoni frowned. "What do you mean?"
Atta chuckled darkly, leaning back against the wall. "I mean… maybe you should ask your mother who else she slept with."
The balcony froze in silence. Yoni's calm mask shattered, his eyes narrowing with pure rage. He thrust a hand against Atta's chest—wind magic bursting forth.
Atta was blasted off the balcony, sent hurtling toward the arena floor.
Shock rippled through the stadium. Atta's thoughts raced: Wind magic. Not as powerful as Sister Fiza's, but still strong…
As the ground rushed up, he closed his eyes and whispered: "Derona."
The sword materialized in his hand. With a single slash, he released a wave of force against the arena floor, halting his fall and propelling himself upright into the air.
He fixed his glare on Yoni. "Derona—don't kill him. Just knock him out."
Yoni's fists clenched, his body surging with mana. Both princes shot toward each other at breakneck speed.
From the stands, David Diamante muttered, "Isn't that your prince? Who is he fighting with?"
Beside him, Luke Blackwood's face paled as he recognized Yoni. "Idiot… that's the dwarf prince. If they clash seriously, this tournament won't just end. Their kingdoms will go to war."
---
To be continued…