random123456

Chapter 173: Young Man

The next day, as the sun rose over the bustling city of Andelheim, Valeria made her way through the streets, her steps purposeful and her mind focused. The lingering calm from her early morning training gave her a sense of clarity, though the weight of the tournament ahead still rested on her shoulders.

The streets were already alive with activity. Vendors shouted to passersby, displaying their wares—swords, armor, and potions—all aimed at the warriors and mages preparing for the tournament. The hum of excitement filled the air, but Valeria paid little attention to it, her thoughts fixed on the task at hand.

As she approached the center of the city, the tournament registration stall came into view. A large crowd had gathered, some eagerly chatting about the upcoming matches, others nervously clutching their identity cards as they waited their turn. The stall itself was a simple but well-constructed tent, with banners bearing the insignia of Marquis Aldrich Ventor flapping gently in the breeze.

Valeria paused for a moment, taking in the sight.

And then she sighed quietly as she observed the long line of people ahead of her, her brows furrowing in mild frustration. 'Even in the morning, the line is this long… I should have come much earlier,' she thought, silently reprimanding herself for not anticipating the rush.

There were numerous registration stalls scattered around the city, but she had chosen this one because it was the closest to where she had trained earlier on the outskirts.

'Maybe I should have chosen one of the others,' she mused, glancing at the impatient crowd. She hadn't expected such a long queue this early, especially at a smaller stall like this. As she considered her options, a question lingered in her mind—why was this line moving so slowly?

Just as she was about to contemplate finding another stall, a loud voice cut through the chatter around her.

"Attention! Attention, all participants!" The announcer, a burly man with a booming voice, stood at the front of the stall. "Registrations will close at noon sharp! All participants must be finished by that point. After 1 P.M., no further entries will be accepted!"

The crowd murmured in response, some whispering in concern while others surged forward, hoping to speed up the process. Valeria's eyes narrowed slightly. 'So that's why it's taking so long… Everyone's rushing to get in before the cutoff,' she realized.

She had been traveling on the horse for the last week and a half, and she had also spent quite a bit of time deciding whether she should leave her knights or not.

That was why she was this late.

'I mismanaged my time.'

She did not know today was the last day of the registration period. She did not find any reason to register immediately or ask about the tournament when she came to the city yesterday since she was tired, but now she regretted the fact that she made such a decision.

Valeria sighed inwardly, her eyes scanning the long line ahead of her. 'I should have planned better,' she thought, chastising herself for not managing her time more efficiently..

'I didn't even know today was the last day for registration,' she mused, regretting her decision to forgo asking about the tournament details when she had arrived in the city the day before. She had been too exhausted to think straight then, but now she wished she had pushed through the fatigue and gathered more information.

She glanced around, wondering if she should try another registration stall. 'Maybe another stall would be faster,' she considered, already picturing herself weaving through the busy streets to find one. But then her thoughts darkened as she imagined encountering a line just as long—if not longer—at another stall.

If she left now, she'd lose her place here, and what if the other stalls were the same? Worse, what if she ran out of time completely and missed the cutoff?

Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag. It was the first time she had found herself in such a dilemma, unsure of how to proceed. The pressure was mounting, and the indecision gnawed at her. 'What if I make the wrong choice?'

After a long, drawn-out breath, she made her decision. 'I'll stick with this stall. I can't afford to risk everything by moving to another line.' It wasn't worth the gamble.

Valeria settled her stance, committing to the wait, even though she still felt uneasy. This was no time to let uncertainty take hold of her. With her place secured in the line, she steeled herself, determined to see this through.

*******

The outskirts of Andelheim were buzzing with an even greater sense of chaos than the day before. The line to enter the city stretched far beyond, winding along the road in an unruly mass of people, carts, and animals. The sun blazed down on the gathered crowd, making tempers flare, and it seemed as though every other person was embroiled in some sort of argument or dispute.

Shouts echoed across the dusty road as quarrels broke out in various parts of the line. Some were arguing over cutting in line, while others seemed ready to throw punches over whose horse or cart took up too much space. The hot air was filled with frustration and impatience, and the guards stationed near the gates were doing their best to maintain order, though they were clearly overwhelmed.

In the midst of the chaos, a disturbance caught the attention of several onlookers. A horse, moving at a steady trot, made its way past the outskirts of the queue. The animal's dark coat gleamed in the sunlight, its legs kicking up small clouds of dust as it flapped its hooves on the ground, making its way effortlessly through the crowd, avoiding the skirmishes.

Riding atop the horse was a young man, his face obscured beneath a wide straw hat that shielded him from the sun's relentless glare. His posture was relaxed, almost carefree, as if the noise and tension around him had no effect.

Draped over his shoulder was a cat with pristine white fur, its coat shining like snow under the bright sun. The feline's emerald eyes lazily scanned the crowd, occasionally flicking its tail as it perched comfortably on its master's shoulder.

As the young man trotted past the crowd, the initial curiosity from the onlookers quickly turned to disdain. His clothes, though functional, were worn and faded from travel, and the state of his attire didn't fit the image of someone worthy of note. Murmurs spread through the crowd as people glanced at him, some scoffing or sneering at his seemingly unremarkable appearance.

"Look at him, acting all high and mighty with those rags on," one person muttered, earning a few nods from those around them. A group of younger men chuckled under their breath, mocking the young man's worn-out straw hat and dust-covered clothes.

"Who does he think he is?" another voice chimed in. "Walking through like he owns the place."

Despite their mockery, there was an unspoken tension in the air. Even though the crowd couldn't sense any mana from the young man, they felt a subtle, unexplainable pressure that made them uneasy. Some of the more experienced Awakened in the line exchanged wary glances, sensing that something was off, though they couldn't place why.

"Strange... I can't sense a thing from him," one man muttered to his companion, who frowned in agreement.

"Me neither, but there's... something," the companion replied, his eyes narrowing.

The white-furred cat perched on the young man's shoulder flicked its tail lazily, its sharp emerald eyes scanning the crowd as if completely aware of their thoughts. The quiet grace of the cat only added to the strange, silent presence they exuded.

Unfazed by the muttered remarks or the prying eyes, the young man rode his horse forward, the clopping of hooves steady and measured.

His path didn't waver, and he didn't spare a glance at the commoners waiting in the long, chaotic queue. Instead, his horse moved past them and toward the noble's entrance, where a smaller gate, much less crowded, stood guard.

As the young man neared the noble's entrance, the city guards standing at the gate stiffened. They exchanged glances, their eyes scanning the young man's worn clothes and the dust-covered horse beneath him. His appearance didn't match the well-dressed nobles and affluent travelers who typically passed through this entrance.

One of the guards, a tall man with a stern expression, stepped forward and raised a hand, signaling for the young man to stop. "Hold it right there," the guard barked, his voice gruff. "This gate's reserved for nobles and dignitaries. You should be in the commoner's queue."

The other guards nodded in agreement, eyeing the young man's simple attire with a mix of suspicion and disdain. "You think you can just slip in here, dressed like that? Trying to cheat your way through?" another guard added, his tone laced with condescension.

The young man remained silent, his face still partially obscured by the wide brim of his straw hat. He made no move to argue or explain himself. Instead, with a graceful ease, he jumped down from his horse. The motion was fluid, as if he were weightless, landing softly on the ground without a sound.

The guards tensed slightly, their eyes narrowing, but the young man paid them no mind. He calmly approached the guard who had spoken first, his steps measured and purposeful. Reaching into the folds of his worn clothes, he retrieved a small card from a hidden pocket.

Without a word, he handed the ID card to the guard.

The guard, still frowning as he glanced down at the ID card, suddenly felt the faintest brush of movement against his uniform.

"Here, take this."

Chapter 174: Meeting Again

The guard's eyes flicked downward, and to his surprise, he saw a glimmer of gold nestled quietly in the folds of his pocket. A single golden coin.

For a brief moment, the guard's confusion deepened. But then, as the weight of the coin registered, so did the meaning behind it. The young man's silent demeanor, the elegant ease with which he carried himself, even the subtle grace of the cat perched on his shoulder—it all painted a picture of someone who knew how to maneuver through the world without drawing attention.

The whisper of a voice reached the guard's ears, though he couldn't pinpoint its source. "Here, take this," it had said, soft but clear. His eyes darted back to the ID card, then up to the young man, who stood still, calm as ever.

The guard's frown melted into a neutral expression. He straightened his posture, tucking the ID card away and nodding curtly. "Everything seems to be in order," he said, his voice now devoid of the earlier suspicion. The glint of the coin remained tucked in his pocket, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken agreement between them.

With a respectful gesture, he stepped aside and motioned for the other guards to do the same. "You may enter the city, sir," he said, his tone now formal, almost deferential.

The young man, still without a word, took back his ID card, slipping it into the folds of his clothing as he turned and remounted his horse. The white-furred cat on his shoulder flicked its tail, casting one last glance at the guards with its piercing emerald eyes.

******

Lucavion passed through the noble's gate without a word, the guards now standing respectfully aside; their earlier hostility evaporated like mist in the morning sun. His worn clothes and dust-covered appearance no longer mattered. The subtle exchange, the silent understanding, had smoothed the way.

As he entered the bustling streets of Andelheim, the familiar sights and sounds of the city greeted him. Merchants called out their wares, noble carriages clattered along the cobblestone roads, and the air hummed with the energy of the upcoming tournament. Lucavion's gaze remained steady, his focus sharp despite the crowd around him.

On his shoulder, Vitaliara's emerald eyes glinted with amusement. [I see you're still familiar with Gerald's methods,] she remarked in his mind, her tone a mixture of curiosity and playfulness. [It seems he hasn't changed much since those days when he traveled the world—always quick with a bribe when necessary.]

Lucavion's lips curled into a small smile as he navigated through the throng of people. "I did not learn it from Master; I just know what is important," he replied quietly, his voice calm and composed. "Money can always be made. Time, on the other hand, cannot. I've learned to prioritize what matters."

[Is that so?] Vitaliara's tail flicked lightly, her curiosity piqued. [You never were one to waste time, but I didn't expect you to just give one gold to that guard.]

Lucavion chuckled softly, his eyes scanning the bustling streets as they made their way toward the tournament grounds. "A not small price to pay for efficiency," he said. "Bribes are simple, and they save me the hassle of unnecessary confrontations. Besides, in this world, most people would rather turn a blind eye for the right incentive."

Vitaliara's eyes narrowed slightly, her feline instincts sharp as she studied the people around them. [And what happens when bribes are no longer enough?] she asked, her voice quieter now, more serious.

"They are enough most of the time."

[When they are not?]

Lucavion's gaze flickered toward her for a brief moment, his expression thoughtful. "When bribes are no longer enough, I'll adapt," he replied. "There's always a way to get what you need if you're resourceful enough."

The streets of Andelheim were crowded, filled with warriors, merchants, and nobles, all preparing for the tournament. The city's atmosphere was thick with anticipation, the tension palpable.

Merchants shouted out their wares, warriors of all kinds strolled confidently through the streets, and the noble carriages clattered along the cobblestones with the kind of pomp and elegance that defined the wealthy.

As he rode through the city, it quickly became apparent that his horse would be more of a hindrance than a help in such crowded conditions. The narrow streets leading to the tournament grounds were packed with people, and navigating them on horseback would be nearly impossible without attracting unwanted attention.

Lucavion's gaze flickered over the various signs hanging above buildings until he spotted a stable at the corner of a bustling street. It was a modest establishment, but it appeared well-kept, with a few other horses already tied outside, waiting to be stabled. Lucavion turned his horse toward it, making his way through the crowd until he reached the entrance.

Dismounting, Lucavion approached the stable master, a burly man with a ruddy face and hands weathered from years of tending to animals. The man gave Lucavion a cursory glance, his eyes briefly lingering on the fine, powerful build of the horse.

"Looking to stable your horse, sir?" the stable master asked, wiping his hands on a rag.

Lucavion nodded, pulling out a small pouch from the folds of his coat. "For the tournament's duration," he said, his voice measured and calm.

The stable master nodded in understanding. "That'll be ten silver coins for a week, or if you're only here for a few days, five silver for three."

Lucavion, without hesitation, placed a handful of silver coins into the man's outstretched palm. "I'll take the week," he said, though he didn't plan on staying that long. Having the extra time just in case was worth the price.

The stable master accepted the coins with a satisfied nod, quickly counting them before motioning toward one of his workers. "Take good care of the horse," Lucavion added, his tone soft but carrying a hint of authority. "It's been a long journey."

The worker, a young boy, hurried over, taking the reins of Lucavion's horse with wide eyes. He looked slightly intimidated, not by Lucavion's words, but by the sheer presence of the man before him—his quiet confidence and the piercing eyes that seemed to see everything.

Vitaliara flicked her tail, watching the exchange from Lucavion's shoulder. [You're really paying a bit extra everywhere today, aren't you?] she teased, her tone light.

Lucavion smiled faintly as he handed the reins over to the boy. "Peace of mind isn't cheap," he replied, stepping back as the boy led his horse toward the stable.

As they left the stables behind, Vitaliara purred softly, [If you keep paying like that, will your money not end?]

"It won't, don't worry. And I don't have an immediate need for huge sums of money either."

[If you say so.]

The streets of Andelheim opened up before him once more, the tournament grounds now drawing closer.

Lucavion made his way through the bustling streets of Andelheim, weaving between the crowds as he neared the tournament registration area. The energy in the city was electric, and the closer he got to the grand arena, the thicker the crowd became. Finally, as he turned a corner, the sight of the long queue came into view.

It stretched out from the registration tent, a snaking line of warriors, mages, and other competitors, all waiting impatiently to register.

Lucavion's face immediately grimaced at the sight. He wasn't a man known for his impatience, but the thought of standing in the blazing sun for hours just to sign his name was far from appealing.

[Now what?] Vitaliara purred, sensing his frustration. Her emerald eyes gleamed with amusement as she perched on his shoulder, her tail swishing playfully.

Lucavion let out a resigned sigh. "It seems we have no choice but to wait in line for now," he replied, though his tone betrayed his annoyance. The last thing he wanted was to waste precious time standing idle.

But just as he was about to step toward the end of the line, something caught his attention. His eyes perked up, narrowing slightly as they focused on a figure further ahead in the crowd. It only took a moment for recognition to dawn, and then, unexpectedly, a soft chuckle escaped his lips.

"Hehe….Who would have thought she would really do it?"

His eyes had turned into an arc for some reason.

********

Valeria stood in the line, her arms crossed and her mind wandering as she waited. The minutes seemed to stretch on, and despite her resolve to stay put, impatience began to nibble at the edges of her thoughts.

The bustle of the city around her was nothing more than background noise now as her mind flicked through everything she had experienced in the last few days—her decision to leave her knights, the tension at the inn the night before, and the upcoming tournament.

But before her thoughts could spiral any further, a familiar, infuriating voice broke through the noise.

"Well, well, look who we have here."

Chapter 175: Meeting Again (2)

"Well, well, look who we have here," Lucavion's teasing tone cut through the crowd like a knife. "The great Valeria Olarion, standing in line like the rest of us mere mortals. Never thought I'd see the day."

Valeria stiffened, her jaw tightening in frustration before she slowly turned her head toward the voice. And there he was, that same smug grin on his face, leaning casually against a nearby post as if he hadn't a care in the world.

Valeria's eyes narrowed as she took in his casual posture and that ever-present smug grin. "You," she repeated, her voice laced with growing agitation. "Why are you here? Are you following me?"

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely surprised by the accusation. "Following you?" He shook his head, his smile widening. "Oh no, not this time. I didn't expect to find you here either. It's purely a coincidence, I swear."

Valeria's suspicion didn't waver. She crossed her arms, her gaze hard and untrusting. "Really?" she asked, her voice sharp with doubt.

Lucavion raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin never faltering. "Really. I'm innocent this time, I promise. Just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time… or maybe the wrong place at the right time, depending on how you see it."

Valeria huffed, clearly unconvinced, but before she could retort, Lucavion's gaze flicked to the crowd and then back to her, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Though I couldn't help but notice something," he said, his tone now teasing again. "It seems you decided to leave your knights behind this time."

Her jaw tightened, and she shifted slightly, uncomfortable with how easily he had picked up on that detail. "That's none of your business," she replied curtly, her voice cold.

Lucavion chuckled, his smile turning even more playful. "Touchy, touchy. But you know, it's kind of impressive. Going solo? That's a big step for the heir of the great Olarion family."

Valeria's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she kept her composure. "I don't need anyone's permission to make my own choices. Least of all yours."

"Oh, I'm not saying you do," he said with a shrug. "Just pointing out that it's a bold move. A risky one, too. But you like taking risks, don't you?"

Valeria's patience was wearing thin, and she was about to cut him off when he added with a sly grin, "I respect that, you know. But then again… I wonder what your father would think about this decision."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously at the mention of her father, but before she could respond, Lucavion raised his hands again, this time with a laugh. "Relax, relax. I'm just making conversation." He glanced at the long line ahead of them. "We'll be here for a while, after all."

Valeria's eyes narrowed in suspicion as a sudden thought crossed her mind. How had Lucavion just casually appeared here, leaning against a post and chatting with her? Shouldn't he be standing in line like everyone else?

"Wait a minute," she said, her tone sharp. "How come you're here, just standing around? Weren't you supposed to be in the line like the rest of us?"

Lucavion's smug grin faltered for the briefest of moments, and a bead of sweat formed on his brow. "Ah, well, funny you should mention that," he said, scratching the back of his head. "I was actually wondering the same thing myself… you know, just… uh, observing the situation first."

Valeria crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing even further. "Observing? Really?"

Lucavion let out a nervous chuckle. "Alright, alright. Look, I just wanted to come ask how you're holding up. Long lines and all, you know?" He gestured vaguely at the crowd. "But, hey, since we're already talking… how about I just stand beside you?"

Valeria's lips pressed into a thin line. "No," she said flatly.

Lucavion blinked, clearly not expecting such a blunt refusal. "No?"

"You're not allowed to cut the line," she said firmly. "If you want to register, you stand at the back like everyone else."

Lucavion's face fell into an exaggerated pleading expression, his voice dipping into a mock-desperate tone. "Come on, please? If I stand at the back, I won't make it in time, and I'll miss the registration. You wouldn't want to be responsible for keeping me out of the tournament, would you?"

Valeria felt the corners of her lips twitch upward despite herself. Seeing him like this—helpless, pleading—was oddly satisfying. For once, the smug, confident Lucavion was at her mercy. It almost felt like justice. She could see the slight panic behind his playful act, and it made her feel like he was finally getting what he deserved after all the teasing.

Her arms remained crossed, and she tilted her head slightly, looking him up and down. "Oh? You're afraid you won't make it in time?" she asked, her tone light but with a hint of amusement.

Lucavion nodded vigorously. "Exactly. It would be a real shame if all my talents went to waste because of a line. Don't you think?"

Valeria raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider his offer, watching as Lucavion's eyes brightened slightly with hope. But then, just as quickly, her expression hardened, and she shook her head firmly. "No. You're still not cutting the line."

The look of sheer disappointment on Lucavion's face was almost comical, and for a brief moment, Valeria felt like laughing. She hadn't smiled this much in a while, and though she had no intention of letting him skip ahead, seeing him squirm was more than enough satisfaction for the day.

Lucavion sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Ah, you wound me, Lady Valeria. Truly."

Valeria smirked, her voice teasing now. "Good." She turned her back to him, fully intending to end the conversation, but inwardly, she couldn't deny the small flicker of consideration she had felt earlier. But letting him off the hook? No, he deserved to feel the consequences of his carefree attitude.

Lucavion stood there for a moment longer, clearly trying to come up with another angle. "Well," he said finally, "I suppose I'll go… stand at the back. Like everyone else." His tone was filled with mock tragedy as he slouched away toward the end of the line, throwing one last hopeful glance over his shoulder.

Valeria didn't budge, and when he realized she wasn't going to change her mind, he sighed again, defeated.

After what felt like an eternity, Valeria finally neared the front of the line. The crowd had slowly thinned, and while the anticipation had kept her alert earlier, now the boredom was settling in. She felt strangely more tired than she had expected, the constant noise of the city and the endless waiting weighing on her mind.

'That bastard Lucavion really got under my skin,' she thought, shaking her head in frustration. Even though she had enjoyed turning him down, the entire interaction left her feeling oddly drained. Now, all she wanted was to get the registration over with and focus on preparing for the tournament.

At long last, she reached the front of the line. The clerk, a middle-aged man with tired eyes and a quill in his hand, looked up from his desk and gestured for her to step forward. Valeria handed over her identification and began the process.

"Name?" the clerk asked, his voice monotone.

"Valeria Olarion."

His quill scratched across the parchment as he wrote, his movements swift and practiced. "Affiliation?"

"No formal affiliation," she responded. "Just entering as a participant."

The man nodded absently, continuing to fill out the necessary forms. "Weapons or martial arts style?"

"Sword," Valeria said simply, keeping her responses short. "Knight training."

"Knight training, huh?" the clerk mumbled, though he didn't press for details. After a few more questions and scribbles on the parchment, he handed back her identification card and stamped the entry form with the official seal of the tournament.

"All set. You'll receive further details tomorrow morning about your match. Check your inn or come to the main arena for the updates."

Valeria nodded and took her paperwork, stepping away from the registration desk with a mix of relief and boredom. She was finally done, but the waiting had drained her energy more than she had anticipated. The excitement of entering the tournament was still there, but after hours in the line, it felt more like a distant hum in the back of her mind.

As she walked away, she couldn't help but glance around the crowd, hoping to see where that guy was.

'Heh…..He must be still waiting.'

Valeria glanced up at the sky, the sun nearing its peak. 'Almost noon,' she thought. 'Maybe he really won't make it.'

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she imagined Lucavion still standing at the back of that impossibly long line, growing more and more desperate as the clock ticked down.

But just as she was about to fully indulge in that satisfying mental image, she heard a familiar voice—muffled, but unmistakable.

"Well, that was a good decision!"

Chapter 176: This Guy!

"Well, that was a good decision!" came Lucavion's voice, though it sounded somewhat garbled as if his mouth was full.

Valeria's smirk instantly vanished, replaced by a deep scowl as she turned toward the sound.

And there he was. Lucavion, casually leaning against a nearby wall, chewing on what looked like a large sandwich. His appearance was completely relaxed, with no sign of worry on his face, despite the rapidly approaching registration deadline. He even gave her a small wave as if they were old friends.

"What… how?" Valeria started, her frustration evident in her voice. "How are you here already? Weren't you supposed to still be in line?"

Lucavion swallowed his mouthful of food and grinned widely, wiping the crumbs from his hands. "Turns out, all you need to do is have enough money."

Valeria's eyes flared with indignation, her voice rising sharply. "You bribed someone?" she demanded, her fists clenching at her sides. "You cut the line and bribed your way through?"

Lucavion raised an eyebrow at her reaction, his grin widening. "Technically, I didn't cut the line. I simply... expedited the process. Besides," he said, shrugging, "I figured I'd make the most of the time I had. No harm in that, right?"

"No harm?" Valeria nearly growled, her anger palpable. "You've committed two crimes at once, and you're just standing there, smiling like it's nothing? Are you out of your mind?"

Lucavion chuckled softly, clearly amused by her outrage. "Come on, Valeria. Don't tell me you're that much of a stickler for the rules. You've never bent a rule or two in your life?"

"Of course not!" she shot back, her voice firm and unwavering. "I follow the laws because that's what's expected of a knight—integrity, honor, responsibility! Unlike you, who apparently sees them as inconveniences to be tossed aside whenever it suits you."

Lucavion's smile didn't falter, though his eyes glinted mischievously. "Maybe that's the difference between you and me, then. You stick to the rules no matter what. Me? I find ways to make things a little easier. It's not about breaking the rules—it's about adapting to the situation."

Valeria's hands shook with frustration, her mind racing. She had spent hours waiting in line, following the proper procedures, doing everything by the book. And here he was, casually admitting to bribery and cutting corners as if it were a game. The fact that he seemed so utterly unbothered by it made her blood boil even more.

"You're insufferable," she spat, her voice low and dangerous.

Lucavion leaned back against the wall, still grinning as he took another bite of his sandwich. "Maybe. But it works for me, doesn't it?"

Valeria took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Just because it works doesn't mean it's right."

Lucavion shrugged, clearly unfazed. "Right or wrong, that depends on who's the one judging it, doesn't it? For someone like you, it may not be right to cut the line, but from my perspective, I just paid the price for the time that I would have spent normally. It is eventually an exchange at the end."

"You're using sophistry," Valeria said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "If everyone did the same thing—bribed their way through—what would happen? It would be chaos. There are rules for a reason, Lucavion."

Lucavion, unfazed, took another leisurely bite of his sandwich, chewing thoughtfully before offering her another grin. "Ah, but that's the point, isn't it? Not everyone can do it."

Valeria opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. She hated to admit it, but he was right—at least to a certain extent. Not everyone had the means or connections to bend the rules in their favor.

But that didn't make it right. Bribing someone wasn't just a simple exchange, like he wanted to make it sound.

It was an abuse of authority, paying individuals instead of contributing to the state, disrupting the very structure that kept society functioning.

"That's not how it works," she finally said, her voice more composed but still firm. "You're not paying for time—you're paying someone off. You're not contributing to the system; you're undermining it. And that's where the problem lies."

Lucavion tilted his head slightly, amusement still playing in his eyes. "You say that like it bothers you."

"It does bother me," Valeria snapped. "Because it's wrong. You're taking advantage of the system, of people, for your own convenience."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You really are a knight, through and through. But sometimes, Valeria, the system doesn't work for everyone. Some of us have to make our own way."

Valeria bit her lip, resisting the urge to argue further. She knew that this conversation wasn't going to change Lucavion's mind. But what frustrated her the most was that she could see the logic in his words, even if she didn't agree with it.

"You may think that," she said quietly, "but it doesn't change the fact that there are consequences to what you're doing."

Lucavion shrugged again, unconcerned. "Consequences, sure. But those are things to worry about later. Right now, I'm just enjoying my sandwich."

Valeria turned away, her frustration mounting. She couldn't stand the way he so casually dismissed everything, as if the rules and order she held dear meant nothing to him. But as much as she wanted to argue further, she knew it was pointless.

As Valeria walked away, trying to distance herself from the frustrating conversation, she heard Lucavion's footsteps following close behind. "So," he started, his tone as casual as ever, "when did you get here?"

She didn't respond immediately, hoping he would get the hint and leave her alone. But, of course, Lucavion being Lucavion, he pressed on.

"You must've arrived today, right? Since you hadn't registered until now."

Valeria's lips twitched, irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. She kept walking, refusing to engage, but the faintest smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. She couldn't resist correcting him.

"You're wrong," she said, finally turning her head slightly to glance at him. "I came yesterday."

Lucavion's grin widened, and Valeria's mouth twitched as she realized her mistake. He hadn't really cared about when she arrived—he'd just been fishing for information. And now, thanks to her need to correct him, she'd given him exactly what he wanted.

"Thank you for answering," he said, that smug grin back in full force.

Valeria's eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening as she clenched her fists in frustration. She'd walked right into his trap, and he knew it. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, not from embarrassment but from the sheer aggravation of being played by him once again.

"Unbelievable," she muttered, glaring at him. "You're insufferable."

Lucavion just laughed, clearly enjoying himself. "How was it to travel alone from all the way here? Was it fun? It must be a first time for you, no?"

Valeria clenched her teeth, determined not to let him pull her into another conversation. She didn't want to engage with him, especially after he had just manipulated her so easily. But, as always, Lucavion had a way of making it impossible to ignore him.

"It's none of your business," she replied curtly, trying to keep her tone cold and distant. She quickened her pace, hoping he would take the hint, but Lucavion simply matched her steps.

"Come on now," he said with a smirk. "Traveling all by yourself for the first time? It's got to be quite the experience, right? Did you feel free? Or was it just lonely?"

Valeria huffed, trying to stay focused on the path ahead. But his words gnawed at her. She hadn't wanted to admit it, even to herself, but traveling alone had been… strange. There had been moments of calm and solitude, but also moments where she found herself missing the structure and companionship of her knights. She wasn't used to being alone like that, with no one else to rely on but herself.

"I managed," she said tersely, her voice a little sharper than she intended.

Lucavion chuckled. "I'm sure you did. But did you enjoy it?"

Valeria shot him a sideways glance, still trying to resist the urge to answer. But the question lingered in her mind. Had she enjoyed it? There had been moments—riding through the quiet forests, camping under the stars—where she had felt a strange sense of freedom. But it had also been unnerving. She had always been surrounded by people, by duty, by expectations.

Being alone had left her with nothing but her thoughts, and that was something she hadn't expected.

"It was different," she finally admitted, her tone softer. "Not what I'm used to."

Lucavion nodded, looking satisfied with her answer. "I figured as much. There's something about being out there on your own that changes things. It makes you think differently."

She raised an eyebrow. "And what about you? Where did you go after you 'finished your work' here?"

Lucavion smiled, clearly pleased that she had asked. "Oh, you know, here and there. Visited a few places, took care of some personal business."

"Personal business?" she echoed, her curiosity piqued despite herself. "What kind of personal business?"

Lucavion winked. "Nothing too exciting. Just things that needed to be done. A man like me can't stay in one place for too long, you know?"

Valeria scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You're impossible to get a straight answer from, aren't you?"

Lucavion grinned wider. "Keeps life interesting, don't you think?"

Despite her best efforts, Valeria found herself smirking slightly. As frustrating as he was, there was something about his carefree attitude that made her forget, at least for a moment, the pressures and expectations that constantly weighed on her. Still, she wasn't about to let him think he had gotten the better of her.

Chapter 177: This Guy! (2)

As they continued to walk through the bustling streets of Andelheim, Valeria kept a steady pace, her eyes scanning the sights around them. The city was alive with excitement for the tournament, and despite her frustration with Lucavion, she couldn't help but feel a slight thrill in the air.

Lucavion, still munching on his food, glanced sideways at her. "So, what do you think of Andelheim? First impressions?"

Valeria didn't answer immediately. Her mind was still occupied with thoughts of the tournament, her plan, and her decision to leave her knights behind. But she knew Lucavion wasn't going to drop the subject until she gave him something.

"It's… lively," she admitted, her voice neutral. "Much busier than I expected."

Lucavion chuckled. "That's one way to put it. But you've been around enough cities, right? Anything here catch your eye? Seen anything worth talking about?"

Valeria shrugged, trying not to let him see her curiosity. "Not much. Just the usual chaos that comes with a big event like this. It's all the same—people running around, trying to make a name for themselves. It's nothing new."

Lucavion grinned. "Spoken like someone who's been through this before. But surely there's more to it than that. You must've run into something interesting by now."

Valeria thought back to the previous night—the confrontation at the inn, the tension between the Cloud Heavens Sect and Silver Flame Sect. It had been quite the spectacle, though she hadn't expected to be dragged into it, even indirectly. But she wasn't about to share that with Lucavion.

"Nothing worth mentioning," she replied, keeping her tone cool. "Just some noisy sects causing a scene. I didn't get involved."

Lucavion's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, really? Considering your temperament that doesn't seem to be the case."

"Hah? What does that supposed to mean?"

Lucavion gave her that familiar, smug smile—the kind that said he thought he had her all figured out. It was infuriating, especially because they barely knew each other. Who did he think he was, acting like he could read her so easily?

"You've got that fire in you," he said, shrugging as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "The kind that doesn't sit back and watch while chaos unfolds. It was clear from the first moment we met."

Valeria's eyes narrowed, trying to keep her frustration in check. "And what moment was that?" she shot back, knowing full well he was referring to their first duel—the one she lost. She could feel a slight flush creeping up her neck at the memory, but she masked it with a sharp glare. She wasn't about to let him see that small embarrassment resurface.

Lucavion's grin only widened as if he could see right through her act. "Oh, you know, when you challenged me and got all worked up because I didn't take you seriously. That moment."

Her fists clenched instinctively, and she quickly turned her head to hide her embarrassment. "I wasn't worked up," she muttered, doing her best to sound indifferent, though the memory of that defeat still stung.

"Sure, sure," Lucavion replied, the teasing lilt never leaving his voice. He paused for a moment before glancing at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, what happened at the inn last night? I'm guessing there was some action, and you couldn't resist getting involved."

Valeria rolled her eyes, feeling cornered. He was relentless with his teasing, and she knew that if she didn't share what had happened, he'd keep prodding her all day. Besides, she had already let a bit of her frustration slip, so she might as well explain the situation. Taking a deep breath, she began.

"It wasn't anything I intended to be part of," she started, her voice measured, "but there was an altercation between two sects—Cloud Heavens and Silver Flame."

Lucavion's eyebrows rose slightly in interest. "Oh, those two. Quite the rivalry." His eyes maintained a clear interest different from the many times that she had seen him. This time his focus felt more real.

'Is there something?'

Valeria thought to herself. Could he know someone from those sects, or maybe he encountered? She felt intrigued, but knowing this bastard he would not reveal it directly and could even possibly use it as a teasing argument.

That is why she just decided to talk about what happened to see his reaction.

She nodded. "Yes, and it's only gotten worse after last night. It was mostly just petty insults at first, but then it got personal." She paused, remembering the cutting words Varen had thrown at Lira, how the atmosphere in the inn had shifted so sharply.

"One of the leaders from Silver Flame—Varen, I think—started attacking the 'Senior Sister' from Cloud Heavens, Lira. He accused her of… well, something personal and unforgivable. Things escalated quickly from there, and they almost came to blows."

Lucavion's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned in, clearly eager to hear the rest. "Personal and unforgivable, you say? Come on, don't leave me hanging. What exactly did he accuse her of?"

Valeria felt a rare sense of satisfaction, seeing Lucavion genuinely intrigued for once. She folded her arms and gave a small, smug smile. "Oh? Now you're curious? Well, maybe I'll tell you... or maybe I won't." She turned her head with an exaggerated humph, feeling like she finally had the upper hand in their never-ending verbal sparring.

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "Playing hard to get with information, are we? That's cute, but you do realize I can just go back to that inn and ask around, right? I'm sure the locals would love to spill all the juicy details for me."

Valeria's triumphant smile faltered slightly as she realized he wasn't bluffing. Knowing Lucavion, he absolutely would do that just to irritate her further.

She glared at him, her pride refusing to back down. "You're impossible," she muttered, her satisfaction quickly fading. "Fine. If you're that determined to know—Varen accused Lira of having an affair with someone from her sect. Apparently, they were engaged to settle the feud between their sects, and Varen found out she was involved with another man."

Lucavion's smile didn't waver, but something in his eyes shifted—just a brief flicker of thoughtfulness that Valeria caught before he masked it with his usual nonchalance. "Well, that's one way to break an engagement," he said with a low chuckle. "Can't say I blame him for being angry, then."

Valeria couldn't help but notice the way he had quickly brushed off the seriousness of the situation. Something about the way he reacted made her wonder if he had more personal experience with these kinds of situations than he was letting on.

"Anyway," she said, trying to steer the conversation back on track, "their fight nearly wrecked the inn, but the owner stepped in before it could get any worse."

"Hmm…..For someone who could even make the Senior Sisters and Senior Brothers of these two sects, the owner of the inn must be someone who is strong."

"Yeah….She was really strong."

Valeria's mind wandered back to the events at the inn, recalling the powerful presence of the innkeeper—the Iron Matron. The way she had stepped in, easily commanding respect and authority, had left an impression on Valeria, especially once she had learned the innkeeper's title. She had been no ordinary woman, and Valeria knew it."

"The Iron Matron." She mumbled the title of the inn owner unconsciously. And since she was busy remembering the past, she couldn't see a small change in Lucavion's face.

'She really was strong. I wouldn't even last 2 moves against her.'

The fact that such a strong person was managing an inn was weird to her but it was not her job to intervene.

"Hmm…..hmm…hmm….."

Just then she heard a small humming sound. Turning her gaze she saw Lucavion humming to himself, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

Valeria narrowed her eyes, her curiosity piqued. "What's that smile for?"

Lucavion chuckled softly, glancing at her with that ever-present mischievous glint in his eyes. "I just remembered something. Nothing too important."

Valeria crossed her arms, not buying his casual dismissal. "Spill it. What is it you remembered?"

Lucavion sighed dramatically as if he were burdened with the weight of too many secrets. "Oh, nothing much. Just that I wouldn't mind seeing this infamous inn and meeting the legendary Iron Matron myself. Sounds like a fascinating place, wouldn't you say?"

"You just want to see where the fight took place," Valeria shot back, rolling her eyes. "Don't pretend you're interested in anything else."

He grinned, not even bothering to deny it. "You got me there. But come on, you can't blame me for wanting to see the scene of such a grand spectacle. Think of it as gathering information."

Valeria frowned, but there was no use arguing with him. "Fine. I'll show you where it is. But don't expect anything exciting to happen this time."

Lucavion clapped his hands together, clearly pleased. "Lead the way, Lady Olarion.

Valeria sighed inwardly, wondering why she kept getting dragged into Lucavion's whims. Yet, as they walked, a small part of her couldn't help but be curious about how the Iron Matron would react to someone like Lucavion. Perhaps, just this once, it would be entertaining to watch him get caught in his own mischief.