Wielder Of Time

The banquet had been pleasant—at least at first. The food had been excellent, and both Khione and Bella had engaged in insightful conversations with many of the Isles' nobles. The hall itself was stunning, adorned with shimmering blue and silver banners that reflected the maritime culture of the Isles. Soft music played in the background, and the laughter of nobles filled the air as they exchanged pleasantries.

Khione had spent a good portion of the night conversing with a small group of noble children around her age. They were eager to share the wonders of their homeland with her, and she found herself intrigued by their descriptions of the Isles' unique geography.

"The Azure Falls are something you must see before you leave," a girl with golden curls, Lady Callista Numen, said excitedly. "It's a waterfall that descends straight into the sea, creating a mist that shimmers like stardust at dawn. It's the most beautiful sight in the Isles."

"That does sound beautiful," Khione admitted, tucking away the mental note to visit.

"There's also the Coral Market," a boy named Lucian added. "It's not like the ones you'd see in the Empire. It's built directly over the water, with wooden walkways connecting the stalls. You'll find the rarest trinkets there—magical artifacts, sea-silk, even enchanted pearls that glow in the dark."

Khione hummed in thought. "It seems like there's much to explore here."

"You must visit the Sunken Ruins too!" Callista insisted. "Legend says an entire kingdom was swallowed by the sea, and now only its spires remain above the waves."

Before Khione could respond, a sharp tap on her shoulder interrupted the conversation. It wasn't a light touch—it was firm, bordering on aggressive. She turned around to find a noble male standing behind her, looking down at her with a challenging gaze. He was tall, with sharp features and jet-black hair pulled back into a short ponytail. His eyes, the color of deep ocean blue, glinted with unmistakable disdain.

"I take it you're the Briston girl," he said, his tone filled with disapproval.

Khione narrowed her eyes slightly. "I am. And you are?"

He ignored her question. "I must say, I find this whole arrangement distasteful. An alliance with the Asterios Empire? A foolish endeavor."

The air around them grew tense. The surrounding nobles, sensing the shift in mood, fell silent, their attention now drawn to the confrontation. Even Bella, who had been engaged in her own discussion, turned to observe.

Khione tilted her head, unfazed by his hostility. "And what exactly is so foolish about it?"

The noble scoffed. "The Empire is not as powerful as it claims to be. It presents itself as an unshakable force, but in truth, it is bloated and stagnant."

Khione's expression remained calm, but there was a sharp edge to her voice as she responded. "The Asterios Empire has reigned supreme for millennia. Kingdoms rise and fall, but the Empire remains. That is not the mark of stagnation—it is the mark of strength."

The noble's lip curled. "Is that so? Then prove it."

Khione blinked. "Prove it?"

The noble crossed his arms. "Yes. Prove the Empire's strength here and now. I challenge you to a duel."

A murmur spread through the banquet hall. Dueling during a formal banquet was highly unusual, but it wasn't unheard of among the Isles' nobles. It was a culture that valued strength, both politically and physically. But this challenge was clearly more than just a test of skill—it was an outright provocation.

Khione glanced toward Bella, who studied the situation carefully. Then, after a brief moment of consideration, Bella gave a single nod. Permission granted.

Khione then looked toward the head of the hall, where Queen Nereia Voss sat observing the scene. Her expression was unreadable, her piercing gaze making it difficult to tell whether she approved or disapproved of the unfolding events.

Taking the Queen's neutrality as implicit approval, Khione turned back to the noble and gave a single, firm response.

"I accept."

The crowd parted as space was cleared in the center of the banquet hall. Servants hurried to move tables and chairs, ensuring that nothing would obstruct the fight. A man, dressed in the refined uniform of a high-ranking butler, stepped forward, his posture impeccable.

He glanced between the two combatants before speaking. "This duel will be conducted under standard noble regulations. No magic that causes lasting harm, and surrender must be honored. Understood?"

Khione and the noble both nodded.

The butler then turned to the noble. "State your name and lineage."

The noble lifted his chin. "Cassian Devereux, son of Marquess Aldric Devereux."

The Devereux family—Khione recalled hearing about them. A prestigious noble house in the Isles, known for their maritime strength and swordsmanship.

She met his gaze and responded in kind. "Khione Briston, daughter of Duke Lorian Briston of the Asterios Empire."

The butler nodded before stepping back. "Prepare yourselves."

Khione reached for her weapon. A spear had been provided, though it wasn't her personal one. She tested its weight—lighter than what she was used to, but manageable. Across from her, Cassian held a rapier, its sleek blade glinting under the chandelier light.

Bella, standing at the edge of the clearing, folded her arms and observed the scene, her thoughts running deeper than just the duel itself.

She had noticed the strange whispers among the nobles, the veiled hostility that some held toward the Empire. Then there was the anonymous warning she had received upon arriving at the Isles, cautioning her to be wary. And now, this public challenge? It was all too convenient.

She silently debated whether to share these thoughts with Khione. Would it be better to keep her focus on diplomacy, or should she warn her to be on guard?

For now, she decided to observe.

In the center of the hall, Khione and Cassian stood fifteen feet apart, their weapons in hand. The hall fell silent, anticipation thick in the air.

The butler raised his hand. "Are both combatants ready?"

Khione nodded.

Cassian smirked. "Of course."

The butler's hand fell.

"Begin."

Cassian moved first. His rapier flashed forward, aimed directly at Khione's shoulder in a quick, precise strike. But Khione was faster. She pivoted to the side, the tip of the blade grazing past her as she countered with a sweep of her spear.

Cassian barely dodged, stepping back as the spear's shaft whistled through the air. He adjusted his stance, eyes narrowing. "Not bad."

Khione didn't respond. She focused, adjusting her grip on her weapon.

The duel had begun.