In the city’s central square, a vast open area has been cleared.

  Using the surrounding buildings as support, numerous irregur stands have been constructed.

  Of course, the best stand is the main one built around the city hall.

  This grandstand holds nearly a thousand spectators, offering prime views of the matches, comfortable seating, and a rge staff providing excellent service.

  Henwell is invited to the core seat of the main stand, directly above the referee’s ptform.

  Beside him sit core members of the Dienbos family, led by Count Lierul.

  Nearby are several duchy officials and influential local power pyers.

  Closest to Henwell is a young noble from the duchy’s upper echelons, barely in his twenties.

  This is Pawari, a native of Hornbay City in the southwest duchy, son of one of the duchy’s marquises.

  As the third son of the Hornbay Marquis, Pawari boasts noble birth and strong talent.

  At thirteen, he attained knight rank.

  By twenty-two, he became a Battle Knight, and now at twenty-nine, he’s considered a seasoned veteran in that rank.

  Two years ago, Pawari was hailed as the brightest star of his generation.

  Many in Lumir believed he would break through to Grand Knight before turning thirty.

  But now, Pawari’s shine is eclipsed by Henwell.

  Even Lumir tries to downpy Henwell’s status, but they can’t deny his Grand Knight rank.

  A twenty-four-year-old Grand Knight!

  That sounds far more like a prodigy than someone possibly reaching that rank by thirty.

  After all, Pawari was only a hopeful, while Henwell is a bona fide Grand Knight.

  The gap between them is enormous.

  Upon seeing Henwell, Pawari realizes the truth, this is a genuine Grand Knight through and through.

  At that moment, looking at Henwell’s youthful face, Pawari can’t help but feel a flicker of irritation.

  Once Henwell takes his seat, he signals a servant to bring a chair for Kleios behind him.

  Seeing this, Pawari can’t resist speaking up: “Lord of Blood Hill, do you really want your squire sitting with us?”

  Henwell shoots him a sharp gnce. “Got a problem with that?”

  Before Pawari can respond, Duaili—the eldest son of Count Lierul—chimes in from the other side: “No issue at all. We heard your squire was injured recently. Things have been hectic today, so the arrangements slipped through. Our apologies for the oversight.”

  With the host saying that, Pawari has no grounds to argue further.

  Next come the opening speeches from various parties.

  Originally, as a special guest, Pawari was supposed to deliver the final keynote.

  Now he’s bumped down to the second-to-st speaker.

  And the openng speech belongs to Henwell, a fact that only adds to the young noble’s embarrassment.

  When it’s Henwell’s turn, he stands and addresses the crowd loudly: “Everyone here is fighting for a bright future. I won’t waste time with empty words. First comes victory, second comes friendship! Give it your all, don’t let years of hard work go to waste! Whether you rise swiftly depends on today’s battle. So, let the fight begin!”

  After Henwell finishes, Pawari cps half-heartedly and mutters to those nearby, “I expected the Lord of Blood Hill to say something truly inspiring. Instead, it’s all just profit-driven talk. Guess we forgot to tell him, our tournament values honor above gain.”

  Though his voice isn’t loud, everyone nearby is at least knight rank, so his words carry.

  Out of courtesy, no one turns to look directly, but many steal gnces Henwell’s way.

  Henwell turns to Kleios and asks, “If you fight this duchy prodigy, what are your chances of winning?”

  Kleios makes a hand gesture.

  Henwell chuckles, “Heh… Confident of a sure win? Isn’t that a bit exaggerated? You might not know, this guy is the top talent of the younger generation!”

  Kleios smiles slightly and signs back a message.

  Henwell continues, “You’re saying this knight is just a sheltered flower? He’s only learned to fight, not to kill?”

  Pawari’s face darkens, and he can’t help but speak up, “Lord of Blood Hill, are you mocking me for never having killed anyone? Over ten years ago, I led campaigns to wipe out river pirates. I’ve seen just as much brutal combat as you!”

  Henwell tilts his head and replies with exaggerated sarcasm, “Oh! So those experiences count as battles? If you hadn’t said, I’d have thought you were just kids pying war games on horseback. Maybe our countries define combat differently. Where I come from, only life-or-death fights count as real battles!”

  Pawari grips his sword hilt tightly. “I’ve heard that Lord of Blood Hill comes from the gdiatorial pits. After countless desperate fights, I wonder if I’ll get to witness your skills today?”

  Henwell ignores him and gnces around at those nearby. “Are you all just letting this foolish kid provoke me repeatedly? Is he naturally reckless, or is someone coaching him behind the scenes? If you don’t step in soon, I might just crush him. Don’t say I’m cruel when that happens.”

  “You…”

  Before Pawari can respond, Count Lierul steps in sternly, “Pawari, you’re here representing your father. If you continue to disrespect the rules, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

  Henwell looks at the now humbled Pawari and winks, speaking in a pyful tone, “That’s better! Be a good boy. Listen to the adults’ praise, enjoy yourself, and don’t get cocky by picking fights you can’t handle. And you don’t even think you have the right to talk to me, let alone challenge me. The worst thing is not knowing your limits. Not only do you ck a title, even if your father were here, he’d better put on a smile and speak nicely.”

  Count Lierul frowns, “Lord of Blood Hill, I invited you to watch the matches, not to cause trouble.”

  Henwell shrugs, “Alright, I’ll give you that. But you saw it yourself, this guy started provoking me first. I’m about to get married soon; do you really want me to kill someone before the wedding? That wouldn’t be good.”

  Lierul grumbles, “Do you really have to argue with a ‘child’?”

  Though Henwell is only twenty-four, to the continent’s elite, he’s already a pivotal figure.

  Not just for his personal strength, but for the armies, enterprises, and networks under his command.

  All the top brass naturally treat Henwell as their equal.

  This unquestioned recognition only makes Pawari—the once-prized prodigy—feel even more embarrassed.