Chapter 16: Love Helmet

***WARNING: This chapter contains foul language, abuse, and violence.

***Alright Now Continuation Of Chapter 16...

Aurora looked down as the water and apple rolled down.

"I...Aurora..." (Arian, said)

It was at this moment Arian had realized what he had done as he said with chocked up words looking at the water and the dirtied apple that had rolled up to his feet.

'I didn't mean to slap it like that in the first place...I don't know what came over me' (Arian's inner thoughts)

'I was angry at their words, at her carelessness...' (Arian's inner thoughts)

'Why can't my words come out?' (Arian's inner thoughts)

He thought with a conflicted and guilty expression.

It truly felt as if his words were choked, as if those actions were not something he wanted to do...but he didn't know how to express it.

Arian looked up as his face harden at the sight that her covered face was inclined still looking down at the water, clear foil sandwich, and the dirtied apple.

But also at the words and the tone she spoke to him.

"My mistake" (Aurora, said)

She spoke with a resultant tone, of someone who had made up her mind and pretended not to be bothered.

'Lift'

She lifted her head and looked up at him as she spoke again to him.

"It seems I have been ignorant again" (Aurora, said)

"It has been my stupidity to keep ignoring how obvious you hate me" (Aurora, said)

"Perhaps I have been foolish to keep hoping for my brother to give me the smallest hint of compassion you might have deep in your heart but it was I who had hoped too high" (Aurora, said)

"From a brother who hates my mere existence...I apologize for being in your life" (Aurora, said)

"I apologize for bothering you for fourteen years of your life" (Aurora, said)

Even though her voice sounded like a resultant tone with a somehow made-up mind there was a heartbroken tint in her voice.

'Throb'

Each word she said to him made his heart throb in pain as his face distorted more and more with each heartwrenching word she said to him.

He could not see her face because the black net covered her expression but he knew the only expression she would have would be her heartbroken dark blue eyes with an expressionless face.

Just like any other day he looked at her.

"I did not want to embarrass you in front of your noble friends" (Aurora, said)

'Turn'

She said and turned around.

"I will take my leave" (Aurora, said)

'Click, Clack, Click, Clack'

Heeled steps.

With those finishing words, she began to walk away without turning around.

"No wait.." (Arian, said)

Arian's eyes widen as he unconsciously tried to reach toward her extending his hand out as if to catch her but his words had come out silently with a shiver to him.

Words that Aurora could not hear, his extended hand that could not reach her as she walked away further and further fading away from his sight.

'No....why did I?' (Arian's inner thoughts)

His heart hurt too much, the saliva that he needed to swallow had burned his throat.

Without catching a break to go after her, to apologize to her, to cry because of his hurtful actions.

He knew that he had treated her cruelly. Each time he did over and over he felt like this but he couldn't help it.

His father's opposition, Adelina who cried claiming she had hurt her, and everyone who hated Aurora.

Even down to the core, the memory of Aurora destroying their mother's sacred temple room.

The day he had lost faith in her and the day he broke his promise to always protect her.

The guilt, the pressure of words of actions he wanted to say, wanted to act but could not.

Maybe it was just self-hate but he could not express, he did not know how to express himself nor ever be honest with himself.

When he heard that Aurora was granted permission to attend the swordsmanship competition Arian was both surprised and confused since his father forbid her even to step out of the mansion.

Aurora was mostly confined to her room so anyone rarely saw her as she engrossed herself with countless classes and helping their father with business.

She had lost the privilege to go out after offending Empress Paola, for ruining his mother's sacred temple, and for being painted with a bad prophesy omen.

She used to chase them around begging for love, as if she kneeled any moment if they asked but they only turned away in disgust as that too was a casualty.

She began to change through the years as she remained in her room working day and night with whatever class, task, or business she was assigned to gain approval in a different way hoping it could be a way to catch their hearts.

To prove she was a good daughter, a member worthy of being part of the family, to prove that the prophesy was wrong, and to demonstrate her innocence.

Her cheerful happy expressions no longer remained as if she had become dull to feelings.

Hiding her cheerful begging expression to no longer displeased them.

She had become a very serious elegant lady without expression and shut herself more in her room as the years went by giving Arian the urge to stop by every now and then to enter her room to go see her.

He didn't know if it was because he missed her or because he wanted to argue with her, but he just wanted to catch a glimpse of her face.

Maybe one day at least one emotion would show on her face.

However, no matter how many times he disrespected her, and acted cruelly she showed no sign of no expression on her face.

If it wasn't due to her eyes that showed him her emotions he would have never known.

Now with these final words, she had left him and walked away.

Maybe that was truly the last time he'd ever get the opportunity of the last time she'd ever try to ask for his affection.

He felt heartbroken as his face darken but his quite young noble friends who watched from the distance finally spoke up irritating his heart more.

"Arian don't feel bad for throwing her disgusting food" (Geven, said)

His ugly words were once heard again alongside the other encouraging young nobles.

"Yeah young Marquess Arian your actions are excusable" (Noble young, men)

"You did such a great job to not take those things" (Noble young, men)

"Why does she even step in this place? It's all her fault" (Noble young, men)

The noble young men were heard approaching closer to Arian who gave them his back.

"Honestly what was she thinking of coming here in the first place" (Noble young, men)

"She only brought her darkness here does she know she could infect others with it? Who knows maybe that disgusting poor commoner food could have poision and killed you...a thing like that never should have been born she belongs in-"(Geven, said)

'PUNCH!'

Geven whose voice grew closer and close said with an arrogant tone but before he got the opportunity to finish his words he had received a hard punch on his right cheek.

Arian had turned around furiously stocking Geven harshly.

..............

This fight was one of the many in today's event.

'Hit, Hit, Hit'

'Kick, Kick, Kick'

"Hahaha, just look at him, all high and mighty before" (Noble young men, said)

"You should have withdrawn from the match and let young earl Jameson win" (Noble young men, said)

'Hit, Hit, Hit'

'Kick, Kick, Kick'

"Your just a poor commoner you should have known better" (Noble young men, said)

"You could have been paid but you refuted his belovenlence" (Noble young men, said)

A group of three young noble men had hit and kicked a light green-haired young commoner man who laid on the dirty ground crunching down trying to protect his face and shutting his eyes shut.

'Hit, Hit, Hit'

'Kick, Kick, Kick'

"You disgusting dirty bug how dare you have the arrogance to compete in such competition?" (Noble young men, said)

"You only stain the arena with your commoner smell" (Noble young men, said)

They continued to hit the light green-haired young man as they smirked looking down at him with a joyous expression hitting him, kicking him harder than ever meanwhile Jameson the young chubby noble men with brown-haired and light brown eyes with some freckles near his nose bridge looked down with a large grin in satisfaction at how badly the light green-haired young commoner was getting hit.

"This is a lesson to you" (Jamenson, said)

He said with an arrogant and high mightly tone looking at the light green young commoner man who continued to cover his face as he took each hit.

"A filthy commoner like you dared to embarrass me" (Jameson, said)

"You think I'd let it slide? You should have lost the match as I told you but you choose to embarrass me not only in front of everyone but my father!" (Jameson, yelled)

"Do you have any idea who my father is?!" (Jameson, yelled)

"I am the next heir to the Charles family!" (Jameson, yelled)

Young Earl Jameson Charles, age fifteen.

'Hit, Hit, Hit'

'Kick, Kick, Kick'

The young noble men continued to hit the light green-haired commoner as Jameson continued to scream at him.

"I don't care how good you are, you should have pretended to be weak in front of everyone just like I told you!" (Jameson, yelled)

'Hit, Hit, Hit'

'Kick, Kick, Kick'

"Yeah, how dare you embarrassed him!" (Noble young men, yelled)

"Did you think young Earl Jameson was going to let it slide?!" (Noble young men, yelled)

They said as if agreeing with his words.

"You should be grateful young Earl Jameson hasn't ordered for a commoner like you to be killed!" (Noble young men, yelling)

"It seems arrogant commoners seemed to forget their place" (Noble young men, said)

'Hit, Hit, Hit'

'Kick, Kick, Kick'

"Haha not so barve now huh you commoner?" (Noble young men, said)

At this point, the light green-haired young commoner was badly hurt as red blood dripped from his covered hands.

"Hit him harder, it seems he enjoys it make sure-" (Jameson, said)

'Tap, Tap'

Jameson's smirk raised in satisfaction as he instructed his noble friends to hit him harder or at least he was trying to instruct them before he felt someone tap his right shoulder with one strong finger holding his body down.

'Turn'

"Huh?" (Jameson, asked)

'HIT'

'CRACK'

'THUD'

Jameson asked as he naturally turned around to see who it was or at least tried to turn his whole body around when he had only managed to turn his side profile he no longer saw the light.

Jameson's back had landed on the dirted floor unconsciously with red blood at the corner of his right forehead making everyone stop hitting the light green-haired young commoner men and looking at a terrifying young men.

In front of them was an undeniably suffocating aura emitting from a young man with down golden-like hair and his red bloodthirsty eyes holding a bloody metal helmet.

The obvious piece that had knocked out Jameson.

Even the light green-haired young commoner man had peeked out with his fuschia-pink eyes at the sudden scene.

The tall golden like haired young man wore a cheap beige white worn-out blouse with an old rusty sword buckled into his right hip with old common black pants.

"Scram" (Dorion, said)

Dorion, age sixteen.

With one word and glaring red eyes, everyone scrammed not even caring what had happened to Jameson.

They definitely did not want to be in his position, so in fright, they ran for their lives.

Well, everyone with consciousness left except the light green-haired commoner man by the name of Orland who looked up at Dorion badly beaten.

And Jameson who remained in the ground knocked down and bleeding.

Dorion's eyes didn't even bother to look at Jameson as he started at Orland's fushia pink eyes looking down at him while holding the bloody metal helmet glaring at him before turning around to start walking away with an annoyed face.

'Step, Step, Step'

Leaving Orland behind.

'Step, Step, Step'

Dorion walked away from the scene he had just caused as he caught at the front of his view the two Rhone imperial knights in charge of guarding the entrance to the noble young man's swordsmanship competitor's resting area.

'Step, Step, Step'

Running

Knight one and Knight two ran towards him as they spotted Dorion carrying a bloody helmet, knocked out Jameson and the beaten-up Orland.

Knight One and Knight Two unconsciously turned to look at each other and stopped running halting their steps as slowly walking trying to pass Dorion's intimidating presence in silence.

Even though Dorion was only sixteen years old they knew Dorion's exact personality so it was best as to pretend they did not see him and rather just focus on aiding the persons he had just hurt.

'Step, Step, Step'

They had just passed Dorion as they stared at each other again walking.

"I guess I'll take over this area" (Knight Two, said)

Knight Two said with a low annoyed voice.

"Well then...I'll go to the noble resting area" (Knight One, said)

He responded with a low annoyed voice just like his partner knight.

.............

-A few minutes ago-

'Step, Step, Step'

Running

Knight One and Knight Two ran.

"Dam it a fight broke out between the Marquess Beau's second son and Marquess Elex's eldest son" (Knight One, said)

He spoke loudly with a stressed voice.

"And just when he was about to have a match" (Knight Two, said)

Knight Two added on with a loud voice as the two knights had just passed Aurora yelling making her halt her step.

'Turn'

Her dark blue eyes widen and turned to look at the knights running off into the distance.

'Arian fought?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Her covered expressionless face instantly distorted worriedly.

This was because Arian was never the type of person to start physical fights with noble men.

'Why would he...' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Click, Clack, Click, Clack'

Heeled walking.

Unconsciously her legs began to walk toward his direction.

She had told him that she would no longer look for him, no longer beg for his affection but deep down she couldn't help worry for her brother.

In hopes that he wouldn't be hurt.

Not like she would doubt his capabilities but if there was a possibility he got hurt made her heart worry.

'Click, Clack, Click, Clack'

Heeled walking.

However, today not only happened to be an extremely hot day but at times a really strong hot wind blew.

'Swish, Swish'

"Ah" (Aurora)

Strong enough it flew her hat away as she said surprised.

'Flutter'

Finally, her beautiful face was visible.

Her dark blue eyes with her dilated pupils as her fushia thick long feather-like lashes flattered alongside the loose hair strands that had fallen from her forehead.

Her once-tight bun found some fushia hair strands falling off as well, strands that fluttered against the wind touching her soft rose pink glossy lips.

'Swish, Swish, Swish'

The hot wind continued to blow harder as her hat flew further away in a different direction.

A direction she was meant to go but was heartbroken at her brother's actions.

All she wanted was to find a quiet space to eat and cry however it seemed that destiny wanted her to go towards that path today.

'Click, Clack, Click, Clack'

Aurora went after her hat as if following her painted path but as she got closer her steps halted in a silent corner.

'Halt'

Stop walking.

"!" (Aurora)

Her eyes widen at the sight of a young man with golden-like hair and wearing commoner clothes who gave her his back as his hand held a metal helmet with fresh blood in it.

She didn't have to see who this person was, she didn't have to see his face to know who he was.

'Turn'

"!" (Dorion)

Dorion who felt her stare turned to look at her as his red eyes widen.

Dorion too was surprised to see Aurora.

'Swish, Swish, Swish'

The hot strong wind began to blow again as it move her black hat closer to him as their hair fluttered beautifully.

It was as if time had completely stopped, just the two of them staring at each other in silence.

It was right to tell that they both had lost how long they had stared into each other's eyes.

However, after a while, Aurora turned her eyes away and stared at her black hat that stopped in between them.

Her calm and collected face remained with her expressionless expression however her eyes showed signs of nervousness and uneasiness.

To him, it was easy to misunderstand that she would not like to be here, in front of him, in front of his presence.

But to her.

There were many unexplainable emotions she was feeling.

It was strange.

'Badmup, Badump' (Aurora)

'Why am I feeling like this?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Is it because he grew taller? Or because he looks this attractive? Is that why I feel like this?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Her dark blue eyes moved from her black hat to anywhere that wasn't his eyes or him.

He wouldn't have known from a distance but her pale face had gained a very tiny pink color as she tried to contain her expressionless face.

'Badump, Badump' (Aurora)

It was as if there were butterflies in her stomach.

Dorion watched her avoiding him but found himself walking toward her.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

He should have walked away after seeing that she didn't want anything to do with him but this was the only time he'd ever get to see her again.

It had been too long since he had pleaded to catch a glimpse of her face even if it meant meeting under these circumstances.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking.

His red yearning eyes looked at her as he approached closer finally stopping in front of the black hat that separated them.

She continued to look away with a small tint of pink in her cheeks.

Maybe because he got closer but she was more beautiful than ever.

That small tint of pink under her cheeks could have been easily due to the hot sun especially after she wore dark clothes, however, that was what resulted her beauty even more.

'Lean'

'Grab'

'Pat, Pat, Pat'

He leaned and grabbed the hat as he closed his eyes gently he patted the dust off her black hat.

When he opened his eyes he automatically made eye contact with her dark blue eyes.

Somehow this look was a little different.

Her eyes seemed to gain some shyness yet still some nervousness.

'Badump, Badump' (Dorion)

He wouldn't have known that just looking at him would have taken her a lot of courage.

He wouldn't have known that those butterflies she felt, he too was feeling them.

However, he had to calm his heart because he reminded himself of who he was, of who they hated, and how people despised him.

He knew that people despised her especially after that prophesy had calmed out but that didn't mean she was tainted as him.

He wouldn't dare to hope for anything else he rather hide his feelings, shut them away so she would not find herself as tainted as him.

Both of them had an expressionless expression but their eyes could speak to each other.

But it was better for words to become hidden forever.

'Extend'

His faceless expression remained the same but his eyes hand become unreadable as he handed her the black hat.

'....' (Aurora)

She who had tried to avoid his eyes, she who had unconsciously tried to hold eye contact with him had noticed that this man probably wanted nothing to do with her.

She was a bad prophesy child who would ever want to see the sight of her, even if he thought of himself as the illegitimate prince he wasn't painted as a crazy ugly bad omen.

He'd rather stay away from her than to stain his name furthermore the butterflies inside her stomach had crumbled as they dissolved in an instant as he looked at her that way.

Aurora had heard both her brother and he were going to clash swords against one another.

She knew he'd be here.

She knew that she had also come for him, that she had bought things for him.

Maybe it was her worry if he was faring off well after everything she'd heard around the mansion.

Or maybe it was her curiosity and wonder to ask him if he remembered her, if he remembered his mother, or if he just like her was not affected by anything.

A punishment.

Punishment for not fighting and trying to help him out not realizing that she herself was hopeless.

A punishment for walking away because she had chosen her family conflict over him rather than being strong and complaining about how her cruel brother had slapped the food from her palms.

She should have sucked it up just like she did every day and walked toward the path her hat had directed her to walk.

She had to wait till the hat blew enlightening her to walk that path, it was her mistake for not heading towards that path even before her hat blew.

This was her punishment for not being strong, for not having some self-worth.

How could a person not learn that it was wrong to beg for affection that will never come.

How many times would it take for her to understand?

'Grab'

She grabbed her hat with an expressionless face as she looked at him back with unreadable eyes.

He would not have known that she had grabbed the hat with a heavy hat.

Aurora felt as if her body had become numb in sadness but she did not show it.

She had made it to not show such trivial expressions because if she did people would become more irritated at her.

Showing hardly any emotion had become her habit.

However, as she held her hat her eyes couldn't help to look at the bloody helmet.

"It's not mine" (Dorion, said)

Suddenly a voice she had not heard in a very very long time entered her ears.

She looked up at him who still had an expressionless face and unreadable eyes.

"It's not my blood, it's from a fat kid" (Dorion, said)

His tone sounded quite unbothered really, as if having blood in a helmet was nothing to him.

Her dark blue eyes couldn't help to take a quick glance at the bloody helmet.

'If it's from a kid...is he alright?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

Something that Aurora hated the most was violence, that scared her.

"My helmet got his red blood" (Dorion, said)

He said as his tone had somehow sounded a little bit more eased but it definitely felt like a calm before a storm.

At his words, her dark blue eyes looked up again making eye contact with him.

"Just as red as my eyes" (Dorion, said)

Dorion said with a tone he'd use to scare anyone away.

He knew she hated the sight of him, especially his eyes she must have forgotten everything about him.

He couldn't keep diluting and hoping she'd stay near him.

He intimidated her, he wanted her to walk away.

He wanted her to feel frightened to exit his heart for he to finally cut his lingering feelings.

"To bump into a blood thirst bastard you might be disgusted that you keep avoiding my eyes" (Dorion, said)

"You must have heard rumors about the red eye monster who craves blood?" (Dorion, asked)

"..." (Aurora)

'Turn'

Aurora said no word turning her head to the right to close her eyes making him misunderstand her.

'Ha, of course, she'd-' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

He clicked his tongue in a mock as he thought before she interrupted him.

"I don't think their bloodthirsty eyes" (Aurora, said)

'Turn'

She turned to face him trying not to show her nervous feelings.

"Your eyes are pretty" (Aurora, said)

"Enough that it makes me nervous" (Aurora, said)

She said to him as her dark blue eyes tried their hardest to maintain eye contact.

Her pink blush had come back turning a pinker color as she felt those butterflies flutter again.

'Badump, Badump, Badump' (Aurora, and Dorion)

His eyes widen at her words and her expression.

'Is she?' (Dorion's inner thought)

A small pink blush started to form on Dorion's cheeks as he looked at her surprised.

'Badump, Badmup' (Aurora)

"I can't help but...avoid them when we make eye contact" (Aurora, said)

'If this is the only time I get to see him then...I can't let him think I hate him' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'I feel embarrassed' (Aurora's inner thought)

She felt her face grow a little hot.

'Badump, Badump, Badump' (Aurora and Dorion)

What she didn't know was that these words sounded like a confession, these words she said with an embarrassed face were such a beautiful face to him.

'Drip, Drip'

So beautiful his nostrils felt something warm coming down.

He had bled at her beauty.

"!" (Aurora)

Aurora who showed him an embarrassed face quickly halted at the sight of Dorion bleeding.

"Your bleeding!" (Aurora, yelled)

Aurora's eyes widen and pulled quickly a handkerchief with dark blue borders and a handprinted Lepiliondel family logo with her initials.

She unconsciously placed the handkerchief under his bloody nose as she tippy-toed up at him without giving him the chance to understand what happened.

All he felt was his beating heart as his cheeks grew red at how worried she was.

'Drop, Drop'

That only made his blood dripped more.

"Oh no more is coming out" (Aurora, said)

She said worried for his sake.

'Tremble'

Aurora's hands trembled and Dorion's hands unconsciously touched her hands drawing her dark blue eyes to look up at him.

'Badmup, Badump' (Aurora)

"I'm resistant to heat, but it seems I am not to your face" (Dorion, said)

He said with a serious tone as to give her reassurance he'd be okay.

That there was no need to panic.

But his tone was shameless as if he were proud of it.

'Badump, Badump, Badump' (Aurora)

Aurora's dark blue eyes and Dorion's red eyes looked at each other.

Eyes that seemed to connect one another in a beautiful moment where they were the only ones in.

'Trumpet'

However, this moment was interrupted by the loud trumpet.

The signal informed them that the match would start in a couple of minutes.

Dorion had unconsciously let go as he realized the moment broke.

'Oh no I...have to go' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'If I don't return...' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

It was because her face reflected panic and fright.

"It seems the tournament had started" (Dorion, said)

He said as he looked down at her with a bitter smile.

'...' (Aurora)

She looked up at him for a couple of seconds before turning to look at her basket.

'This is where we say goodbye' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

No matter how warm she had felt with him, she was thankful for this fortunate moment however their destinies were not connected.

She felt strange with him, it was a warm feeling but she did no longer love him.

The pain she'd had to suffer washed away any florescent thoughts.

It didn't mean she did not feel flustered at the moment she saw him.

However, he did not love her maybe he too felt the same way.

As if he was happy to see a familiar person.

In her world, there was no love for her.

They were two different people who were simply unmeant to cross paths.

She who had to go back to that mansion, and he who belonged in the palace.

She would never see him again.

She wished things were different however they could never be together.

If her father ever found out...if anyone had known about this.

Then both would end up hurt.

She couldn't let him get hurt, her heart told her.

'Rustle'

She grabbed one fresh water, one clear foil-wrapped sandwich, and a red apple as she gave it to him nervously.

"You might need this for energy" (Aurora, said)

She said with a rushed voice taking glances everywhere if anyone came by.

"I have to go" (Aurora, said)

He grabbed the food with a dumbfounded face as she took off running putting on her hat and gripping it leaving him dumbstruck.

'I'm sorry...' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She had to face reality.

........

Aurora had arrived in a rush back sweating.

Luckily she managed to eat her food and water in a rush.

'Rustle'

'Grab'

Aurora leaned to grab the black feather fan and fanned Adelina.

'Turn'

Adelina looked at Aurora up and down in disgust but Aurora seemed to be looking at the empty spot where her father was sitting before.

Adelina's dark blue eyes glanced at her father's seat and in front of the Arena.

"It's none of your business but Father is down there" (Adelina, said)

She pointed with her finger down in the arena edges where Arian clothes were disheveled next to Marquess Elex who was arguing with Knight One and Geven's father.

While Geven was next to his father badly beaten up.

"Apparently Arian got in a fight, so there moving Jerek and Prince Lisandor's match first." (Adelina, said)

Aurora's eyes who were focused on Arian and her father widen as Dorion entered the arena holding his water and taking the finishing bits of an apple still holding onto his bloody helmet as if to show it off.

He had placed the bloody handkerchief on his wrist followed by a beaten up light green-haired young man with fushia pink eyes.

Right behind him was Knight Two who seemed to be trying to stop a chubby brown-haired man with brown eyes and freckles near his nose.

It seemed like an angry father as he pointed at Dorion who continued to walk away unbothered.

Obviously, at the other argument, Arian's eyes turned to look at Dorion.

Arian's facial expression seemed surprised as it seemed he was looking at Dorion's wrapped bloody handkerchief.

Dorion side glanced turning to look back to look at Arian who had sensed his stares giving him a provocating side smirk.

Arian greeted his teeth and was about to head in anger towards Dorion but Marquess Elex who was still arguing held Arian's collar and told him to stay put as it looked like in the distance.

Arian crossed his arms displeased as Dorion's side smirk widen and went walking to where the swordsmanship participants gathered putting his metal helmet on.

'...' (Aurora)

Aurora's eyes naturally turned to the middle of the arena.

Two individuals stood looking at each other.

Second Prince Jerek Von Rhone, age sixteen.

He had orange hair and green eyes just like the fake empress.

And the third Prince Lisandro Von Rhone, age eleven.

He had golden like colored hair like Dorion and the emperor.

Though he had inherited the fake empress's green eyes.

Jerek glared at Lisandor while Lisandor looked at him with hidden nerves.

"I don't know why mother thought of involving you to participate but I'll show you I'm better than you'll ever be with your sword" (Jerek, said)

'He asked mother if he could join this competition knowing he would make me lose my spotlight...mother would have normally said no to any of his requests' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

'When mother allowed him, it took me by surprise' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

He tried not to show his greeting teeth.

'She knew he was better at swords than me' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

'I won't let the likes of him embarrass me even if it means playing dirty' (Jerek's inner thought)

"You may think that coming here means that mother would allow you to become the captain of the Rhone imperial knights in  the future but I'm afraid you're reaching too far" (Jerek, said)

He mocked Lisandro as he continued.

"You must remember your place, Lis, you exist to make me look good." (Jerek, said)

"You are just a useless prince so stop getting on your high horse" (Jerek, said)

"You should consider yourself lucky, unliked the empire's bastard" (Jerek, said)

'Turn'

He glanced back at Dorion who leaned against the arena walls with his eyes closed crossing his arms next to a light green-haired beat-up commoner talking to him excitedly.

"One look at him and you could tell he rolls in dirt" (Jerek, said)

He said as he continued to look at Dorion from afar.

"..." (Lisandro)

Lisandro looked at Dorion as well in silence.

"Hello your highnesses" (Referee, said)

Till the referee came in between them and greeted them politely.

'Turn'

Jerek finally turned his attention to the referee and Lisandro looked up at him as well.

"Alright I will give you the signal to begin" (Referee, said)

He closed his eyes gently as he pulled out a small little red flag with the Rhone imperial family crest.

'Turn'

Now both Jerek and Lisandro faced each other pulling out their swords.

Jerek smirked in excitement to beat Lisandor while Lisandor's neck started to sweat.

'Swish'

At the moment the referee flapped the flag Jerek and Lisandor clashed swords.

'Clang, Clash, Clang'

They fought against each other however there was an obvious difference in their skill.

Lisandor who was eleven years old was the youngest participant in this competition yet his sword skill were greater than most participators here.

Well not as great as Dorion the main character, but perhaps it was similar to his techniques after all from a young boy who dreamt of becoming the Rhone Imperial knight's captain rather than involving himself with the throne.

It wasn't as if he were going to inherit the throne, his brother Jerek was declared as the next heir to the throne naturally.

While his older stepbrother who was greater in skills and intelligence would never have the opportunity to do so.

Lisandor would forever be the sacrificial prince.

A prince only born to make his brother Jerek look good.

Jerek had everything, from extravagant luxuries to women, he was everyone's favorite.

Lisandro did not care since he wasn't interested in those things however it didn't mean he didn't care about parental love.

Lisandro's father loved him very much, and for that, he was thankful however since Jerek was his mother's favorite his father followed everything to her request giving more time to Jerek.

He didn't understand why his mother looked at him as if he were an annoyance, however, it was he as a prince had to follow through no matter how hurt or how much he hated it.

He wished to have the courage just like his oldest stepbrother who ignored the world that hated him and did whatever he pleased.

Those admiration thoughts were meant to remain inside his head and never come out of his mouth.

'Clash, Clang, Clash, Clang'

Jerek and Lisandor clashed swords again.

'Termble'

Jerek's hands were trembling as Lisandro's sword pushed harder against Jerek's sword.

'Dam it' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

'Did he not understand what I just told him?!' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

"Lisandoro, I told you today that I must be the victor" (Jerek, said)

His lips finally parted in anger.

"If you don't draw out I'll tell Mother to never permit you to even try out for the Rhone imperial army" (Jerek, said)

"You'll never get the chance to become the captain of the Rhone Imperial knights if you don't listen" (Jerek, said)

Jerek said with a cold warning tone.

"!" (Lisandro)

Lisandor's eyes widen at Jerek's threatening warning as he unconsciously let go of the strength he was putting on his sword.

"Lose you loser" (Jerek, said)

Jerek said with a side smirk with warning eyes.

This was Lisandro's last warning if he did not listen then his future dreams, the purpose he looked forward would be crashed in an instant.

Lisandor expression changed into a defeated and bitter expression as he sloppy fought Jerek giving him an obvious opening to take him down.

'Ha, just look at how obedient with such words' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

He didn't even try hiding his satisfying grind.

Maybe to viewers, Lisandor's expression meant that his energy had finally drained since he wasted his energy too fast compared to Jerek who knew how to control it.

But to a person who stared off with his red eyes knew exactly what was going on.

'...' (Dorion)

'Clash, Clang'

'Thud'

'Point'

Jerek who had hit Lisandro's obvious opening finally took Lisandro down as Lisandro's bottoms touched the white squared floor.

"From the beginning, you should have been like this" (Jerek, said)

Jerek said with a cold mock as he pointed a sword near his neck as he looked down at Lisandro while Lisandro looked down at the floor trying to hide his frustration for not being able to rebel and sad eyes.

"Ladies and Gentlemen we have ourselves a winner" (Referee, yelled)

"His Highness Prince Jerek!" (Referee, yelled)

The referee who came back to announce the winner stood between them and yelled loudly for the audience to hear while Jerek looked up proudly and Lisandro remained on the ground with his face looking down grabbing his sword to get up.

'Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap'

People clapping.

"Prince Jerek is the best!" (People, cheering)

"Our future emperor!" (People, cheering)

"He's so strong!" (People, cheering)

The people cheered happily for Jerek as he smiled taking the praise as if he were a god Lisandro had already gotten up.

"!" (Lisandro)

As soon as he looked straightforward in that certain direction he wanted to avoid that he had just made eye contact with those red eyes again.

'Turn'

Lisandor quickly turned his eyes away from him pretending he had not just made eye contact with him.

He could not dare to look at him after how pathetic he must have looked.

'Step, Step, Step'

Lisandro closed his eyes as he walked away towards a special seat for him still down on the arena.

'Trun'

Soon Prince Jerek who smiled like a narcissist turned around with a high attitude taking a quick glance at Lisandro who was almost reaching for his seat grinding harder.

'Turn'

Prince Jerek's attention turned to Arain who was already walking toward him.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking

Jerek and Arian walked toward one another.

'Halt'

They pass each other but halt their steps looking at each other with a side glance.

"I heard that you punched young Marquess Geven" (Jerek, said)

He said with a tease but his eyes were as if he looked down at Arian.

"He was annoying me your highness" (Arian, said)

Arian glanced at him with annoyed eyes before his eyes looked straight forward above where Aurora was fanning Adelina.

'Turn'

Jerek who had turned at Arian's stare looked where he was staring at.

"By the way I've been meaning to ask who is that witch in black?" (Jerek, asked)

He asked with a mocking tone.

There's no way Adelina would let any of her maids such high-end clothes.

Jerek knew Adelina's true personality after all.

She'd never permitted a simple maid to wear clothes like that.

Adrian tried not to grit his teeth at his mock.

"That's my other sister" (Arian, said)

Arian said to Jerek still looking at Aurora as he spoke to him with a voice restrained in anger.

Jerek grinned at Arian's angry tone.

'Tsk this bastard' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

He did not like Arian, to him he was like a regular person.

A person who would bow down to his feet when he became emperor.

It didn't mean that he didn't find him irritating amongst Dorion and Lisandro.

Like Dorion, Arian had the same energy as him.

They did not acknowledge him as the future emperor.

Unlike Dorion who didn't bother by showing his hostility to him, Arian had to try and hide his hostility toward him.

It was obvious after all Jerek's personality....whoever wanted to be associated with him.

Jerek hated any encounter with any member of the Lepiliodel family an exception of Adelina at times.

'Her face is pretty at times when she's not so annoying' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

'She a white louts bitch and knows how to manipulate people with her innocent face everyone falls for it' (Jerek's inner thought)

'She does not trick me but since mother wants her as my bride I don't mind since she's so popular' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

'She's the empire's most beautiful woman here that would definitely look good when I become emperor' (Jerek's inner thought)

'Although there are less pretty ladies than her it wouldn't be bad to have concubines if I ever get bored of be bedding her' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

Yes, Jerek was known as a playboy in the empire.

Jerek's lips parted again looking at Aurora as he touched his chin.

"It looks like she has a nice body but I bet her face is as ugly as a frog" (Jerek, said)

He said as if rating her ticking Arian's anger.

"If not why would she cover her face?" (Jerek, asked)

Jerek's attention turned back to Arian as he asked.

Arian's eyes remained on Aurora.

'That's where you're completely wrong' (Arian's inner thoughts)

'If Adelina wasn't so jealous of Aurora's beauty she wouldn't have ordered her to cover her face' (Arian's inner thoughts)

'I know she's glad that no one has seen her because the title of the most beautiful woman would be taken away from her' (Arian's inner thoughts)

'Aurora's beauty...indeed her beauty is beyond this world' (Arian's inner thoughts)

"Your Highness my match is about to start" (Arian, said)

However Arian said nothing.

He avoided his question letting him know this was the end of his conversation as he only side glanced at him.

"Ah, yes of course" (Jerek, said)

'Pat, Pat'

Jerek who had noticed Arian cutting their conversation smirked and patted Arian on his left shoulder.

"I hope young Marquess Arian wins against the bastard" (Jerek, said)

He said as he glanced forward to look at Dorion who was taking his sweet time to head over the middle of the arena.

"...." (Arian)

Arian turned his side profile and glanced at the unbothered Dorion.

Arian frowned annoyed.

"..." (Arian)

About five seconds passed before Arian opened his mouth again.

"That's what I was planning to do" (Arian, said)

He said with a cold voice and looked straight forward walking away from Jerek.

'...' (Jerek)

Jerek glanced at Arian who clenched his fist as he walked to the center of the Arena.

A satisfying smirk expressed on his lips before his green eyes glance at Dorion.

His girned disappeared as he stared at Dorion with hostility and turned the other way to avoid him and find his seat alongside Lisandro.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking

'Halt'

Arian had finally stopped in the middle of the arena and stood there waiting for Dorion to arrive.

'...' (Arian)

He couldn't help but frown coldly.

'Setp, Step, Step'

Walking

'Halt'

Stop walking.

'Turn'

Dorion had too arrived in the middle of the arena.

He turned and spun to face Arian.

Now Dorion's back would show in Aurora's point of view.

As soon as Dorion faced Arian a proactive hostile conversation began.

"You.." (Arian, said)

"Did you take my sister's handkerchief?" (Arian, asked)

Arian glared coldly in anger as he asked Dorion due to the handkerchief he had noticed wrapped around his wrist.

This handkerchief was something he had caught Aurora a while ago making.

It was his foolishness to think Aurora was making it for him but when he saw it wrapped around Dorion's wrist he couldn't help to feel furiously angrier.

That handkerchief was stained with dried blood and by the looks of it, it had seemed to be the blood stain off his metal helmet as he had heard.

But in fact, he did not know that Dorion had not wiped the blood off his helmet with Aurora's handkerchief in fact he wiped the blood with Jameson's shirt after he had gone back that route to enter the main entrance for the swordsmanship competitors.

Unfortunately, he had bumped into Jameson's father.

Still, that didn't stop him from cleaning his helmet with Jameson's shirt in front of Jameson's father.

Perhaps that was why Jameson's father was gravely agitated that Knight Two had to stop him.

"..." (Dorion)

However, Dorion had no interest in having a conversation with him.

"You better give it back, that's not yours to keep" (Arian, said)

At least till Arian spoke to him loudly with words he did not please.

"I don't care" (Dorion, said)

Dorion opened up his eyes and stared at him with intimidating eyes.

"If I don't?" (Dorion, asked)

"Ha, I don't know how you stole it from my sister but you better get it straight through your head" (Arian, said)

"My sister would never place her eyes on you again" (Arian, said)

He said angrily at Dorion's response.

'Swish'

And Dorion did not take it well either.

"I don't talk to stupid morons like you" (Dorion, said)

He had pulled out his sword from his right hip.

"Ah...I let me" (Referee, said)

The referee who was resultant to approach and had been watching over silently in the distance only waved his flag.

He had felt the suffocating aura about to start.

'Swish'

"You'll regret your words" (Arian, said)

He said with a cold frown as he too pulled out his sword and launched himself first at Dorion.

'Clash, Clang, Clash, Clang'

They fought each other clashing swords and swinging words against one another.

'Clash, Clang, Clash, Clang'

'Clash, Clang, Clash, Clang, Clash'

They clashed swords.

"The only person to regret his words is you" (Dorion, said)

'Push'

Dorion pushed his sword more against Arian.

'Why is he so strong?!' (Arian's inner thought)

Sweat droplets started falling from Arian's neck.

"I could have finished you as soon as you launched yourself at me but your sister would have felt embarrassed by you" (Dorion, said)

His red eyes looked at Arian as if looking at him as a weakling.

'Clang'

'Swish'

'Clack'

Dorion took out Arian's sword out of proximity.

The sword had landed on the arena platform however that was the least of his problems.

"That's how you end" (Dorion, said)

"!" (Arian)

Dorion pointed his sword toward Arian's sword for him to look.

'Lower'

Dorion lower his sword looking at Arian's surprised face who was still looking at his sword on the ground in the distance.

"I-It seems this match is over" (Referee, said)

It would have been a very uncomfortable atmosphere if the referee did not interfere again talking from a distance.

He said as he sweated countless sweat drops.

He was not the only one who acted this way.

The viewers reacted the same.

"Ah...this match's...winner Prince Dorion" (Referee, said)

The referee spoke again looking at Dorion timidly and awkwardly.

"..." (Arian)

Arian stared at Dorion in silence.

"Good luck next time, who knows I might see you at war" (Dorion, said)

Dorion mocked him as he said.

Arian could only greet his teeth head and grabbed his sword.

'Turn'

Without looking back at Dorion Arian walked away from the middle of the square platform heading toward his father who looked at him displeased and crossed arms.

All those silent people observed Marquess Elex lecturing Arian.

'Turn'

Dorion on the other hand could care less he had turned around to look at the refree who was concentrated looking at Arian and Marquess Elex.

'Turn'

The referee who felt Dorion's stare turned to look at him.

"I'm waiting" (Dorion, said)

He said with an annoyed voice.

'This...why is he so intimidating...' (Referee's inner thoughts)

He thought as he felt suffocated once again.

The referee turned his head to look over at Jerek who finally got up from his seat.

It was as if Jerek was making Dorion wait.

He walked over to the large squared platform with a smirk on his face placing himself in front of Dorion.

He stopped in front of him still smiling.

"Today we have a special fight" (Referee, said)

The referee who was still there announced with a cautious voice.

Now he was really suck in a tight spot.

This was the awaited match, a match that everyone was waiting for.

But he was under pressure from the emperor and fake empress.

He could sense their burning gaze and the silence of everyone in the arena.

"Ladies and Gentlemen I know you have all been waiting for this moment" (Referee, said)

He looked at Jerek who still had his high smirk.

"Our empires pride, Prince Jerek Von Rhone!" (Refre, yelled)

He said loudly and happily as he signaled with his hand.

The referee knew that he had to humiliate Dorion for his life at sake.

Of course, it did not bother him to humiliate Dorion since he was an illegitimate bastard but his piercing eyes sure gave him a fright.

However the empress furry would pierce his heart if he did not humiliate Dorion enough.

'Cheer, Cheer, Cheer' (People, cheering)

The crowd became wild and became to scream.

"Our future emperor!" (People, cheering)

"The only worthy to win this fight!" (People, cheering)

"Yes, Prince Jerek win that bastard!" (People, cheering)

"Show him no mercy!" (People, cheering)

'Wave, Wave'

This only raised Jerek's ego as he waved his hands as taking the praise.

"And here we have the empire's bloodthirsty mad dog, illegitimate Prince Dorion!" (Refrie, yelling)

"The son of a rapeist maid who was executed for her sins!" (Referee, yelling)

"Today we have here the bastard son, who will be defeated by our next ruler!" (Referee, yelled)

"Boooooooo!" (People, yelling)

"Destroy that bastard!" (People, yelling)

"Make him regret it like his mother!" (People, yelling)

"Teach him he will always be below!" (People, yelling)

People yelled booing as the referee signaled to Dorion who was looking at Jerek with eyes that seemed to humiliate Jerek.

'Why is this bastard looking at me like this? Shouldn't he feel ashamed at how he's being humiliated?' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

'Or is it because his face is covered that he does not feel shame...but his eyes its's like' (Jerek's inner thought)

Jerek's green eyes couldn't help but reflect confusion.

He couldn't have known that Dorion was laughing in the inside at how funny it will be when Jerek finds out the maid everyone was talking about was his own mother, sitting just up in the castle building seats.

Jerek's only solution was that Dorion must have been really stupid to not notice they were humiliating Dorion.

'He must be so used to it that this poor bastard can't tell the difference and he's acting high and mightly...how stupid must he be' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

"No, one is cheering for you is that why you're looking at me like that?" (Jerek, asked)

"Do you not know that their humiliating you and your psycho mother?" (Jerek, asked)

"How can you still stare at me like that you should be embarrassed there displaying your dirty lineage?" (Jerke, asked)

He mugged Dorion with a side smirk.

"..." (Dorion)

However, Dorion continued to stare at him with those red eyes.

'Tsk this bastard!' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

Jerek felt more displeased at not getting the reaction he wanted.

"Stare all you want like that! I sure will make those blood ugly red eyes switch after this match is done!" (Jerek, yelled)

He pointed at Dorion with a frustrated face.

'Tilt'

Dorion tilted his head signaling with his red eyes over Marquess Michlea.

'Turn'

Jerek naturally turned to look at Marquess Michael sitting next to Jerek's mother.

"I wonder what he'd think if you judge my eyes in front of his presence" (Dorion, said)

He said with a voice that clearly called Jerek stupid.

'Turn'

"...." (Jerek)

Jerek greeted his teeth and turned around looking at Dorion.

It was something Jerek had unintentionally slipped out, Jerek who thought Marquess Michael was his grandpa knew that he too possessed red eyes.

'Dam it how the hell did that bastard inherited my grandpa's eyes!' (Jerek's inner thought)

'What luck was to look like my grandpa however no matter what I am the true grandson this bastard knows it!' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

"Luck, it's all luck you got his eyes that doesn't mean anything" (Jerek, said)

"It still doesn't help your case" (Jerek, said)

"No one here wants you, tell me one single person who wants you?" (Jerek, asked)

He mocked Dorion.

"..." (Dorion)

Jerek interpreted Dorion's silence into his own conclusion as his smirk got wider.

"See you don't have any, what a shame to be in your place" (Jerke, said)

"It really is disgraceful" (Jerek, said)

Jerek continued to mug him as he said with a mocking laughter.

"How do you know if I was cheered or not?" (Dorion, asked)

Dorion asked with a provocation tone.

'For someone to cheer for him? How ridiculous' (Jerek's inner thought)

"Ha, cheered? Someone cheered for you? Who in the right mind would cheer for such a disgusting repulsive monster bastard like you?" (Jerek, asked)

He continued to mock him as if looking at Dorion with delusional eyes.

"Just look at you, even father hates you enough that he'd ask you to cover your face" (Jerek, said)

"Stop daydreaming there's no reason to lie just so you look good. Not like your reputation will help" (Jerek, said)

"You're truly delusional aren't you?" (Jerek, asked)

"Delusions you'll have if you ever met the most beautiful woman in this empire" (Dorion, said)

Dorion finally responded to him with a proud tone.

As if he was bragging.

"A woman insanely beautiful that will make you lose your mind, of course, you don't even have a brain, to begin with so perhaps his highness Jerek's head might just explode" (Dorion, said)

He finally mugged Jerek back with eyes making fun of him as he added on.

"Unfortunately you're too unlucky to meet her" (Dorion, said)

"I only got to meet her, only she cheered me on" (Dorion, said)

He continued to mock Jerek.

"That's enough for me" (Dorion, said)

"All those worthless people sitting cheering for an incapable prince are nothing compared to her" (Dorion, said)

Dorion continued to praise Aurora.

'The most beautiful woman...does he think he fools me for a second?' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

"How ridiculous, the most beautiful woman in this empire is Adelina, you wished you'd get a piece of her blessing" (Jerek, said)

Jerek said with a laughing face.

'Glance'

Dorion's red eyes glanced over where Aurora and Adelina only turning his side profile to look back.

Then glanced back at Jerek with mocking eyes.

"Ah, if you're talking about that dried corn-looking ugly lady then we are definitely not talking about the same person" (Dorion, said)

"That corned lady is really a toad compared to her" (Dorion, said)

He said with a disgusted tone when talking about Adelina.

"If you consider her the standing beauty then you must really check your eyes the corn toad and she are very different" (Dorion, said)

"...." (Jerek)

Jerek frowned and scrunched his teeth in anger as he looked at Dorion.

'This bastard doesn't seem to be joking no matter how I look at it I would have known if he's just making delusions but his tone, his attitude doesn't seem like he's lying' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

'Whatever woman he must be talking about must be ugly there's no way there's a woman more beautiful than Adelina...how dare he mock me like that!' (Jerek's inner thoughts)

Jerek's and Dorion's aura was intensifying till the referee intervened again after listening to their conversation instead of getting punished by Jerek for interrupting.

But since the situation was already heating up he must have to call the start of the match.

"Alright, let's now begin this match" (Referee, said)

He took out his Rhone Empire flag.

"At the signal you, the match will start" (Referee, said)

'Wave, Wave'

The referee waved the flag and quickly moved away distancing himself very far away in fright of getting hurt.

Instantly Dorion and Jerek fought.

'Clash, Clang'

'Thud'

Within three seconds Dorion had beat Jerek who had fallen to the ground.

'Slash'

Dorion had pointed his sword toward Jerek's neck.

'Drip, Drip'

Dorion had cut a little of Jerek's neck as blood dripped out from Jerek's neck.

'Tremble'

'Swish'

Dorion moved his sword a little away from Jerek's neck as the blood dripped from the tip of his sword.

Dorion was still looking down at Jerek who trembled in shock trying to grasp what had happened.

This action obviously created raucous among everyone as they stared with pale shocked faces.

'Spring'

It also created a furious reaction.

One from the emperor who stood up from his seat and inclined his body near the border castle building.

"Every volunteer charge towards that bastard!" (Emperor Ivan, yelled)

He pointed furiously at Dorion.

"AAAAHHHH!" (Swordsmanship competitors, yelling)

At the emperor's order, every swordsmanship competitor launched themselves screaming furiously toward Dorion from every side be it a commoner or noble.

Well except for Jerek who was still taken back by the blood dripping down his neck, Arian who looked at Dorion still in shock along with his father's same reaction.

Orland had too stayed in his same spot watching everything with a pale face afraid of Dorion being hurt.

There were about one hundred competitors, it was nothing to be taken lightly.

It was obvious that everyone would believe that Dorion must get hurt including Lisandro who had stood up from his seat in shock looking at how the competitors rushed toward Dorion.

Unfortunately, it wouldn't be long till Lisandro would get to spectate.

"'Lisandro that includes you dam it, how are you going to let that bastard treat your elder brother like that?" (Emperor Ivan, yelled)

"He's finishing those dam competitors! Finish him off Lisandro!" (Emperor Ivan, yelled)

Soon his father's angry voice was heard from above looking down at Lisandro.

The emperor's voice was full of anger and worry.

It was both because Dorion had harmed Jerek and because Dorion had already whipped out most of the contestants within seconds.

'The other competitors lacked in skill that's why he's beating them with ease but Lisandro is a sword genius as well, I believe in my son' (Emperor Ivan's inner thought)

"!" (Lisandro)

Lisandro's eyes widen as he looked up at his father and looked at Dorion who had stood fighting the little competitors left defeating them effortlessly.

"Lisandro go!" (Emperor Ivan, yelled)

He heard his father's voice yell with more anger and worry.

'...' (Lisandro)

Lisandro couldn't help to think it was cruel what his father was doing to order every competitor to ambush Dorion.

Especially when he knew that Dorion's skill was still highly above Lisandro's.

It felt nice that his father believed in him but Lisandro doubted his capability because he knew.

However, he launched himself towards Dorion with a reluctant face and a glimpse of fight and intimidation in Lisandro's green eyes.

'Clash, Clang, Clash'

With a swift movement, Dorion had turned his attention towards Lisandro and clashed swords.

Now it was only him and Dorion since he had finished everyone off.

'Clash, Clang, Clash, Clang'

Dorion red eyes seemed to gain a glimpse of brightness as if he were happy while Lisandro looked at him with nervous eyes.

Lisandro was doing pretty well fighting Dorion but he had noticed that Dorion wasn't really trying.

It was as if Dorion was letting Lisandro be.

'Clash, Clang, Clash'

'Push'

Suddenly Jerek came running and shoved Lisandro harshly.

'Thud'

Lisandro had fallen to the ground unconsciously letting go of his sword where Jerek had caught it in the air not caring how Lisandro had scrapped his knee and his hands at Jerek's push.

'Clang, Clash'

Jerek's sword clashed with Dorion's.

It seemed that Dorion's attention where directed toward Lisandro.

However, it didn't mean that he was not aware of his surroundings.

He moved his sword against Jerek.

Dorion's red eyes seemed annoyed and displeased.

"You fucken bastard do you think I'll let you off like that?!" (Jerek, yelled)

He yelled at Dorion angrily as blood continued to drip from Jerek's neck.

'...' (Dorion)

"Don't tell me you're going to cry over a spek of blood?" (Dorion, asked)

Dorion mocked as he held his sword against Jerek.

"Bastard!" (Jerek, yelled)

Jerek yelled even louder as countless anger veins began to show on his face.

'Clash'

'THUD'

'CRASH'

Dorion had given him the opportunity to speak some words before finishing him off with a very aggressive blow throwing back Jerek a couple of feet away.

Exactly hitting his bottom and his back against the bottom of the castle tower building seat where the emperor, empress, and his grandpa and grandma were at.

"!!" (Emperor, Empress, Marquess Michael, Marchiones Erica, and everyone else)

Everyone's faces darken at the shock of his aggressive hit.

This just proved that Dorion possessed monstrous strength beyond a human.

A simple hand movement with only a small force.

"Huhk!" (Jerek)

"Huhk, Huck!" (Jerek)

Jereks eyes were becoming blurry as he crunched down to the dirtied ground holding tight his stomach as if trying to calm down his breath.

'Shiver, Shiver'

"Huck, Huck!" (Jerek)

"Blegh, Huck!" (Jerek)

Jerek shivered uncontrollably it was as if his back felt broken he was grasping air but at the same time, his mouth began to spit out blood.

Everyone started to panic.

"GET THE IMPERIAL DOCTOR IMIDEITLY!" (Emperor Ivan, yelled)

"~~~~ ~~~~!" (People, yelling)

"~~~~~~~ ~~~~~!" (People, yelling)

"-~~ ~~~~!" (People, yelling)

People began to yell and panic.

Some had gotten up from their seats running away even stepping over others scared in fright.

Their voices were full of fright and panic but Dorion could not hear them as Dorion's eyes were gazing into Lisandros's eyes who was down still on the ground.

Lisandor had seen how effortlessly Dorion had launched his brother against the arean cement wall.

But his eyes did not remain concentrated on the scene that Dorion had caused but back to look up at Dorion.

Lisandro had felt his gaze.

'....Is he going to hurt me like that?..' (Lisandro's inner thoughts)

He thought swallowing hard trying not to show that he was afraid of his red eyes looking down at him.

He felt as if he was a caught pray.

'Take off'

After a few seconds of a suffocating aura coming from Dorion, he took off his helmet with his eyes closed as his sweaty golden hair was styled down.

It was the same exact golden hair just like Lisandro.

'...' (Lisandro)

Lisandro's eyes couldn't help to widen.

This was the first time he had seen Dorion up so close, it was obvious that Dorion up close was even more good-looking.

'Turn'

Dorion's head turned with his eyes closed and opened them to see some imperial knights rushing towards Jerek who had blacked out while the amphitheater seats area was almost empty.

"Pathetic" (Dorion)

He looked over with an unfazed face as if it was nothing for him.

More like he could care less.

'Glance'

Dorion then had slightly glanced down at Lisandro still looking up at him with uneasy eyes.

'Did he....' (Lisandro's eyes)

It was as if Dorion had kinda sympathized with Lisandro, that was what Lisandro had come to understand with this chaotic interaction.

'Turn'

Dorion finally turned his head to look over where Aurora and Adelina were at.

His red eyes had gained a little bright light.

As if he was surprised she was still there amongst the people who had left.

He could not see her face but he knew that she must have felt worry for him.

'Turn'

Dorion turned his head to a side glance to see if Arian was still there.

Spotting him who was standing just in the same spot except for the Marquess Elex that had rushed towards Jerek.

Dorion's lips rose with a provocative grind as Arian and he had made eye contact.

'Warry Glare'

Arian furrowed his brows in a warry glare at Dorion's grind.

He felt as if Dorion was proving him but seeing how Dorion had finished the tournament, not one step he dare to make.

Before Arian could think of something else Dorion had turned his head to look at Aurora again looking up.

'Step, Step, Step'

Dorion began to walk closer still looking up at her who had dropped the black fan feather and were Adelina looked down at him with an uncontrollable face.

'Is he going to attack me?' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'Why is he grinning like that...what could a monster?' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

She continued to scut back her seat as if her back and the seat back were glued.

'Unless...he fell in love with me at first sight' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

Her panicked face began to relax a bit upon getting a good look at him.

'He's insanely handsome I must admit but I could never be, I'm too good for him' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'Truly I am beautiful so who wouldn't-' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

But before Adelina could continue to dilute herself Dorion had halted his step.

'Throw'

Dorion who was holding his helmet in his right hand threw up his metal helmet towards Aurora.

"Ahhh!" (Adelina, screamed)

Adelina quickly closed her eyes tightly placing her hands in the air as if to protect her face before she got to see who he was throwing the helmet to.

'Catch'

However, the helmet was not for her but for Aurora who had caught it.

'Kneel'

As soon as the helmet landed on her hands Dorion kneeled down on one knee looking up at her.

"!"(Aurora, Adelina, Arian, Lisandro, and everyone else)

Adelina had opened her eyes realizing the situation as everyone else who was still present or wasn't distracted with what was going on with Jerek and the furious royal family.

And some of the imperial knights who were rushing to capture Dorion and get to the injured Lisandro halted their step as well.

They were in complete shock, even more, pale had their faces become.

But everything had stopped for Dorion and Aurora.

He kneeled on one knee down as his red eyes yearned for her.

She looked down at him with a covered net as she gripped the metal helmet a little bit tighter.

........

-Back to the present-

'Tap, Tap'

Aurora tapped Dorion's bloody nose with small embarrassed blush as Dorion reclined his resting head on her thighs.

Dorion's red eyes looked at her with love eyes.

It was just like that day were they felt butterflies in their stomach.

As if time had stopped.

"Aurora" (Dorion, said)

Dorion's lips parted as he called her name.

'Creak'

He placed his hand to hold down the handkerchief and sat down to look at her.

"That helmet..." (Dorion, said)

Dorion said with his loving red eyes, there was some hesitance in his words.

It was a question he wondered.

If she had kept the helmet.

'....' (Aurora)

'Silence'

Aurora had said nothing for a minute just as her faceless expression continued to show.

Her blush had vanished away.

However, her dark blue eyes looked at him in a special way.

'Creak'

She gently got up from the bed corner.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking gently.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking gently.

Aurora walked barefoot towards a fusha pink silk fabric covering something that looked like a squared box.

'Halt'

She halted her step stopping in front of the silk fabric cover.

She lifted up the silk cover uncovering it gently.

'Tsss'

Underneath the silk cover was in fact a box-shaped item.

It was a clear glassed box with a red velvet cushion with golden embroidery.

And a squeaky clean metal old helmet rested on top of the cushion.

"!" (Dorion)

Dorion who caught a glips of half the clear glass box, half helmet, and half cushion that was not being covered by Aurora's body realized immediately what it was.

'Badump, Badump' (Dorion)

Dorion's heart couldn't help to race wildly.

This clear glass box was the type set for galleries or museums.

'Clack'

'Grab'

Aurora opened the top of the clear glass box and pulled out the helmet.

'Grab'

'Turn'

She gently grabbed it as she turned around with her eyes closed.

'Step, Step, Step'

She turned around as she walked with her eyes closed with a gentle relaxed face.

'Step, Step, Step'

Walking gently.

'Badump, Badump' (Dorion)

'She really kept it...' (Dorion's inner thoughts)

As she walked closer to Dorion his heart beated faster while he gazed at her relaxed eased up face.

'Halt'

Stop walking.

Aurora halted her steps in front of Dorion who sat on the bed with wide eyes and a pink expression.

"I wonder if it still fits" (Aurora, said)

Aurora opened her eyes gently as she said with a soft voice, her relaxed face had turned gentle, it was as if she were talking to someone dear to her.

'Dazed'

'....' (Dorion)

'Grab'

Dorion who had unconsciously become dazed had grabbed both her thin soft pink polished hands gently instructing her hands to place the metal helmet on him.

'Stuck'

However, this love-dovey atmosphere was soon swept away in embarrassment.

The metal helmet was embarrassingly stuck half ways in Dorion's head.

'Now this is a problem' (Dorion's and Aurora's inner thoughts)

Aurora and Dorion thought in both embarrassment and worry to unstuck the helmet.

BIG SPOILERS: The emperor is under a separate spell besides the memory manipulation, thanks to the separate spell provided by the main boss of the story(Not the fake empress-she is not the main boss) the spell helps the empress control the emperor a little better because deep down the emperor does not blame Dorion for being born and at the same time he still feels as if he has a stronger connection with Dorion(This has a lot to do with the reason to why Dorion was not affected by the memories swap) But it's because the emperor's mind is chained with the spell so the more he loves Dorion the more hate does the spell cause. Compared to the Emperor and Marquess Elex there's a big difference. The emperor who actually loves Dorion and Marquess Elex who treated Aurora badly on his own accord. Our ml will obviously figure out that his father is being manipulated by the spell as well (That is why the emperor also criticizes the maid and dotts on the empress because his love for the real empress was very strong) But it's hard for a mortal to break from a spell created from an immortal.

SPOILERS: You will be getting Dorion her lover, Arian her brother, and Lisandro a little brother type of love all fighting for Aurora's attention and working together against everyone.

Kinda Spoilers: There is a reason why the empress does not care for her second son, a sinister and saddening truth for his main purpose planned by the main boss.

Next chapter: We will get to see a cute moment between the ml and fl. We will also get a half-truth confession of the memory alteration talk between them.