69 I Donst Want to! (1/2)

Recovering his mana, Greyson no longer paid any attention to his surroundings. His turn to challenge was up next round so he wanted to be at in his best condition. His plan was to challenge Natalia next. Everyone has been avoiding trying to go up against the girl so he still was not sure of her limit. After versing her, he could only hope the rest of the battles end quickly. If he beat her then all his goals would be accomplished and he could comfortably leave the Idris Kingdom to the wide world outside. There he would find his chance to breakthrough to the magister level. He wanted to take this chance to break the record for youngest magister, not just in the Snow Country but in the surrounding countries as well.

Tristian and Bromwood's battle had paused because of Greyson's last spell that had affected the entire stadium. Restarting, the two started up again. No matter how exciting their battle was, though, most of the audience was still stuck thinking back to the earlier battle and Greyson's final spell. Both Tristian and Bromwood could feel that even the judge was barely paying attention and felt extremely aggrieved. Couldn't that kid leave space for others to show off a little? They suddenly felt like jokes trying to follow up an epic battle like earlier. Looking at each other, they both came to an understanding and decided to just attack with their best moves. Obviously, there was no point in holding back and building up suspense. Bromwood ended up winning by just a little with the Fulmen family's Lightning Burst. However, both walked off the stage looking dejected as if neither of them had won. Both their eyes fixed onto the deceivingly cute looking young elf who was calmly meditating. Gritting their teeth in hate, they could only helplessly look on as all of them became the background characters to Greyson.

Ezra glanced to her side after noticing the glares. Realizing that the little boy beside her was paying them no mind, she couldn't help but giggle. A playful thought popped up into her mind before she smiled mischievously. Leaning her chest into the armrest that she shared with Greyson's seat, she brought her lips right next to his ear.

”Acting all cool like this is really seducing big sister~” Whispering seductively, her eyes made sure to catch his reaction. Just as she had predicted, Greyson's back and shoulders became stiff while the sharp tips of his ears blushed red. Opening his eyes, he looked over at Ezra in surprise, but seeing her leaning over he could not place his sight anywhere. Awkwardly looking straight ahead, he scratched his nose. Honestly, he had no idea how to react to Ezra and it was extremely hard to have any conversation with this naturally flirtatious woman. One had to remember that he was only 13-years-old while Ezra was already 20-years-old now. Taking all her advances with a grain of salt, he could only feign complete ignorance.

”Big sister, what does seducing mean?” Looking over with his best, ”I'm-a-child-and-know-nothing” innocent look, Greyson really came off as an oblivious kid. Ezra who was happily giggling earlier suddenly could no longer smile. Receiving those big, blue eyes of innocence made her feel like she was leading this young boy astray.

”Pfffftttt... Looks like your wiles do not work on everyone, Ezra. Does ”Big” Sister want to hit on little children now? Grey Grey, don't listen to this prostitute, good boys like you should not interact with woman like this. 20-years-old and doesn't know how to conduct herself.” Like a waiting predator finding its opportunity to catch its prey, Natalia did not let this opportunity pass her by. Overhearing the conversation, she quickly cut in with her own scathing remarks. Feeling a headache coming on, Greyson did not know why he had to be in between these two she-devils. If only Leopold would quickly come back. Plus, hearing someone other than Teacher Leilena calling him ”Grey Grey” made him grimace. Since when were they on nickname terms with each other?

Ezra's hand suddenly crushed the part of the armrest her hand was resting on and the mana surrounding started to flare up. Glaring dangerously at Natalia, she did not want to lose out.

”Oh? Well if it isn't Little Natty. However, I can't help but notice that you butt in whenever I'm talking to Grey here. It couldn't be you really have a crush, right? Big Sister can do you a favor and back off then.” Ezra taunted while dragging Greyson into the verbal spar. Disgruntled by being pulled into their fight, Greyson sent a displeased look towards Ezra. While his attention was elsewhere, he didn't realize that Natalia had already flared up at the comment and her red hair literally began to light on fire. Feeling the heat behind him and looking over at Natalia who was bristling in anger. Thinking the situation was getting out of control, Greyson wondered if he should just leave and give them some space. Right as the fight was about to start, a saving voice spoke up.

”Alright, that's enough the both of you. You all have to fight soon so just save your energy for the stage.” Leopold who was done healing, had come back to his seat and helped break apart the two girls. Almost right on cue, after Leo spoke, Morninghand came and asked Greyson and Natalia to declare an opponent to challenge. Natalia spoke up first and challenged Ignis. Surprisingly, though, he had rejected her challenge without even a thought. His eyes looking at Natalia seemed to hold great trauma as if something terrible had happened to him before fighting her. Confused, Greyson questioned Leopold with his eyes.

”Pretty much, one year ago Ignis took Ezra's side when Natalia and Ezra were fighting. Natalia took it personally and held a grudge, so when they fought last time, she beat him until he was unrecognizable.” Leopold whispered over. Slightly choking, Greyson looked over to the gentle-seeming young girl. Actually, his master had told him about the match between Leopold and Natalia last time, so he was already aware that she had a real violent and evil side to her. Hearing Ignis' rejection, everyone turned to Greyson for his challenge. To everyone's surprise, he locked his gaze unto Natalia.

”I want to challenge Natalia.” He clearly stated. At this point, all heads turn to Natalia waiting for her response.

”Too bad, I don't want to fight you. I forfeit.” Enunciating each word clearly, Natalia turned his challenge down immediately. At first, he did not compute her response so he stayed silent.

”Wait, why? Why don't you fight me? Do you think I'm not worth it?” Slightly annoyed by her rejection, Greyson continued asking her for the reason.

”Honestly? I can't combine all my elements yet, so that last spell of yours is something I cannot defend against.” She answered seriously. Seeing her change from her original willful attitude to seriousness made Greyson rather surprised. However, understanding her rejection made it better. Although she would not lose for sure, it seemed she did not have the confidence yet. He felt good knowing that he had jumped through the last hoop. Now all that was on his mind was quickly going home and traveling to the Beast Empire as soon as possible.