Chapter 109: A Gamble (1/2)

”Is this some sort of prank?” Prince Kal asked, furious. His kingdom was being involved here, so how could he not get angry? If it turned out to be some sort of trick, the other nations would laugh at their lack of discipline.

”I fear not, Your Highness.” Arthur shook his head, still not backing down under the prince's glare.

”Very well,” The grandmaster clapped his hands together. ”Do you know the identity of this someone?” He asked lightly, but his careless behavior was nowhere to be seen. The words of accusation, once spoken, would cause ripples whether they were true or false.

”I do,” Arthur nodded again. ”He's someone among the present people.” His words were met with silence followed by laughter. Everyone thought he was ridiculous.

”Are we going to listen to this clown? Guards!” Alfred Yalen glared at Arthur and called out to the accompanying guards. They gave an intimidating pressure wearing their reinforced leather armor with metallic boots. Chainmail was thrown over their upper torso to protect them against claws and blades alike.

”If I'm lying, you can disqualify me.” Arthur didn't retreat and looked at the grandmaster in the eyes. Meeting his gaze, the old man paused and lifted his hand as a soft command was issued.

”Stop.”

The guards would never dream about disobeying the grandmaster, and they stopped in their tracks. It was clear that here, the grandmaster enjoyed a greater authority than the prince.

”That's not enough for a price, young man.” The grandmaster continued. ”I can let you off with a disqualification, but whoever you accuse here can make a living hell of your life later on.” He keenly observed Arthur's reaction.

”… If I'm mistaken only, that is.” Arthur returned his gaze with confidence. He only had theories until now, before he came here. He suspected Alfred Yalen merely by the fact he knew how ruthless he can be. However, now that he was here, he sensed it.

The anxiety of Alfred, his desperation of obstructing him, and most of all the stench of Enders. He masked it well on the outside, but in the Iron Dome full of runes, Arthur's senses, or his instinctive hate, picked it up clearly.

”It's good that you're confident,” The old man nodded. ”However, how do we check if your words are true?” Much to the crowd's displeasure, the grandmaster gave Arthur more face than he could ever hope for.

”Easy,” Arthur gestured with his hands. ”They're carrying an artifact and your esteemed self is sure to be able to identify its function.”

”I'll not yield to such disrespect of being searched!” Someone from Thiria shouted. He had wild hair and a beard that resembled a lion's mane.

”Please, Lord Eskar. If his words are false and he is only wasting our time, then you can take his life.” The grandmaster appeased. ”Whoever he offends, if proven innocent, will have a weapon inscribed by me.”

Once these words were out into the air, the hall turned frenetic. Arthur felt that their eyes, earlier dyed with hostility, now gleamed with a plead to be chosen. Lord Eskar also coughed and retreated. His eyes also turned in Arthur's direction expectantly.

The sole exception for this change was the pensive royal family of Yalen since things would either end in their humiliation and an artifact or their humiliation or an artifact to another nation.

”And what would that artifact do?” The old man asked curiously, resuming their conversation.

”It would…” Arthur hesitated. ”Activate a weapon of mass destruction.” His words sounded ridiculous even for him. However, he was sure about it. The crowd jeered and spat venomous words about his lacking intellect and degrading background.

”Enough!” The grandmaster's voice was still quiet but it had a commanding tone to it.

”Now then,” The grandmaster nodded pleased at the prestige he held. He turned toward Arthur with a smile. It was then that Arthur realized that the grandmaster was taking a gamble. If Arthur's words were true, he would have a favorable impression of the grandmaster for helping him. If his words were false, the grandmaster would lose an artifact. ”Tell us who that someone is?”

Arthur could feel the mocking stares of the crowd. However, he hesitated to reveal what he knew. Until now, he learned that surprise attacks worked best. If they gave Alfred the time to defend himself, things would turn for the worse.