They met with the Marquis at the stadium who after some discussion with the Duke, decided to approach his son in law.
The Marquis hugged Carnel, whispering into his ear, "I heard you went to a brothel again." Carnel flinched, flustered by the remark, but when the embrace ended and their eyes met, all he saw was the same smile the Marquis wore at all times whether it be anger, joy, or sorrow.
At that moment, all Carnel felt was fear because it was exactly how he had to face his father at times but the difference was that his father remained unemotional while his father in law tends to kill with a smile.
"You look pathetic." The Marquis remarked. "Straighten yourself. You are, unfortunately, my son-in-law. I won't have you looking weak and pitiful." Marquis Vapund stood beside Carnel and began waving at the audience from the pavilion. "Just smile and wave." He said, expecting the people to see a loving father-in-law and son-in-law.
Lady Cornelia watched them from her seat, smirking. "They look great together, like a good father and son." She said, hoping her son will be able to use his father-in-law to be a successful aristocrat.
Seated beside her was Lady Ranul, her daughter-in-law, cradling baby Venar who was her grandson. "How is he?" Cornelia asked, curious about her grandson.
Lady Ranul, unlike Carnel, was intelligent, graceful, and poised as she was often considered the jewel of House Merca. Treasured by her family, she remained humble and used her privileged status to expand her knowledge and refine herself.
She answered carefully, "He has the beauty of my mother-in-law's lineage and the strength of my father-in-law's bloodline."
Cornelia let out a short, derisive laugh which was proud and supercilious. "My daughter-in-law certainly knows how to use her tongue." She was certainly proud but her ego of being above everyone else due to how she was part of the Royal Family.
Bowing slightly, Ranul responded, "It is my duty to satisfy my husband and serve his family."
Cornelia replied with a curious expression, "Don't try too hard. Just focus on supporting my son and raising your boy. Soon, you'll be in my place, handling much of the House's affairs." Was she being kind? Or warning her not to grow too ambitious? Since Ranul can be a threat to Cornelia's power play in the House.
"I understand, Mother." Ranul said, head still bowed.
Meanwhile, the Marquis continued his private talk with Carnel. "You should stop visiting brothels. I gave you my beautiful daughter. She is yours, and you belong to her. I don't want her husband to be known for being debased by harlots. Fix that habit of yours rather than being a disappointment." His tone remained calm, but his gaze lingered protectively on Ranul.
Carnel nodded awkwardly. "Yes - yes."
But the Marquis sighed, "You see, I never wanted this. I never wanted you. I didn't want you as my son-in-law, but it's too late now. I forced my daughter into this, and now I have to live with it." He rubbed his forehead in frustration, clearly showing that he doesn't like his son-in-law's behaviour.
Their conversation was interrupted when the Duke entered, holding a ceremonial chalice filled with luxurious wine.
Approaching the edge of the pavilion, a magical circle formed before his lips. "Good morning, my fellow citizens." His voice echoed across the city thanks to magic amplification.
"You have all gathered for the celebration of my grandson's birth." He set the chalice on a nearby table and gestured toward Venar.
A servant gently picked up the child and brought him to the Duke, who held him up for all to see. "Behold and witness, the future of this House: Venar Angeras!" The people erupted into cheers, their thunderous applause shaking the stadium. The baby cried, but the Duke ignored it. The moment mattered more. Not all noble houses had the admiration of their citizens like House Angeras.
The child was returned to Ranul, and the Duke raised his chalice once more. "I welcome you all to this celebration. Let's rejoice, together!" He may seem unemotional but he did mean it, the Duke did care for his people even if he saw it as part of his duty as a Duke.
"He surely loves to gloat in front of the commoners." Lady Cornelia remarked, observing the people cheer for her husband. She still couldn't understand the difference between loyalty born from love and loyalty born from fear.
The Tournament began after the Duke finished his words and sat back down with the arena turned into a battlefield by the warriors.
Warriors of all kinds gathered, mercenaries, knights, criminals, swordsmen, archers, spearmen etc etc. The bloodsport was brutal, but the Knight of Merca stood tall among them.
"One after another." The Marquis bragged, "Our youngest knight cuts them down. I only brought him for him to gain some valuable experience, but this is child's play for a true warrior like my knights."
The Duke replied coldly, "Such battles tend to be unpredictable, Marquis. Don't be too overconfident, you won't know when a good opponent will come and slay your man."
Sir Desian, the Knight of Merca, had felled 57 opponents. Just three more and he would set a new record in that arena.
"The knight of House Merca, Sir Desian, has vanquished fifty-seven opponents!" the commentator shouted. "Three more and he breaks the record!" The people showed no indifference, they shouted in support for Desian with the cheers of "Desian! Desian!" Heard across the stadium.
Sir Desian faced the pavilion and declared, "I dedicate these victories to my lord and his beautiful daughter, my lady Ranul!" The crowd erupted with even more fervor.
The arena was soaked in blood and bits of flesh. Many contestants hesitated, unwilling to face him because they all understood that the knight was indeed stronger than them.
As per the rules, when a warrior defeats an opponent, another will take their place until the warrior is defeated then the opponent who won must face opponents the same way the warrior did. After each battle, the one who stands will receive a potion which will restore their stamina and heal small cuts to make sure the next round will be fair.
"Well, this is disappointing," the Marquis muttered. "Looks like it's over." He began to rise from his seat until the Duke suddenly slammed his hand on the armrest.
"Wait!" he shouted. "What is he doing here?!"
The Marquis turned his head just in time to see a cloaked figure entering the arena.
"We have an unknown challenger!" the commentator bellowed, followed by wild cheers.
Who is that? the Marquis wondered, settling back into his seat with unease.