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The arena fell into stunned silence as Damien's words echoed through the air. The crowd couldn't believe what they had just heard. Viper, still in Damien's grasp, stared at him with a mixture of confusion and ridicule.
"What did you say?" she demanded, her voice laced with disbelief.
"I said I give up," Damien repeated. "As you said, there are indeed more things I can gain by training here rather than wasting the golden opportunity. The Grandmaster could teach me skills that I can't learn anywhere else."
"And that's all the reason?" She raised an eyebrow, knowing him very well, she knew there must be something else he was hiding.
He smiled sheepishly and looked back at Lucy. Viper's eyes traced his eyes and saw Lucy shivering and hiding behind the crowd.
"Oh?" She smiled malevolently. "In fact, I'll also train you in using blades, how about that?"
"That'll be great," Damien said, grinning.
The Grandmaster raised his hand, silencing the crowd. "Is that your final decision, young man?"
"Of course, Grandmaster. I would like to study under you," he bowed deeply, showing his determination to be an apprentice.
"What of the boy, then?" The Grandmaster asked again. "Why did you force him to a fight and bet it on his knighthood? If you were to join under me intentionally, you could've said so. The boy has lost his job and you're still going to study under me! That doesn't seem fair, does it?" It was a well-placed question.
The Grandmaster's question hung in the air, and Damien took a deep breath before responding. "Grandmaster, I understand your concern, and I apologize for any trouble caused. But if I were to back down without defending my honor and title as a noble, it would reflect poorly on the Spring Kingdom. Our honor is deeply valued, and if word spread that a noble was insulted without consequence, it could lead to tensions between our kingdom and others. I believe it's crucial to maintain diplomatic relations and avoid unnecessary conflicts."
The Grandmaster's stern expression softened as he listened to Damien's reasoning. "I see your point, young noble. Diplomacy and preserving peace are indeed important factors to consider. However, I must stress the importance of finding a balance between defending the honor and avoiding unnecessary violence. A noble's actions carry weight, and they should strive to set an example for others."
Damien nodded in agreement. "I understand, Grandmaster. I will learn from this experience and aim to handle such situations with more tact in the future. I appreciate your guidance and wisdom."
The crowd, previously held in suspense, murmured in agreement with Damien's words. The tension that had filled the arena began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of resolution.
The Grandmaster raised his hand, signaling for silence. "Very well, Damien. Your recognition of the consequences and your willingness to learn from this encounter is commendable. I accept your decision to study under me and will provide you with guidance to further develop your skills."
A wave of relief washed over Damien as he bowed deeply to the Grandmaster. "Thank you, Grandmaster. I will not disappoint you."
The crowd erupted into applause, acknowledging Damien's acceptance of responsibility and the Grandmaster's decision. The atmosphere in the arena shifted from uncertainty to optimism.
Viper, observing the scene unfold, couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for Damien. She knew he had his flaws, but his willingness to take responsibility and consider the larger implications showed a maturity beyond his years.
As the applause died down, the Grandmaster addressed the audience once more. "Let this be a lesson for all. Honor is not solely defined by the outcome of a duel, but also by our actions and the impact they have on those around us. Let us strive to uphold our values with wisdom and compassion."
With those words, the tension dissipated completely, replaced by an air of unity and understanding.
This was not indeed a retaliation nor any sense of pride in being a noble, this was for the future. If he had accepted the Grandmaster's invitation without batting an eye, the talented people inside the Judiciary, who yearn for the Grandmaster's recognition could very well be jealous of him. They can make him annoyed, he doesn't want that. He wanted them to accept him. He defended his honor against a knight, which shows his bravery and pride, then almost knocked out an Inquisitor before comically giving up just for studying under the Grandmaster. This sure has earned him some point inside their mind. That was true at all.
Not to mention, the real reason was different. This would, undoubtedly spread throughout the Four Border City. It will be a subject for the nobles and royals to converse among them. Of course, he will alter the rumors a bit. He will make it so that the rumors will be painting the truth as he earned the position by defeating two knights from the Judiciary.
This will undoubtedly be a shame to the hero. He will be jealous and he will be desperate to prove himself. After all, he's a sociopath. He years the attention and he won't do well when the attention is away from him. He will also be sent another present to the hero, which will undoubtedly make him violent and foolish. But that was for another day when the right time arrives.
Damien extended an arm to Viper, and she accepted, still clutching her dress together. "I'll see you in the halls, pretty boy," she said and left the ring not before giving a tight squeeze to his ass.
The crowd burst into laughter as Damien jumped, startled by the sensation. The two made eye contact and grinned at each other. "Come find me. We can bully her together," she winked at him, before whispering those words to him.
He watched her leave, the hips swaying side to side, her ass shaking while she walked away. His eyes trailed her until she disappeared from sight.
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