Glancing around, I find myself met with a sea of disapproving gazes. Whispers spread like wildfire among the onlookers, their words echoing in my ears like a relentless storm.

"That guy is a psychopath! He killed his own teammate!"

"It wasn't just any teammate! It was Princess Zamira. He might not even be able to beat her if they fought one on one. He attacked her unaware. He should be disqualified."

"Haha, stupid. He is going to be your next king."

"And so? It's not like I care. After all, I don't live on the vampire planet. I only came to join the tournament because my family asked me to."

"There's also this news circulating around that Princess Zamira and Prince Jake are going to get married once the tension of the tournament is over."

"Wow, to think that he hurt the ego of his wife-to-be, that guy is crazy."

I choose to ignore the whispers, refusing to let the judgments of others sway my determination. The weight of their words may press upon me, but my focus remains unwavering. Instead, my gaze falls upon a particular individual among the crowd, along with three other people at their side.

"Zamira," I mutter, determined to mend the rift between us.

"Don't talk to me," she snaps, her voice laced with anger as she steps back from me.

"Wait, I am sorry," I say, reaching out to gently grab her arms. I can see the hurt in her eyes, and my heart aches at the pain I have caused.

"You're sorry?! You killed me for no reason. Even though it's a game, it still doesn't make any sense to kill your teammates!" Zamira bellows, her emotions pouring out.

"..." I am at a loss for words, unable to find the right way to explain my actions.

"I am sorry, I know I did something terrible, but it doesn't affect your score in any way," I try to reason, hoping to find some common ground.

Zamira looks at me, her anger still simmering, but her gaze softens for a brief moment before she speaks again.

"Doesn't matter, you crushed my ego," she says, turning away and walking off.

I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of my actions bearing down on me. I had hoped to prove something to her, but instead, I only managed to cause pain and frustration.

historical

"You really angered Princess Zamira, your highness," Carmin's voice sounds from behind me.

"Right... I was just trying to prove something to her, but it's fine," I reply, trying to keep my composure. Carmin's observation hits me, and I can't help but feel a sense of regret.

As we continue to navigate the arena, waiting for announcement, I notice that Moe and Phill, are rather quiet and reserved. Carmin, on the other hand, is friendly and approachable, always ready to strike up a conversation. The revelation that they are all siblings leaves me somewhat speechless. I had never imagined that they were related, but it makes sense given their similar features and powerful abilities.

Moe and Phill, the elder twins, must have felt the sting of their little sister outshining them countless times. Carmin's skill and prowess have likely challenged their egos, leaving them with their own insecurities.

"Your highness, Princess Zamira talked good a lot about you back in the tournament. It seems like she's really in love with you. S-She was even contemplating if she should have a chi--"

"Looks like someone talks too much," Zamira suddenly covers Carmin's mouth from behind, dragging her away.

"Leggo of me!!! Your highness, save me!" Carmin pleads as Zamira drags her away.

Sigh... She doesn't even realize that she's like a giant, yet she is always acting cute.

Turning my gaze to Moe and Phill, they turn their eyes away, avoiding my gaze and attention, so as to not bring Zamira's wrath upon themselves.

These fuckers... I mutter, looking around at the other participants. Suddenly, I see Arthur sitting on a glass chair that's mounted to the glass walls of the room.

"Found you," I say, taking a seat beside him. Now that I notice, he is not as old as I had seen him during the tournament. Maybe it was because he was covered in blood. He looks to be the same age as me and Roth.

"Haaa~ sorry, I was lost in my thoughts," Arthur says, scratching the back of his head.

"Thanks for finding Excalibur for me, I don't know how to thank you," I say, giving Arthur a small bow.

"Fufu, it's fine. I only joined the tournament because I thought I might find Excalibur's owner there. But to think she was owned by the heir," Arthur muses with a smile.

Suddenly, a loud voice breaks into our conversation.

"You bastard!!! I trusted you!!!"

Hearing the curses, I turn my head to see Roth staring at me with a furious gaze, fuming with anger. I can feel the tension in the air, and I know I need to explain things quickly.

"Your highness, this lousy guy is your friend? Just who the fuck doesn't Roth know, he seems to know everyone?" Arthur asks, rubbing his head in confusion.

"You know him too?" I ask, surprised. "Well, he is a close friend of mine. We have been training under Alphonso for a long time," I answer, hoping my explanation will ease the situation.

"This guy, I met him on an expedition on a certain planet, and he challenged me to a duel. Of course, I whooped his ass without even using Excalibur, and we became friends since then, hahaha!! To think I will see this shirtless guy here again," Arthur starts laughing loudly, trying to lighten the mood.

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