Chapter 701: Retaliation

Several centuries ago, at the most dangerous moment, "Southerner" Hyman Jadestar entered the city alone. At the selection meeting, he and Miss Regina fell in love at first sight, and in the end saved the kingdom from civil war. The tradition of the selection meeting was preserved from then on.

And now, five hundred years later...

Sitting in the stands, looking at the cheering spectators in the stands, the heavily guarded soldiers below, and the contestants in the arena rubbing their hands in readiness, Thales could not help thinking that another Jadestar prince had come, surrounded by countless guards and servants, to another selection meeting.

He just did not know, at that year's selection meeting, when Southerner Hyman changed his name and sneaked into the venue, facing the assembled heroes of the South Coast who were sharpening weapons, rubbing their fists, gathering to choose generals in order to resist the Jadestar royal family, what reaction did he have?

With great matters at hand, with soldiers fierce and war dangerous, was he calm and unhurried with plans already in his chest? Or did he grit his teeth, endure, and hold back? Did he talk and laugh as if nothing were wrong, or did he face difficulty with fighting spirit high?

Thinking of this, Thales sighed deeply.

In any case, he would not have been like Thales, confused, full of worries, yet still forced to smile and pretend calm.

And Hyman had not fought alone.

Prince Hyman five hundred years ago at least had the powerful Eight-Fingered King as his backing. At least he had the duke's eldest son, clear in love and hate, speaking up for justice. At least he had the wise Miss Regina giving him plans. And the Duke Cork he faced was also a steady old minister of integrity and weight, at least in the story.

But as for him, Thales Jadestar in today's Jade City, the backing he possessed, the allies he relied on, the opponent he faced...

"Your security officer was just murdered, Your Highness."

Zayen's voice came from the seat on his right, steady but shrewd.

"And you are mired in suspicion and rumors. If I were you, I would keep a low profile, such as accepting Captain Cecil's protection and being escorted by heavy troops to a separate, isolated stand, prudently attending the selection meeting..."

"Protection? Escort?"

Thales watched the workers in the arena preparing diligently.

"You mean half-forcible kidnapping and house arrest?"

But Zayen ignored him.

"...instead of turning around and getting tangled with my sister, drawing attention as you squeeze onto the duke's stand."

"Getting? Tangled?"

Hilley's head emerged from Zayen's right side, staring at her brother unhappily.

Zayen turned his head and glared at his sister, unprecedentedly severe and solemn.

"Knight Cecil craves status, but he is not the kind of person who lowers his head to power and yields at a critical moment to let you go, especially before outsiders. So what weakness of his did you grasp? Power? Wealth? Wife and children? Or did you offer to dance naked for him?"

Thales was about to pick up his teacup, but paused at these words.

"Simpler."

Hilley snorted softly, entirely unaware that she had been mocked.

"Exchange of pieces."

Zayen followed Hilley's gaze and turned toward the guard teams beneath the stands. The Star Lake Guard and the Jade Legion, led separately by Hugo and Cecil, stood in two separated rows, wary of one another and clearly divided. Only one knight sat between them with his sword in his arms, staring distractedly at the tents prepared for the contestants in the arena, his gaze complicated.

"That is Knight Cassian? I understand. If it came to blows, Cecil was not confident he could defeat him before his subordinates, which would not benefit his own authority. So he simply seized the chance to back down with dignity... But how did you persuade Cassian to come out?"

Zayen frowned and smoothly waved to the spectators diagonally across from them, drawing another wave of applause.

"Could it be that you also threatened him, saying that if he did not come out, you would dance naked before everyone?"

Thales held his teacup and sighed.

This fellow, why was he so fixated on that?

"For Sunset's sake, brother. One sentence: yes or no?"

Hilley's brows rose. She took Zayen's arm, her smile sweet, yet the words leaking through her teeth made one frown.

"Do not force me to go down and dance right now!"

Zayen's expression changed slightly.

"Shameless..."

The duke used all his strength to maintain a normal facial expression. But just as he was about to retort, he was interrupted by surging cheers from inside and outside the arena.

The selection meeting was about to begin.

The Covendier siblings restrained their expressions, left each other an unfriendly look, and sat properly together.

Only then did Thales let out a breath of relief.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone!"

The host of the selection meeting was a famous banquet master of ceremonies who had studied in Dragon Kiss Academy's bardic department. He stood on a specially designed host's platform and held a specially made speaking tube.

"Do you still remember? Seventy years ago, when the White Devil Lake of Allenbia swung his axe and split man and horse in two, even the firmness of the earth trembled. Fifty years ago, when Mosago the Fierce Slave of the Great Desert and Red Ghost of Sootnight fought bitterly from moonset in the west until sunrise in the east, even patience like time had to bow unwillingly. Thirty years ago, when Muira the Righteous Attendant of the Duchy of Serra fought one against three for his wounded knight master and died with his blood drained dry, even the hardest-hearted spectators shed tears. Twenty years ago, when Prince Horace, the Sword of Northern Light, won ten battles out of ten, unstoppable in courage, the whole of Jade City cheered madly!"

According to custom, the venue of the selection meeting was a wide open ground in the New Suburbs. The terrain here sank inward, high outside and low inside, especially suitable for large exhibitions and gatherings. Usually, it was an exchange market where merchants and vendors gathered on their own. During holidays, it was often reserved as a stage for plays, and even as a preaching and sermon ground for the Sunset faith.

Around the Emerald Celebration, this place had long been cleared by the Jade Legion. Security officers then drew up cordons, workers and craftsmen labored day and night, setting up railings, frames, tents, passages, carpets, standing platforms, seating platforms, and various temporary stands three or four floors high, organizing it into a rather large circular arena.

The inner ring of the arena consisted of different stands and the contestants' preparation tents. These were separated by curtains, parasols, railings, and even manpower. Although people in the stands could lean out and look at one another or even call out and converse, although merchants, priests, officials, nobles, and other people warmly greeted one another from afar, and although servants responsible for logistics constantly hurried between the stands to deliver messages, the soldiers across the passages, the guards before curtain doors, and the family crests or certificates the servants displayed when delivering messages all emphasized the hierarchy within. Clear, distinct, and not to be confused.

"And all these classic scenes in memory happened at our annual, proud grand event, at that most blood-boiling moment, that most thrilling day, that most exciting occasion. Of course, also a good chance to empty your wallet or earn a bloody fortune..."

The host's voice carried Jade City's characteristic gorgeous accent and exaggerated drawn-out notes. Amplified by the arena's circular layout, it echoed through the somewhat empty field.

"The Iris Selection Meeting, with a full five hundred and fifty years of glorious history!"

Guests in the major stands clapped politely, and many cooperated with enthusiastic cheers. But the whole arena still felt sparse, hollow, and empty. By contrast, the farthest stands, including the people who could not enter beyond the railings, roared madly like mountains and seas, shaking the entire city. There were even drunk fellows who wanted to light fireworks for fun, but dutiful security officers stopped them in time.

Leaving aside the citizens watching the bustle outside, including those who had climbed onto roofs or trees, this arena could originally accommodate thousands upon thousands of spectators. Even if it could not compare to the legendary miracle building of the ancient empire, the Komora Grand Arena said to hold one hundred thousand people, placed in one corner of Jade City, it was still rather impressive.

However, because of the sudden murder of the security officer this morning, this selection meeting strictly limited the number of people entering for security reasons. Less than thirty percent of the capacity was opened. Many pre-sold tickets were refunded and voided. The Jade Legion and security officers also maintained extremely strict security, forbidding impersonation or sneaking through.

But rare things are precious. The more this was so, the more people flocked toward it. Nothing could prove a person's identity and status more than overcoming every difficulty to obtain a selection meeting ticket, something only high officials, nobles, rich merchants, and great traders could obtain. It was said that once news of the capacity limit came out, in only a few short hours, the price of a standing ticket in the selection meeting, located at the very edge where one could only see the entrance and exit, was pushed up to an absurd ten gold coins.

("Since I already came..." said a certain Far Eastern guest who laughed loudly and paid generously, then silently lowered his head, aggrieved and heartbroken.)

But the spectators who had no chance to enter did not need to be disappointed, because the outside of the arena was even livelier. People filled the space beyond the railings. Vendors called out everywhere. Ticket scalpers moved furtively. Gamblers opened betting pools on the perimeter. Restaurant owners set up tables on the spot and busied themselves selling wine and food. Street performers sought reward money from passersby. The church seized the opportunity and sent preachers. People discussed which merchant group's sponsored fighter could reach the top eight, what rare beasts the ocean-going fleet had brought back, and what rewards the duke and prince would offer. For a time, voices surged and people came and went, as though what was happening outside the arena right now was the true Emerald Celebration.

Compared with the atmosphere outside, the situation inside the railings was somewhat strange. The soldiers and security officers at exits and passages were solemn and oppressive, waiting in strict formation, watching every guest's arrival, including their servants. In the front stands, spectators with deep backgrounds brought family and attendants. Some sat calmly without moving, steady as mountains. Some exchanged greetings and conversations. Some cheered and shouted without stopping. Their performances varied. As for the arena itself, the fully armed warriors warming up, some rubbed their fists and brandished blades to display skill, some greeted opponents they knew and exchanged harsh words, while others, with attendants' help, finished preparing in steady silence.

"Of course, first we must thank our generous and wise city lord, Duke of the South Coast, Lord Zayen Covendier. It is precisely his years of diligent governance and strong support that allowed this selection meeting to be held, lively and glorious beyond past years!"

At the host's gesture, the arena's spectators turned together toward the highest three-level stand in the field. The Lord of Jade City still wore that kind and amiable smile, waving toward the participants below and the spectators in other stands.

"And our most honored guest, the kingdom's heir, Duke of Star Lake and second prince, the North Star whose name is known throughout the Western Continent, His Highness Thales! His presence displays His Majesty the King's grand favor toward Jade City, and is an honor for all citizens and even the entire South Coast Territory..."

Thales and Hilley sat on Zayen's left and right. Servants and personal guards had long been dismissed by the three of them and could only watch from outside.

At this moment, the prince forced a smile and learned from the duke, waving toward everyone. He helplessly discovered that wherever he faced, the cheering stopped abruptly, replaced by lowered heads, evasive gazes, and whispers.

"Look, beside the duke is Miss Hilley!"

"Eh, the three of them are sitting together. The atmosphere is so strange. It looks like..."

"Like a family? Pah, pah!"

"Why did the prince come too? Did he not just kill someone from Emerald Palace..."

"The more it is like this, the more he has to attend, or else he would seem guilty..."

"My uncle says he knew that dead security officer, and says he was unreasonably bullied by the prince these past few days..."

"Shh! Stop talking. There are not many spectators. Maybe he can see us..."

"Interesting. They must have reached some deal behind the scenes."

"Stop looking at him. Look at today's odds. Have you thought about what to bet on?"

Thales could only sigh helplessly.

"You know, Thales, the earliest selection meeting was held five hundred years ago by Duke Cork to select generals and recruit soldiers in order to resist the step-by-step pressure of the Jadestar royal family."

Zayen smiled as he waved to the contestants in the arena, his voice malicious.

"Does it look familiar?"

"But in the end, it selected a Jadestar son-in-law and resolved the crisis?"

Hilley shrugged, tearing down the stage without giving him face.

Zayen's gaze sharpened. Thales swallowed.

The Lord of Jade City took a deep breath, first smiling and nodding toward the vassals in the opposite stand, Count Lassia of the Marshlands and his eldest son, then speaking in a voice only the three of them could hear.

"Ignorant. Who do you think your loose behavior and lack of restraint will ultimately ruin the reputation of?"

"Yours, of course. And the Iris'. Perhaps also father's, grandfather's, great-grandfather's, ancestors'... Who else?"

Zayen's expression changed.

"You think you can hold the family's reputation hostage to force me to submit?"

"Oh, you cannot imagine."

Not good.

"I swear, Zayen, I truly did not know about the naked dancing."

Under the duke's murderous gaze, Thales interrupted them in a low voice to cool down the siblings' quarrel.

"But in my experience, in front of a crowd, mm, she might truly not care, and truly do it."

"Your experience?"

Zayen's expression worsened. His gaze circled over Thales like a vulture examining prey on the ground.

Hilley, seated on the other side, raised her eyebrows provocatively.

Realizing he had misspoken, Thales could only laugh dryly and temporarily shut his mouth.

"...And we must also thank the generous Fragrance Merchant Association. They funded the main construction work for this selection meeting's arena!"

The host, who had a task to fulfill, shouted with all his strength, pushing the selection meeting forward.

"And the Mboto Merchant Group. Their sponsorship in banquet fireworks and fine food makes this selection meeting even more colorful. Do not forget Gedz Blacksmith Workshop. Many of the contestants' protective equipment was provided by them. Incidentally, they are also one of the Jade Legion's weapon suppliers, quality guaranteed. Thanks to Zeka Printing House, even those not at the venue can know the selection meeting results, because the flyers and documents are all copied and printed by them. Sangare Farm is responsible for providing fodder and professional care for the horses at this selection meeting, while the Jade City Leather Guild carefully inspected and repaired all contestants' saddles and protective gear. A good horse deserves a good saddle, and the knight returns victorious. Harvest Casino has issued trustworthy betting pools and odds indicators for this selection meeting. They are also the only officially licensed betting casino, with special betting points both inside and outside the venue. Reminder to everyone, small bets are enjoyable, bet rationally, and privately gathering to gamble without official permission is illegal. The Security Hall will not tolerate it. Also, Sanchez Carpentry Workshop will spare no effort maintaining every installation during the selection meeting, including the large railings and stands they are best at making. Medic Theater Troupe will write stage scripts for the winners of this selection meeting, to be performed soon in major theaters of the Goddess District. Tanganga Ocean Fleet is professional and proper. Through sea routes, they transported everything from overseas needed for this selection meeting, and they will provide free homebound tickets and a full five years of discounted commute passes for all top eight winners and both sides of the team battle final. Of course, do not forget the Jade Legion and New Suburb Security Hall. Their powerful cooperation and self-sacrifice have contributed greatly to the orderly progress of the selection meeting and deserve our respect. Among the contestants, there are two warriors selected and sent by them!"

Damn it.

As Thales listened to the names of these merchant groups and workshops, he calculated and understood. To hold this Emerald Celebration, Zayen had not spent much of Jade City's fiscal funds at all, had he? In the end, he might even profit from it.

Following the host's introduction, the two contestants participating in the first round of one-on-one duels appeared on both sides of the arena fully armed. They raised their weapons in their most heroic postures, receiving cheers and applause from every stand, and bets from the edge of the field.

Zayen stood and raised his hand to greet the contestants. The latter likewise saluted the three nobles when passing the main stand.

"All right, dear sister. Now all eyes are upon us. Whether you want to dance or strip, please do as you wish."

Zayen had recovered his calm, utterly unaffected by his sister's coercion.

"If the dance is good, perhaps I will even have Ashford give a reward. I guarantee it will be more than what you earned performing on the street."

Hilley's gaze chilled.

In the next second, she stood and stepped downward.

"Hey!"

Thales hurriedly stood and grabbed Hilley.

"Are you, are you really going?"

But he soon discovered there had actually been no need for him to step forward. On the other side, Duke Zayen was smiling as he grabbed his sister's arm, his expression composed, with only his eyebrow twitching faintly.

The three of them stood in a row in the stand like this. Hilley was in the middle, both arms pulled behind her by the two of them, her posture strange.

Zayen's gaze was like a sword, sweeping past Hilley and stabbing straight at Thales' hand gripping her.

The coldness in it could not be greater.

Not good.

Thales could only laugh dryly.

"Are you two... letting go or not?"

Hilley, caught in the middle, spoke with difficulty.

Thales hurriedly released her, only to unexpectedly find that Zayen had also let go of Hilley at the same time as if shocked by lightning.

Bang!

With a sympathetic muffled sound, Hilley slammed hard against the railing ahead, letting out a painful groan.

"You two, hiss..."

Terrible.

Thales was startled and hurried to support her, only to discover that Zayen had also stepped forward. When the two saw each other's movements, both paused together and instinctively withdrew their extended hands.

"You will not even help me up!"

Hilley held the railing and rubbed her ribs in pain.

Thales and Zayen looked at each other, their feelings complicated and hard to distinguish.

The surrounding spectators had seen what happened on the main stand and produced quite a commotion.

Zayen and Thales exchanged a glance. The two took a deep breath, then hurried forward from left and right, supporting the railing together with Hilley. The three pretended to lean out and examine the contestants.

"Speak. What proposal do you have?"

The duke said coldly.

Thales raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

"See? He is not only my brother, but also the Duke of the South Coast. We have to force him, force him to choose between bad and worse."

Hilley rubbed her ribs and gave Thales a weak smile.

"Unlike us, he still wants face..."

Thales' expression turned strange at these words.