Chapter 46: A Deathmatch in 1 Month

The remaining members of the arena were on edge, their senses heightened after witnessing Nikolai's daring act of kissing both the princess of the vampire family, Tepes, and the Werewolf clan, Fenrir. The werewolves, in particular, were on the brink of attacking him, their ferocious outbursts filling the arena with a palpable sense of danger.

'Bunch of wild dogs... just because I've laid my lips on a member of your kind, you all think It's the end of the world. It's not like your race is a rare or extinct species. It's not my fault she is crazy about me.'

Nikolai didn't care for their outburst, nor the fact the vampires were also angry at him for laying his lips on the princess of the Tepes family. However, those in the arena who didn't belong to the werewolf or vampire clans became excited after seeing the events unfold.

They all began whispering among themselves—some were even looking towards the direction of Nikolai with a feeling of excitement to see what would happen.

Because, after all, he just won a duel even with the Faust family interfering.

"Nikolai, why did you do that?" Selene turned to face Nikolai after she finally recovered from her confusion and daydream. She couldn't understand the meaning behind his actions. 'Did he want to save me, or was it because he wanted to show his prowess in front of the crowd and the two clans?'

'Shit, I've kissed her on impulse. But whatever, let's go with the flow.'

[You are going to get killed one of these days.]

"Hmm, because you were struggling with the Faust clan. If all of their anger and hatred is focused on me, you can accept the duels without any issue. I don't seek your family's fame or power. How about you let me kiss you each time I win? That's all I need, along with cash payment."

'I just don't want to be indebted to her, that's all.'

Selene's face reddened, but her eyes brightened up. She stared at the man who had managed to penetrate her guard. No male ever got close to her like him before, be it when he drank from her neck or the kiss. Selene didn't understand how he could do it, yet there was no denying that the moment she tasted his blood or saliva, she felt as if the world vanished.

All the people and expectations, her duty and responsibilities, none of them mattered anymore.

'Just what is happening? I expected her to get mad.'

Even though Nikolai was a human or, rather, someone she considered to be her squire. His presence gave off the aura of a man superior to her, suitable and comforting whenever he came close. Selene didn't hate him, even after their kiss. Though she hadn't fallen for him or some magical story like a princess, she felt a sense of release...

"I really wanted to tell the Faust family to leave me alone, hahaha... Your offer sounds quite reasonable. Let's go with your idea, Nikolai!"

The moment she agreed to his proposal, she skipped towards him and kissed his cheek.

"WHAT!?"

"Is this a joke!?

"The princess kissed that half-breed herself!"

"Someone tell me it's all a lie!"

"How can a member of the Tepes family dirty our pride like this?!"

An explosion of rage occurred in the arena. The members of the vampire clan stared at the pair with their jaws open and their eyes bulging in surprise.

However, neither Selene nor Nikolai cared because they were both having fun. This situation made Nikolai realise until now his life was filled with hard work, effort, suffering and misery, but there was little enjoyment or fun.

'This feeling... It's so weird, yet fun...'

Even though he was standing at the centre of a storm and there was a great chance he would get killed, his mood lifted, and a smile formed on his face.

Nikita finally snapped out of her happy dream the moment she saw his smile, a bright and radiant glow coming from him as she clutched her fists and swore to never lose against Selene. Yet she wasn't angry or violent because that was the first time she saw Nikolai smile so deeply, his happy face causing her heart to pound, as she gave up blaming him for today.

"Hahaha! Nikolai looks so happy... I also got to kiss him. How lucky I am, hahaha!"

A few metres away from them, Alister stood confused. He thought that the kiss was something Nikolai forced upon her, but now... He saw the princess kiss him, and it shattered his pride.

"You filthy mutt! Once the month ends, you will duel me, and I will kill you! I challenge you to a duel to the death!" Alister's declaration caused the entire arena to break into excitement. This could only happen once a squire defeated another. If they killed the opponent's squire, then the family member who was linked to them was allowed to take part in the next duel.

It was a way to prevent the weaker families from losing too much. If their weak squire was killed, they could kill the enemies in return using their full power.

Never was it used for a noble family to attack a lone squire. Sёarch* The Nôvel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Well, well... It seems my squire has brought me an interesting gift. Alister, right? I have never seen you fight, and there is no rule against a family challenging a lone squire. However, should you lose, the Faust family will pay Nikolai ten million in reparations and NEVER apply for marriage with me or my sister again."

Everyone fell silent at her words, their faces turning white at the threat she made. If the Faust family couldn't join the Tepes family, they would never rise to become one of the top three.

Their current success was due to having multiple engagements with the Tepes family and being the ones most likely to succeed.

"Nikolai, shall we go home together? After all, it is your reward for helping me."

Selene didn't care about the stares and the glares she was receiving, nor the insults hurled towards him, but he couldn't accept her offer.

"I am sorry, Selene, but I came here with Nikita and will be leaving with her."

The moment he rejected her, Selene's face turned a little sour. She looked at Nikita, then at Nikolai, and her face changed. She was aware of what was going on between the two, but she didn't expect him to reject her after she kissed him back and said those words.

However, the princess of the Tepes wouldn't cause a fuss.

"Understood; next time, I will let you know if anything comes up. Anya, let's go."

"Y-Yes."

Anya, who was sitting far from Nikolai, quickly ran to join her sister, the two now shining brighter than ever. However, her heart filled with uneasiness after seeing Nikolai and her sister kiss.

"You must defeat that monster, Alister. He has tainted our family and insulted us. If you win, she will be your prize!" An old member of the Faust family whispered as they ushered him out.

Alister didn't say a word as he nodded and left.

'I will kill that guy and make the princess mine even if I don't get her hand in marriage if she is already mine. Then her mother won't deny my request. I will marry her one day.'

Meanwhile, Nikolai walked out with Nikita, his emotions a complete mess.

In honesty, he was running on fumes from the end of the battle, and his actions were just pure instinct or, rather, his desires that were normally hidden deep inside himself.

"Nikolai..." Nikita's hand wrapped around his as she hid her fluffy ears and tail, once again looking beautiful in her dress—the intense jealousy and terrifying feeling in her eyes seemed to have faded. Instead, she looked at him with soft eyes filled with affection.

He didn't respond at first, instead squeezing her hand, gently rubbing the soft skin along her fingers.

"Hmm, let's go home and order a pizza," he said, looking forward to having dinner and getting some rest.

***

Meanwhile, as the exhausted Nikolai headed towards his car and wanted to leave, the Faust family captured both Daiki and Mari. Because of their actions, the entire family suffered a great loss because they were the ones who called him there.

They were both taken down into the basement, where only the screams and howls of their lamentation could be heard.