Chapter 146: Family conflict.

Chapter 146: Family conflict.

Everics eyes narrowed once hed heard my request.

Even if I could, it would require a significantly larger contribution, on your part.

This time, it was my turn to grow suspicious. He had appeared at exactly the right time to take advantage of our situation, which he was most likely somehow responsible for. I was willing to let an offense like that slide, especially if I could get something out of it in return, but if he intended to play hardball he had another thing coming.

I close my eyes, before suddenly slamming my hands on the table and making Everic jump, while his guard went for his sword. Undeterred, I continued.

Listen, pig. I know youre the reason we lost our rooms. Either give me what I want, or Ill make your current situation a whole lot worse.

Everic gulped, before recollecting himself and attempting to retake control of the conversation.

I see. So, a map and accommodations in exchange for a duel and an understanding, if you will. Does this trade seem acceptable to you? he asked, barely able to keep the fear out of his voice.

To his credit, he caught on to his situation rather quickly once Id laid it out for him. I had expected him to maintain his arrogant attitude, but turns out he knew when to cut his losses.

I nodded in response to his summary, knowing that a map of an official unexplored area would be more than worth the trouble Everic had put us both through.

We accept, though I want to see a contract to validate the worth of the map. I added, to which I received a subtle nod in response. Everic fetched a piece of paper from a storage ring, wrote down his terms and conditions while I wrote down mine and then signed it.

No further words were exchanged between us as the contract took effect, though Everic spared us one final smug smile as he left the room.

Keep the room, I dont need it. I hope you maintain that confidence of yours in tomorrows match. Considering my brothers proxy is at the edge of tier 3, you will need it. He warned, before squeezing through the door.

Once he had left, Emeri turned to me with a shocked expression on her face.

Was he really the one responsible for us not getting a room?

Clearly. I responded monotonously.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Who are these people? Everic supposed brother asked to no one in particular.

Everic jumped at the chance to introduce us and get one over his sibling.

These, my dear uninformed brother, are the victor and runner-up of the most recent royal tournament! You, in your ever base understanding of the world, might recall their local nicknames, the Holy maiden and the Death Knight? he bragged.

After a momentary shock, his brother burst out laughing.

Brother mine, while its certainly impressive that you managed to recruit these two prodigies, did you forget how to count? We challenged each other to use tier 3 champions! These two are what, two months into the tier? Against Agard here, they might as well be throwing stones at a steel plate! he laughed.

Now, now. The father intervened with an awkward, yet welcoming smile. These two are the future of our kingdom, Im sure theyll be able to challenge Agard. Regardless, why do you two even feel the need to fight? You know your mother he began, before Everics face turned sour and his brother interrupted.

Mothers dead. Who knows what she would have thought? Lets just get this farce over with once and for all. He finished, before marching off to a viewing platform.

While this situation evolved, Emeri and I were just stuck there, in the middle of it. The moment family drama became involved, neither of us wanted to intervene, for obvious reasons.

After this argument, Everic, too, didnt feel like talking anymore and left in a similar huff to his brother, while their father was left to pick up the pieces.

I shouldnt have gone that far the older man sadly muttered to himself. He turned around to face us, putting on a brave front.

Excuse us. You shouldnt have had to watch our family fights. After their mothers death, my two boys just forgot how to get along. I try to give them all I can, but sometimes that isnt enough.

Unsure of how to respond, I just shrugged and left it at that.

Now then, he continued. Who amongst you two will be facing Agard in battle? I warn you, hes experienced and powerful.

I hummed in contemplation, while Emeri looked at me, wondering what I wanted to do. From the look in her eyes, she seemed eager to test her skill, so I just nodded toward her. A happy smile lit up on her face, so I felt I had made the right decision. Not to mention that I had been wondering how her battling style had evolved after her tier evolution. Mine, for example, had undergone drastic changes.

Having made our decision, we were directed to Everics side of the arena, where I joined the larger man on the raised dais, while Emeri stayed on the grounds.

On the other side of the pit, Agard stood to meet her charge.