Chapter 72: Three Is A Crowd

Chapter 72: Three Is A Crowd

So, what skills do you have? Ira asked Saren who was following him and Avery to the Colosseum.

I am an expert in the spear, dagger, sword, bow, and hand to hand combat. Im proficient in hunting, cooking, tracking, equestrianism, and spearfishing. Ive also studied military strategy and served in the Imperial military for twenty-five years. Saren said.

The way Saren had spoken to Ira had changed a lot from when they first met. When Saren approached Ira at the Banquet, he was polite and sincere. After learning of Iras true nature, Saren basically turned into a kid meeting his hero for the first time. No, it was even deeper than that, he listened to each one of Iras words as if his life depended on it and followed each one of his instructions to the letter.

Why? Ira asked.

Im sorry, Keeper? Saren expressed his confusion.

I meant why did you learn so much? Ira elaborated.

My sister is going to be the future Queen of the Dark Elf Empire, and I am to be her guard. Its necessary to learn a variety of skills to plan for any possible incident. Then there is the fact that our estimated lifespan is eight hundred years, during that time any of those skills could become necessary, Keeper. Saren explained.

So all of you live that long? Ira asked.

No, Keeper. Only certain lineages are blessed with longevity, those that do usually can't conceive until they have reached five hundred years of life. Saren answered.

Wait...So, how old are you? Ira asked curiously.

I will be eighty this year, Keeper. Saren said.

Ira stopped to look at the Dark Elf Prince with an evaluating gaze. Really?

Saren looked to be similar to Ira in age, at least 18 or 19 years old. The truth was that Elves who held longer lifespans didnt fully mature until they were at least 100 years old.

Yes, Keeper. Although I am quite young, I am confident that I wont fail your expectations. Saren said with a solemn and devoted look.

Ill take your word for it. Ira said as he spotted a stand with dozens of pastries on display behind glass containers. You want anything? He asked Avery.

Im fine. Avery responded as she watched him approach the owner with erratic eyes.New novel chapters are published on

How much? Ira asked with an excited smile.

The Free City was far different from the Capital, the variety of pastries alone made Ira appreciate the city a bit more. Then there was the fact that it was a place that celebrated culinary advancements so the quality of the food would have to be good to not be outdone by competition.

The middle-aged woman running the stand saw the joy in Iras expression and decided to give a discount, Ten Kroen.

...Kroen? Ira looked completely lost.

Are you not from the Free City? Kroen is the standard currency used here. The woman explained.

So you dont take Gre? Ira asked.

Its a hassle to exchange, but this time Ill make an exception. The woman said with a smile.

Great. Ira said with a laugh as he waved his hand and dropped a several dozen Gre onto the stand. Ill take everything.

Thats not enough for The woman realized that the several dozen Gre was actually worth one thousand each. T-This is too much! She hurriedly said.

Ira waved his hand over each pastry. Cakes, cookies, pies, muffins, everything he could get his hands on vanished into thin air until only an empty stand was left.

Keep it, lady. Ira said as he walked away with a satisfied smile.

Avery shook her head at Iras obsession with sweets, while Saren made a surprised expression before nodding to himself.

The Keeper likes pastries. Saren said as if attempting to memorize that piece of information.

The Colosseum was a huge stone structure that could fit thousands. In the center of it was a large area filled with sand where the fights took place. High above the spectator's stands were specially constructed booths that were large enough to hold the diplomats and attendees from each country. Then there was a separate booth where the monarchs and leaders sat together, far away from the eyes of their subordinates. The stands were filled with Free City inhabitants who paid ten times the normal amount to witness the battle between each country. The amount of revenue being generated was almost enough to construct a second city.

There were a few random people fighting each other in the arena, but the crowd showed a lively response, mostly because they were excited by what was to come.

Dimitri, there is a messenger here for you. A Telvian man said as he came to his side.

An average looking man appeared in Dimitris view and bowed politely before he spoke, I know of a way you can get Ira to fight.

Dimitris expression didnt change as he looked at the messenger. For some reason, he felt that he needed to be cautious, but ignore the feeling as the messenger clearly wasnt a threat.

Why would I want that? Dimitri asked.

If you were the one to draw Ira out wouldn't it show everyone the might of the Telvian Empire? The messenger asked.

What do you want? Dimitri questioned with an unshifting expression. He wasnt stupid enough to fall for persuasion or flattery.

The one I work for only wants you to consider us if there is ever talks about the Airship, that's all. This is really more of a personal grudge toward Ira, but we arent in the position to take action against him, so we can only make act through cowardly means. The messenger spoke with a humble bearing with no clear hint of a falsehood.

...Fine. Tell me and Ill decide on what to do. Dimitri said as he narrowed his eyes.

The insults appeased the crowd for a few minutes, but after Ira didnt show frustrations began to surface. Lowell began to curse at Ira in his heart as he watched the mood fall. He spoke to several people about getting the Elf to fight against Cyprian, but they expressed how impossible it would be.

Ladies and Gentleman Just as Lowell was about to start his attempt at controlling the backlash, Dimitri came out into the arena and straight to the podium.

...I believe Sir Dimitri has something to say. Lowell gestured toward Dimitri as if to deflect some of the tensions.

Dimitri walked up the stair of the podium and smiled proudly before he spoke, Ira

The crowd fell into silence as they waited for Dimitri to say something that would draw Ira out.

...Arent you just hiding behind your wife? Maybe someone should challenge her to a fight instead.

Dozens of diplomats began panicking, especially on the Grenitian side. Testing the limits of the Valkyries wasnt a good idea at all. Even the Telvians showed some disagreement with the way Dimitri went about things.

The spectators stayed silent as if waiting for Ira to respond, but all they heard was a loud laugh that spread around due to the lack of sound coming from the crowd.

Alright. Ira said loudly before he stood up drawing the attention of everyone present. Ill fight but only if its all three of you. He said.

Lowell was the first to speak during the eerie silence, D-Do you agree? he asked Cyprian and Dimitri.

If thats the only way for him to fight me, I agree. Cyprian said with some unwillingness. It went against his own morals, but Ira asked for it himself.

Dimitri nodded with interest, unaware of how much Ira cared about Avery. One wouldve thought that the Parvian noble was a clear example of where Ira stood on matters of insults toward Avery. Most assumed that because the Parvian was a minor noble that Ira dared to injure him, but if they knew the truth they would exercise more caution. In fact, if Dimitri knew he would be able to realize that someone was using him as a pawn.

Athal also stepped into the arena, I agree. He quickly voiced his agreement as if he was afraid Ira would change his mind.

The crowd responded with pure excitement as the moment they wished for exceeded their expectations.

Youve heard them, Sir Ira. Do you still wish to challenge them? Lowell asked.

Keeper...You dont need to fight all three. Saren said with an urging tone. He was aware that harm could come to Ira and that the Dark Elves chance of a future would follow it. He just wasnt aware of Iras abilities.

Its clearly a scheme, Ira. Avery said without worry.

So what should I do? Ira asked.

Kill the Telvian. Then well find whoever decided to send him out as bait and kill them too. Avery responded indifferently. "You're also more than welcome to hurt the other two." She added.

...I really love you. Ira smiled brightly at Avery before he vanished from sight.

The spectators werent even able to express their shock as he appeared in the arena before they had a chance.

Remember, you all agreed to this. Ira said before drew his sword and planted it into the ground.