Alex was feeling annoyed after being used, and because of the atmosphere around, when he thought that his mood couldn't fall lower, he appeared.
''You beast, what do you ensnare, my sister?" Alder shouted, drawing everyone's attention on them; Julius and the empress's face darkened.
Kuina's mother put on foot on top of the other ready to enjoy a good show. The other Emperors looked in Alex's direction with interest.
''Big brother, don't embarrass me,'' Artemia said, displeased.
''Eretria, shut up. It's between that asshole and me.''
Unexpectedly, Adler shouted at his sister, something he rarely did, so Artemia was shocked and was about to blow up; it was then, Julius intervened.
''Adler, you are not in your courtyard. Be mindful of decorum!"
''Forgive me, father, but as a brother, I wish to test my future brother-in-law. I can hand over my precious sister to a weakling. Rumor has that he eradicated one of the bases of the unknown organization; it's just a rumor. Let's me test what qualifications does he have to covet a woman from the Von Havens family.''
Adler was able to turn the situation in his favor. Initially, he would have been grounded; however, because of the speech he delivered, what he said, the emperor couldn't dismiss it as a joke; he could only give his eldest son some face and at the same time curb his arrogance, his overflowing love for his sister. Julius does not doubt that Alex would win, and after this public defeat, Adler would have no reason to be hostile toward Alex anymore; if he were to continue, people would call him petty, unfit to be a ruler, and Julius believes his son wouldn't want to have such a title now that he was closer to get what he desires after his sister lost an important piece.
On the other hand, he couldn't be happier, he wanted somewhere to vent his feelings on, and now Adler delivered himself at his doors; he would be a fool if he doesn't make use of this godsend opportunity.
The two moved to the fighting platform that magically appeared in the middle of the room.
When Alex appraised the man in front of him, he couldn't help but raise his evaluation of the man.
『[Alder Ackes Von Havens]
「 Rank 10」
Level 92
Class: Magic Swordsman
Age: 22
Male
Race: Human
Experience Value: 10000/64600
Magic Power: 2500/2500
Magic: Lightning Magic
Attack: 1200
Defense: 900
Agility: 1000
Intelligence: 900
Luck: 800
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Lightning Sword
Skills: [Lightning Shield Level 5] [Chantless Magic Level 7] [Sword master Level 5] [Lightning Steps Level 4] [Lightning Arrows Level 5]
Special Ability: [Lightning Domain]
Titles: [Prodigy] [Siscon]』
'Pft! Siscon.' Alex almost laughed aloud when he saw this title.
'No wonder he is so protective of his sister.' He thought while getting ready.
''Please advice, brother-in-law,'' Alex said with a smile.
''Tch! I don't like you at all. Especially that annoying smile of yours.'' Adler didn't now hide his feelings.
''How surprising. I also don't like you. Referee, shall we begin? I'm getting tired of waiting. Once again, please advise.'' Alex said with a bored look; if it weren't for Artemia, he would have slapped this fool to death.
''Begin.'' the referee announced.
Whoosh!
Immediately Alex vanished; when he reappeared, he was in front of Adler, a knife held against his neck.
''No way, it just ends like this?" Someone asked; he couldn't believe what happens.
Julius sighed; the others emperors and empresses, especially Kuina's mother, Rafaela, looked disappointed; she wanted more action.
None of Alex's friends were surprised by this outcome; both may have been Rank 10, but there is a difference in levels and stats, so it was no surprise seeing this result.
''Sigh! I accept my defeat. It seems that I'm no match for you. With such strength, I believe you can protect my sister. However, let's me warn me if something were to happen to her, I will mobilize all my forces to go against even it means I have to suffer loses and worse die.''
''Don't I understand how you feel. I also have a sister.'' Alex said he was happy Adler didn't act like a loser and refused to admit defeat; he had thought he would raise a fuse after his quick defeat, apparently, no.
''Oh? I see. However, my sister is cuter than yours.'' Adler said.
''I can't accept that. My Gracier is cuter, those cute ears, baby cheeks, nobody can't compete with my sister cuteness.''
The two went into full battle mode; however, it was a kind of battle the others found odd; nobody couldn't believe this was happening, soon it became a heated argument between Alex and Adler, who sat together and started drinking.
Artemia and Gracier were embarrassed to be the subject of their competition; the two kept sharing some details even the concerned party never pay attention two them.
''Those two look like bosom friends. It didn't seem like a few minutes ago they were fighting. Men are odd creatures; one can never understand them.'' Maria said after observing Alex and Adler.
One hour later, the banquet ended, Ferris's father, Leon's father, and Rafaela asked Alex to visit them when he would have time. Only the Pope and Sarz emperor didn't say anything.
''Mr. Knight, the emperor wishes to see you.'' An attendant approached Alex and announced.
''Girls, please go ahead. See you later, guys.'' Alex said before following the attendant.
Julius was on the balcony overlooking the capital.
''You have come.'' He said before adding without waiting for Alex to say a word.
''Ordinary people only look at the level of morality, while for the emperor, as long as the person has a value, they should be used, regardless of how the other party feels. I know that you hate being used; it's just that I don't have a choice, I have not made a move, others will.''
''I understand; however, I hate being used without my consent,'' Alex said, not minding his words; he believes that Julius was the type that like his interlocutor to be frank, especially if he thinks highly of him.
''How harsh. Well, what you said is true. However, you couldn't deny that you also get some benefits from this?"
''Well, I didn't suffer too much, but I believe that you didn't call here just for that; I'm wrong?" Alex didn't like beating around the bush, so he asked the reason for his presence.
''Smart. You want to go to the demon continent retrieve something useful for Lilith, at the same time get your revenge against Lucifer from what he has done.'' Julius turned around and said with a smile.
''Sigh! As expected of the emperor. It is exactly as you have said. Any advice?"
Alex believes that Julius must have something to say. It was why he brings this matter.
''Please watch out. This trip won't be easy.''
It was all Julius said; however, Alex understood a lot of things from this, the fact that their mission has leaked out, they must think of how to move from now when people would be waiting for them.
''Thanks, your majesty. I owe you one.'' Alex said.
''No, no, as my son (because he is Artemia's fiance) it is the least at can do. We are family after all.'' Julius said with a smile.
'Bullshit! Everything that happened today was calculated. This sly old fox.' Alex thought while smiling.
〖To be the ruler of the strongest empire, he must not be a simple character. You have been beautifully played.〗Silveria said.
'Tch! I know, it's my loss, for now, that is.' Alex secretly vowed to take his revenge later; unknown to him, Julius was observing him, and when he saw Alex's expression when he was thinking about how to get his revenge, he secretly chuckled.
'This kid doesn't like to suffer the slightest loss. How interesting. I shall wait for your revenge.'
Alex's first revenge would come soon.
After chatting with the emperor for another forty minutes, Alex left.