Viscount Sean approached Broken, who stood side by side with Ivana in response to his arrival.
“Good evening to the hero,” Sean greeted.
“Thank you, Viscount Sean,” Broken replied quietly.
Sean lifted Broken’s right hand high, turning to address the crowd. “Behold! This man-the hero-who played a pivotal role in defending our city during the last monster attack!”
The hall erupted into applause as the crowd celebrated the recognition bestowed upon Broken. He bowed slowly, accepting their appreciation with humble grace.
Turning back to Broken, Sean spoke in a firm tone. “Though you’ve only recently entered the royal circle as a Baron appointed directly by the king, your contributions to this kingdom are undeniable. I am deeply proud to welcome you among the kingdom’s top officials, Lord Broken.”
“Lord Sean, your words are most generous.”
“Tonight, I hope you enjoy the feast prepared in your honor, and that this small token of gratitude expresses, even in part, how much we appreciate your bravery.”
Sean leaned closer to Broken and whispered, “If you need more women to accompany you, I can arrange as many as you wish.” He chuckled, then straightened up with a smile. “Let us all give a round of applause for our hero, Lord Broken!”
Turning to Ivana, Sean continued, “I’ve heard many voices praising your contributions, Ms. Ivana.”
Ivana smiled and bowed gracefully. “Lord Sean, it’s my duty as both a citizen of the Dissidia Kingdom and a resident of Deadbay City to defend it whenever my strength is needed.”
Sean gave her an approving nod. “You are indeed humble and gracious, Ms. Ivana. I didn’t expect to find someone with your talent in such a small town. My eyes have searched far and wide, yet rarely have I seen skill as impressive as yours.”
With that, Sean moved on, making his way toward the other players who had also made significant contributions to the city’s defense.
The festivities continued with lively dancing and singing, Viscount Sean comfortably seated with his three wives at his side. Broken and Ivana had joined the others, with Broken focusing on his meal and silently hoping the night would soon come to an end.
Suddenly, Orion strode to the center of the room, raising his hand to signal for silence, and the music came to an abrupt halt. The crowd exchanged curious whispers.
“What’s going on?”
“Why does Lord Orion look so angry? Did something happen?”
“I heard he asked Ivana to dance, but Lord Broken stepped in and stopped it.”
“Oh no, this could turn ugly, don’t you think?”
“It was just a dance, though. Why wouldn’t Lord Broken allow it?”
“Are you dense? If I were Lord Broken, I wouldn’t let anyone else touch Ivana either.”
Orion cleared his throat, drawing the room’s attention. “We should all take a moment to acknowledge our achievements,” he began, his gaze sweeping over the room until it fixed on Broken.
“Each and every one of us has fought hard and given our all. Many have fallen in the recent battles against the monster attacks, their sacrifices helping to secure our city’s survival.”
Orion paused before continuing. “As many of you know, a certain someone has been essential in holding back the monsters-a person who has made an immense contribution. Any guesses who that might be?”
After letting the tension build, he gestured proudly toward himself. “It was I who led the knights and troops, who held the line against the monsters. I fought fiercely in the last battle, and I am proud of it!”
The guests and townspeople offered polite applause, and Orion basked in it, his expression radiating satisfaction. As the clapping died down, he turned, pointing directly at Broken, drawing every eye in the room.
“Not only our esteemed Lord Broken, Baron of Slumdon, deserves recognition, isn’t that right?”
Orion’s voice took on an edge. “He arrived too late, once most of the monsters were already dealt with and the Forest Guardians were worn down. While he claimed the final kill, should we really be offering him so much praise for merely finishing off what others had already weakened?”
Murmurs spread through the crowd, as people exchanged skeptical glances and whispered opinions.
“It’s a bit much to think that Broken single-handedly took down a Forest Guardian.” “Exactly. Elincia and the others had already engaged the Guardians before he even showed
up.”
“He’s just greedy for all the glory.”
“Right. No way he’s that powerful.”
“Don’t forget, Ivana was there helping him. He didn’t do it on his own.”
“Plus, he had backup from those two girls from the Sexy Killers Guild.”
Viscount Sean continued sipping from his glass, his face unreadable as Orion spoke, while the three women seated beside him remained equally composed.
Then Oriana, dressed in a striking blue gown, walked toward the center of the room, capturing everyone’s attention once more.
Damn, a family drama with the viscount’s family, people murmured to each other, fully engrossed in how far this might escalate. Some guests even recalled seeing Oriana talking with Broken earlier that day, fueling further intrigue. freewēbnoveℓ.com
“We know you did a lot, Orion,” Oriana said, facing her brother. “But everyone also knows that those efforts would have been for nothing if the Forest Guardians hadn’t been defeated. So, the praise given to Lord Broken is well-deserved-his arrival turned the tide and secured our victory.”
“Can you keep quiet, Oriana?” Orion shot her an icy glare. “You shouldn’t interrupt your older brother when he’s speaking. Show some respect.”
“If you’re upset just because Ms. Ivana refused to dance with you, I’d say that’s a bit childish, Orion,” she replied firmly.
Orion swiftly drew his sword from its sheath the moment Oriana finished speaking.
“You underestimate me, Oriana,” he sneered. “You’ll never understand what goes on in a man’s mind. This is about self-respect. And tonight…”
He pointed the sword directly at Broken, his expression tense. “I challenge you to a duel-just the two of us.”
“I’m doing this to show everyone that you’re not as powerful as they believe. While the rest of us defended the city, you swooped in at the end and claimed all the glory,” he continued. “You took all the rewards, including the Legendary Item, didn’t you? Tell me, was that for the good of the people? No, you did it for yourself.”
He glared at Broken with disdain. “So now, face me. Fight me. I’ll prove to everyone here that you’re utterly worthless.”
Broken smiled faintly at the challenge posed by a stranger. Ivana sensed the growing tension and gently wrapped her arm around his, giving him a reassuring look-but it didn’t seem to
hold him back.
“Damn, a Legendary Item?” someone murmured.
“I think Lord Orion has a point,” another voice chimed in. “Broken should share some of the rewards with others.”
“Yes,” agreed another, nodding. “A lot of people lost property, homes were damaged, people suffered losses… but he’s the one who walked away with the biggest prize.”
Elincia sighed and leaned closer, whispering, “If you win against him, I’ll throw in an extra reward, Broken. How about a free flight on my private jet? Tempting?”
Broken let out a sigh of his own, feeling a tinge of boredom-until the tension in the room stirred him back to focus. Setting down his food, he stood up, and the room collectively held
its breath, eyes locked on him.
He walked over to where Orion and Oriana stood.
“My Lord Orion,” he began with a faint smile, “I feel quite flattered by all this special attention. But I don’t engage in duels without a worthwhile reward. So, tell me what’s in it for me if I utterly defeat you?” His tone was light. “I don’t waste my time unless the prize is
truly worth it.”