The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 126: The Fourth Prince
Bloodhorn bows respectfully to the group, saying, "It's an honor to have you all at Bloodhorn to enjoy the gladiator tournament. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask." The nobles nod politely but show no interest in engaging further with him.
Daniel adds, "He's brought the gladiator profiles. Take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to watch or place bets on!" Bloodhorn steps forward to hand over the documents, but a knight from Prince Shazo's entourage intercepts him, taking the papers to prevent any close contact with the nobles. The knight then distributes the profiles among the group.
Standing behind Arius, Henwell glances down at the papers, noticing no familiar gladiator names. After all, the gladiator profession is one of rapid turnover. Few gladiators retire successfully; they earn quick money, but it's money made at the risk of their lives. Although some have gained their freedom, their lavish lifestyles make it difficult to adjust to a simpler life. Their savings often vanish due to various vices.
Most gladiators, accustomed to fast earnings, lack the foresight to save. When they finally realize their bodies can no longer endure the strain, it's often too late to quit. Typically, gladiators meet their end in the arena or succumb to their injuries. Gladiators are much like gamblers, except they're wagering with their lives.
Every arena has its methods for tightly controlling gladiators. Overt violence is frowned upon, so arenas offer extravagant lifestyles to cultivate high spending habits among gladiators. Spending money can become addictive in many cases!
As Henwell reflects, a count's second son nearby asks, "What's this about young gladiators?" Bloodhorn quickly explains, "These are child gladiators, around twelve years old!" While some nobles verbally express that it's rather cruel, their eyes betray a keen interest.
Soon, everyone starts placing bets, picking gladiators whose names catch their fancy. Arius also puts down several hundred gold coins. Although Henwell is a lord and should have his seat, he insists on standing behind Arius, maintaining the appearance of a guard. Thus, Henwell refrains from betting.
After Bloodhorn leaves, the group begins critiquing the bloody spectacle below.
"Oh dear! I thought that big guy would be impressive, but he's just all bulk and no skill!"
"Tsk! What's up with this gladiator?! Just a few wolves, and he has to take them down one by one?"
"Hahaha... I told you! I have a good eye. Look at that gladiator called Wild Rhino; he's really something!"
"Is this it? I thought gladiator fights were supposed to be thrilling! How is this better than peasants brawling?!"
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Henwell drifts into his thoughts. In the past, how many times had he been scrutinized and judged by those in power, just like these gladiators? Unconsciously, he clenches his fists, his knuckles cracking. He vows never to end up like this again, never to be discussed as if he were an animal.
Arius, standing closest, notices Henwell's change but doesn't immediately question him. Instead, getting Arius's subtle cue, Karitan asks, "How can we tell which gladiators are the strongest from these profiles?"
Arius casually hands the profiles behind him, "Henwell, what do you think? How can we tell?"
Their words snap Henwell back to the present. The bloodlust that had almost surfaced slowly recedes. Taking the profiles, Henwell responds, "The gladiators with the lowest odds usually have the most skill and experience!"
The group nods in realization. Of course! The arena is in it for the money, and they set the odds. Naturally, the ones with lower odds are likely the stronger fighters.
At this point, a newly titled viscount named Channing remarks, "Sir Arius's knight is quite clever! This must be the knight-lord known as Henwell. We've heard tales of him even in the kingdom!"
Another noble, Keppel, a count's second son, adds, "Oh, you might not know this, but there's a rumor that Henwell was once a gladiator himself! He was called The Flash!"
Arius glances at him, "Lord Keppel, I've also heard that if you trace back the Dilisen family, your ancestors were shepherds."
"You..."
Prince Shazo waves his hand dismissively, saying, "One's origins aren't something to be ashamed of! Our Celtic family, after all, descended from slaves. It's precisely because our ancestors started from humble beginnings and fought their way up that our family's honor is hard-earned. We must strive to protect this honor and carry forward the spirit and will of our predecessors."
With that, Shazo looks at Arius and Henwell, "Keppel meant no harm, only to praise Henwell's tenacity. To be honest, we owe our positions to our family's protection. Henwell, having risen to the rank of knight-lord on his own, is truly more remarkable than any of us!"
His words are perfectly balanced, effortlessly defusing the tension.
Tsk! It seems there's not a single easy character among those vying for the throne!
Henwell realizes that this Fourth Prince is more astute than he initially thought. He decides to gather more information on this prince in the future.
Given the friendly gesture, Henwell responds graciously, "Your Highness jests. I've merely been fortunate. You all are distinguished individuals, and I have much to learn. There's still a long way to go before I become a true noble. What Your Highness just said was enlightening, and I must hold myself to higher standards to set a good example for future generations."
Just then, cheers and curses erupt from the nearby stands. The group turns to see that a scion of another duke is in a shouting match with nobles invited by Shazo. It seems the other side won a bet and is taunting Shazo's friends, who are now angrily retorting.
Shazo merely glances over before picking up his wine glass and continuing to watch the gladiator match, showing no intention of intervening. Daniel, however, as the nominal host of the event, rolls up his sleeves and starts hurling insults across the stands.
Karitan explains to Arius that the instigator is Maxi, the third son of Duke Stephens. The Stephens and Raymer families have long been at odds. During the War of the Six Kings, the two families were supposed to join forces and cover each other's flanks in a battle.
However, Duke Stephens, seeing the unfavorable situation, fled without notifying Duke Raymer, leaving him surrounded for a week. If not for timely reinforcements, Duke Raymer might have perished there. So, Daniel feels no qualms about retaliating with insults now.
Chapter 126: The Fourth Prince
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