TOOCM 100

Chapter 100

Arteon felt helpless upon arriving at the reception hall. Jeffrey didn’t recognize him at all. It was fortunate he hadn’t recklessly tried to act familiar, or he would have certainly found himself in a difficult situation.

‘Why aren’t they here yet?’

Arteon’s gaze kept drifting toward the entrance. The reception was nearing its end, but Reina and Kaiden hadn’t arrived. As long as Jeffrey didn’t remember him, keeping hold of him seemed impossible. He had to stall for time until the couple showed up, somehow.

He nervously swallowed when, suddenly, he spotted them.

‘They’re here!’

As the people he was waiting for entered, Arteon’s face lit up with relief. They exchanged glances. Reina immediately headed toward Black.

“Congratulations on your victory.”

Black stared intently at Reina, who was wearing a mask.

He bowed slightly out of courtesy and tried to leave, but she blocked his path. After several such meaningless standoffs, Black stared pointedly at her.

“Please step aside.”

Perhaps because he was wearing a mask, Black looked at her with an extremely cold expression.

Reina gazed intently at the brother she hadn’t seen in a long time. Up close, his face looked even more gaunt. The mild-mannered Jeffrey had been replaced by a sharp, rougher impression.

‘I’m just glad he’s alive.’

Yes. As long as he was alive, that was enough. She didn’t mind if he didn’t recognize her. She could always make him remember and reintroduce herself.

Just as Michael had said, Black wore a piercing with a crimson gem attached to his right earlobe. A sinister energy lingered around the dark, blood-like jewel. Thinking that this was what was shackling her brother felt like a wrenching pain in her chest.

Reina spoke. “I want to speak with you privately.”

“It’s against the rules to have private conversations with members. If you have something to say, please say it here.”

Jeffrey rejected her request with a businesslike attitude. He likely regarded her as an unreasonable, zealous fan.

Having no choice, Reina removed her mask. She needed to confirm if he recognized her.

Her platinum-blonde hair cascaded down. Her light-blue eyes, heavy with unshed moisture, looked up at Black.

“!”

Jeffrey froze like ice, unable to move. Their gazes clashed in the air.

“You mustn’t do that! Put your mask back on! If you refuse, we will escort you out!”

Staff members intervened due to Reina’s sudden action. However, they couldn’t lay a finger on her.

At that moment, a powerful aura barrier was erected around Reina and Jeffrey.

“Everyone, stop.”

The staff members halted abruptly at the chilling voice that followed. Kaiden stood in front of the two. Several nobles who recognized him by his aura gasped. Even with the mask on, his imposing presence couldn’t be concealed.

As a staff member stealthily attempted to approach in the palpable tension, there was a sudden whoosh and then a bang!

A sword made of aura slammed into the ground right in front of the staff member’s nose. The startled staff member tumbled backward, and Kaiden issued a cold warning.

“Do not interfere. I will consider permission granted to kill anyone who takes one more step.”

As he gripped the aura-forged sword tightly, everyone froze. They felt his words were not empty threats. Everyone backed off, avoiding trouble, since he was even willing to reveal his identity and make threats in the arena.

Thanks to this, Reina was able to speak to Jeffrey comfortably.

“Jeffrey, do you recognize me?”

“…”

Reina keenly observed his emotional change using Ritsi’s power. And upon detecting a slight tremor of agitation, Reina felt relief and smiled brightly. At the very least, he hadn’t completely forgotten her.

Reina offered her greeting with an expression on the verge of tears.

“It’s been a long time, Brother.”

“…”

“I’ve been waiting for you to return for so long.”

Finishing her words, Reina embraced Jeffrey.

Even then, Jeffrey remained mute, like a fish that had swallowed a bead.

The people in the reception hall began to whisper. The sudden appearance of the Crensia couple. And Princess Reina embracing a fighter, saying she missed him, protected by the Duke.

While those who hadn’t grasped the situation were milling about in confusion, someone muttered as they passed by.

“…Now that you mention it, the two look quite alike.”

That comment acted as a catalyst, triggering shouts and chaos everywhere.

“Prince Jeffrey, surely not?”

“Are they talking about the Prince who went missing four years ago?”

“Wasn’t he dead?”

The hall instantly descended into pandemonium. Jeffrey, jolted back to his senses by the noise, pushed Reina away.

“Jeffrey…”

Reina looked disappointed as the sudden warmth vanished. Seeing her expression, Jeffrey flinched, about to explain that he hadn’t meant to reject her when—

“What’s all the commotion about…? It seems we have the most famous individuals in the capital here today.”

With a low voice, a man wearing a Master-rank mask walked into the hall.

Reina recognized him instantly. Simon Zike, the ultimate decision-maker of this fighting arena, and the Julid’s dog.

His gaze briefly lingered on Jeffrey before shifting to Reina.

“I am the administrator of this fighting arena, Simon Zike.”

“I was just about to ask you something.”

“It would be best if we moved the conversation elsewhere. We have too many eyes on us here.”

Simon then looked at Kaiden. “Please quell your anger and withdraw your aura, Duke Crensia.”

Only then did Kaiden withdraw his aura. It was already partially withdrawn from the moment Simon arrived.

“Now, would you please resume your enjoyment?”

Simon clapped his hands once, and the staff instantly began clearing the area. There were still people interested, but they didn’t dare approach.

“Please follow me this way.”

While following Simon, Reina signaled to Arteon not to follow but to wait.

* * *

The manager’s office on the top floor of the arena.

Reina and Kaiden observed Simon. With his mask off, his fox-like features and long, narrow eyes made it impossible to discern his thoughts.

Simon served tea and spoke lightly. “These tea leaves were imported from the Rodica Empire recently. I only offer them to very special guests.”

Reina merely glared intently at the teacup and did not drink. Seeing this, Simon tasted the tea first and commented,

“There’s no poison or anything. Many people saw the Princess in the reception hall earlier; it would be difficult to clear suspicion if you were to die, wouldn’t it?”

“Let’s get straight to the point. Were you the one who brought Black here?”

“He came here of his own accord. It was fortunate timing, as I was looking for a suitable new fighter. I only learned his name recently.”

“Are you saying you didn’t know he was Jeffrey Eve Mernier?”

When Reina brought up his full name, Simon’s thin eyes curved into a smile.

“You speak strangely. This is a kingdom I created. Identity outside the arena doesn’t matter here. It’s a game where only the strong survive, is it not?”

Simon treated Jeffrey like a chess piece, smiling vilely. Whether he knew Jeffrey’s identity or not, the important thing was that Jeffrey could no longer remain here.

Reina stated firmly. “Black is my brother. I no longer want him in a place like this.”

“Is that so?”

Simon took a sip of his tea, acting completely uninterested. Given his uncooperative attitude, Reina’s voice gained intensity.

“Release Black. Otherwise…”

“I will.”

“…What did you say?”

Reina, who was preparing her next sentence, anticipating resistance, looked dumbfounded.

Simon grinned and said, “I am not a malicious boss who shackles fighters with contracts.”