Chapter 504: Prologue
“Where did this child come from? You want a bride before your hair has even finished growing? Quit joking around!” Xiao Lin looked like he was joking, but his tone was sharp.
The entire banquet suddenly fell silent. When Xiao Lin called him a child, everyone, from the scantily clad succubi to the crowd talking about official matters, had turned around in shock, and all of their expressions changed.
Valen’s gentlemanly smile froze on his face. The boy did not just look young. He was actually quite young. Youth was never an advantage in the dark world. The youth were often met with undisguised mockery in these circles, which was why Ibeiya had not received any attention when she came in.
Of course, Xiao Lin did not understand all that, nor did he know that his one sentence had managed to start a flame in Valen’s heart. However, even if he knew, Xiao Lin would not have cared, so he was very annoyed at that moment as well.
Future bride? A fiancee!
What a joke!
Xiao Lin had rejected the old man’s suggestion of an arranged marriage because he did not want to be a pedophile. He could not bear someone else being a pedophile with Ibeiya’s even more. It was also obvious from Ibeiya’s uncomfortable expression that she was not happy being that person’s fiancee.
Yes? Hold on!
Xiao Lin was just about to console the uncomfortable Ibeiya, but he suddenly noticed a sly smile on her little face. There was no trace of awkwardness or frustration.
“Big Brother, I have nothing to do with this boy. He was the one who’s been declaring that I’m his new bride, which was why I left Rosa, but it’s all okay now.” Ibeiya moved over and held Xiao Lin’s arm. She affectionately nuzzled her head against Xiao Lin’s skin.
Xiao Lin was speechless.
Valen was incredibly angry. The intention behind Ibeiya’s actions was very obvious. He did not even need to continue asking–he would just be humiliating himself. He took a deep breath, the young man forcing himself to calm down. Then, he revealed a warm smile.
“So you found someone you like. That’s a pity, but it’s no matter. That way, the St. Claude clan will finally have someone to carry on the family. As the first clan from ancient times, I had hoped to see their resurgence. That’s right, could I know who this lucky young man is?”
The tension in the hall could be cut with a knife’s edge, but it was quickly diffused by Valen’s laughter. Only, the clamor had noticeably died down, and everyone still had their eyes fixed on the commotion.
Xiao Lin had doubts in his heart; the patience and steadiness that man had shown was completely in contrast to the young look on his face. To any opponent, it was quite the trap.
“His name is Xiao Lin,” Ibeiya said honestly, the change in Valen’s expression had also caused her to be even more careful.
“Xiao Lin?” Valen’s was confused.
Xiao Lin narrowed his eyes. Valen might have never met him, but could Valen have never heard of him? Xiao Lin refused to believe that. At least, after the destruction from that night, Valen could easily have figured out who did it. Xiao Lin never expected to be able to hide the fact. After all, with his status here, no one would dare do anything to him easily.
However, Valen was able to feign ignorance, and had smiled toward Xiao Lin. “If that’s the case, are you here to represent the St. Claude clan? I hope you’re happy with my treatment.”
Valen stopped speaking, and turned around to leave, a very cold smile on his face.
“Big Brother, did I cause you trouble?” Ibeiya said pitifully.
“It’s alright.”
Xiao Lin replied, though he knew for sure he had offended him. However, thinking about it, he had already ensured that they would not get along after sneaking into the Argos clan’s castle.
The banquet continued, but no one dared to make too much noise anymore. Everyone seemed to have noticed the abnormal atmosphere, and the hushed whispers all involved pointing at Ibeiya and Xiao Lin. Xiao Lin had managed to make out some words, but those words that were said in languages that were not Normese were not understood by Xiao Lin.
However, something was already obvious; no one came forward to greet Ibeiya. Even if Xiao Lin knew about the St. Claude clan’s decline, as a clan that had been around since ancient times, it was quite a sad sight to see them in this state.
Ibeiya did not mind that much. Instead, she pulled Xiao Lin to a corner and introduced some notable opponents to him and their clans.
“Speaking of that, how long will the banquet continue for?” Xiao Lin asked.
“It will continue until midnight. The tournament is the last event.”
“Event?”
Ibeiya sighed. “Not everyone who’s here will partic.i.p.ate in the tournament. Some clans know they do not have the strength, and will voluntarily withdraw. After all, we’re not like you guys, and only have one chance in life. We really die if we’re killed.”
“Alright, then where will the festivities after the food be held?”
“Here.”
Xiao Lin remained silent.
“There will probably be some ceremonies later. I hope you aren’t bothered by them.”
With the boring banquet coming to an end, Xiao Lin quickly found out what those ceremonies were. Under Valen’s order, a few bound humans were brought inside and forced to kneel. After that, a few robed persons came in and started to chant.
After a few minutes, they suddenly took out their swords and stabbed into the captives’ hearts. As large amounts of blood started to flow, the entire hall erupted. Everyone was in a fervor of excitement as they shattered the gla.s.ses in their hands and started to pray in an incomprehensible language.
Xiao Lin had a bad look on his face, not expecting this. Ibeiya seemed to have expected it, and said softly, “Those are some homeless people captured from the streets. The royal guards would not care about them. I know it’s not good, but it’s tradition to offer the fresh blood of humans to the Dark G.o.d.”
The fervor lasted for about a minute. Once all the food and drink had been taken away, only the unmoving bodies remained. The air was saturated with the thick smell of blood, but a lot of the ones present licked their lips at the smell.
“According to the rules of our ancient G.o.d,” Valen stood up again, saying loudly, “As the heir of the Argos clan, I announce the tournament to formally begin!
“Following the usual rules, we will randomize the pairings for the tournament after the list of challengers has been submitted, but doesn’t everyone think that’s very troublesome? We live in the darkness; our ancestors have walked this world much longer than humans have. Why do we need to follow these rules that have come from them?”