Speed was watching Arthur with wide eyes, while the latter stood before him courageously, protecting him from accusations. He muttered to himself, feeling a strange mix of astonishment and gratitude:
"My God... I never imagined a day would come when a child would defend me. What a strange world this is..."
At that moment, Arthur turned toward the guard and said in a calm voice carrying a tone of firmness:
"Give me the shackle keys."
Vlad intervened, looking visibly anxious, and said:
"Arthur, what do you intend to do? Calm down a little; you seem extremely angry."
Arthur replied in a cold, steady tone:
"I'm not angry. I'm just doing something the adults should have done from the beginning, but unfortunately... not every day is easy."
Then he repeated his request more sharply:
"Knight, give me the shackle keys."
Victoria, who had been silently observing the situation, felt a sting in her chest when she saw her son standing alone, defending his beliefs before everyone. Her eyebrows rose slightly, and she stepped forward with confident strides and said:
"Knight, hand him the keys."
The guard hesitated, swallowing hard before asking uncertainly
"Are you sure, my lady?"
Victoria gave him a sharp look that froze him in place and said with unyielding sternness:
"Do I look like I'm joking? Hurry, give him the keys immediately."
Morgan was watching the scene with worried eyes, frowning inwardly as he thought:
"Things are taking a dangerous turn... Arthur is still a child and might act impulsively under the weight of his emotions. Worse, his mother is supporting him out of maternal instinct... What a predicament."
Then he spoke up, trying to calm the atmosphere:
"Lady Victoria, do you truly believe this is a wise decision? What if Arthur frees Speed? That could pose a danger to us... It might even put your own son at risk."
The moment he said that, her expression changed completely. In Victoria's mind, even the slightest hint that her son was in danger—even a single word—was tantamount to a declaration of war.
She stepped toward him with a fiery gaze and said with terrifying confidence:
"If there's a man who thinks himself brave, let him try to lay a finger on my son... I'll send him to hell with my own hands."
Speed couldn't help but look at her in astonishment, as if she spoke from a higher plane than what he was used to. But he didn't sense any power matching her words—to him, it seemed normal, since he had never fought her, and she wasn't famous in his world.
Victoria approached the knight, took the keys from his belt without resistance, and handed them to Arthur with complete trust. Then she turned to him and said:
"Do what you believe is right."
Then she looked at Speed, her eyes sparking with intensity, and said with deadly calm:
"There he is in front of you. If you think I was joking when I said I'd kill you if you touched my son, then go ahead and try."*
"I swear to you, you won't live another day. Even if you flee to the ends of the earth or hide in the depths of hell, I'll find you. I'll cut off your head, let dogs devour your body, and make an example of you."
She said it with absolute confidence, staring directly into his eyes, uncaring that he was one of the fastest and greatest fighters.
Morgan and Ingrid exchanged shocked glances while the former tried to defuse the situation:
"He's Speed, my lady—a famous and extremely powerful fighter. I don't think provoking him is wise."
Ingrid and Vlad supported him, trying every way to calm Victoria down.
On the other side, silence hung over Luna, Asta, and Elena, who looked bewildered, as if thinking:
"Even in our wildest dreams, we never imagined a scene with such bizarre twists!"
But Speed, instead of responding violently, looked at Victoria for a few moments... then burst into hysterical laughter, followed by Arthur laughing the same way.
Arthur said with a mocking smile:
"Do you really think she can't kill him? It seems our fighters have become so weak they no longer know how to properly assess opponents."
Speed chuckled slightly, then said calmly:
"Don't worry, I'm not stupid enough to fight you."
Then he turned to Arthur and continued with respect:
"Your son is a great person, and I respect him deeply. How could I harm someone who defended my daughters?"
Then he straightened his posture and declared in a booming voice:
"I am Speed, one of the greatest fighters of my tribe and one of the fastest warriors in this world. I'll never forget your actions today, Arthur, and I'll answer your call anytime. I'll repay this favor."
Arthur replied with a quiet smile:
"No need for all that. Just a knight's duty."
Then he looked at the two little girls and asked gently:
"What are your names?"
One of them answered shyly:
"I'm Misha."
The second followed:
"And Sasha."
Arthur took out the key and freed them from their shackles, smiling as he said:
"Your names are very beautiful."
But the girls stepped back slightly, and Misha hid behind her father, whispering fearfully:
"I don't like you... You humans are evil."
Speed intervened awkwardly:
"Please don't take her words to heart. She's still young."
But Arthur smiled, crouched to her level, and said softly:
"You're right, Misha. Yes, humans can be evil sometimes, so don't trust them easily. But don't hate them—hatred will make your life miserable. You're a beautiful girl, and you should take care of your father when you grow up."
Misha said:
"Okay..."
Though she didn't fully understand his words, his tone was reassuring.
Then Arthur turned to the older girl and asked:
"And what's your name?"
She replied coldly:
"Why should I tell a mere human?"
He said calmly:
"Aren't you being unfair? If I'm human, did I choose my race? I was born this way, just as you were born a cat. We don't choose our origins, but we choose our actions."
The girl was affected by his words, looking confused. She had always been taught that humans were evil and should be killed, but this was the first time she spoke to one.
Speed placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder and said gently:
"Tell him your name. He's kind—no need to be angry at him just because he's human."
Finally, the girl said:
"My name is Zyla."
The moment Arthur heard that name, he froze, his smile fading, replaced by a deep sadness.
He whispered to himself:
"Zyla... my sister... how I miss you. Your scent, your embrace, your laughter. You were the only one who stood by me when I fell, holding my weakness. Just wait... I'll return."
Speed noticed the change in Arthur's expression—even Luna, Asta, and Elena, despite their distance, sensed the shift in his demeanor.
Vlad approached him and asked:
"What's wrong, Arthur? Who is Zyla?"
Victoria also stepped closer and asked worriedly:
"What's the matter? Why did you change like that?"
Arthur forced a fake smile, hiding his sorrow behind a wall of words:
"It's nothing... just a name that reminds me of someone I once knew."
Then he turned to Zyla and said kindly:
"Your name is beautiful... just like you."
Zyla's face reddened with embarrassment, and she replied:
"Thank you for the compliment..."
Arthur asked her with a smile:
"May I say something?"
But before she could answer, Morgan interjected in disbelief:
"Why are you treating a prisoner with such respect? Even calling him 'Sir'! Who is Speed to deserve this?"
Ingrid spoke up:*"You're truly strange."
Asta added to Morgan's words:** *"Are you that afraid of him?"* **Then laughed mockingly.
Vlad spoke:"Son, you're the heir of a ducal family. You can't call someone beneath your rank 'Sir.'"
Meanwhile, Victoria remained silent, not uttering a word.
Zyla grew furious when Vlad called her father inferior and snapped:
"Watch your words! Since when is my father beneath you? If you're real men, why didn't you show your courage on the battlefield instead of now when he's shackled?"
Vlad angrily grabbed his arm and shouted:"You foolish girl!"
Arthur yelled:"All of you, shut up! What business is it of yours how I address people? I'm free to speak as I wish. And secondly, when I said 'Sir Speed,' I didn't mean it literally—I said it out of respect because he's older than me. Also, I don't care if he's a beast; he's a great person, and I respect him deeply."
Then he continued:"And what's wrong if I'm afraid of him? He's an incredibly strong fighter, while I'm just a weak little boy."
He turned to Morgan and said: "Don't you dare say anyone is my master. I belong to no one, and I won't let anyone take my freedom. I live by the principle of 'no master over me,' and I'd rather die than submit. Remember my words well."
Vlad looked at him and said:"So you don't consider me your master?"
Arthur replied firmly and swiftly: "Yes, you're not my master. I only respect you because you're my father."
Vlad said:"You know such words are a crime and could lead to your execution."
Arthur laughed:"Really? You want to scare me with execution? If you insist, go ahead, but I'll never kneel to anyone. I'm a free man, and I'll live free or die trying."
Everyone was stunned by Arthur's eloquence and resolve—even Speed himself laughed hysterically and said: "Amazing... you're truly amazing, boy! You're a fascinating gem. I wish we'd met under different circumstances... it would've been incredible. It seems the Duchy of Dragonth is entering a new era."
Then he looked at Victoria and said: "No wonder... he's the son of a queen."
Everyone was shocked when Speed called her a "queen." What did he mean?! Vlad demanded:"What do you mean?"Even Victoria herself didn't understand.
She asked him:"What do you mean by 'queen'?"
Speed muttered to himself:"Ah, it seems I've landed myself in unnecessary trouble... but the truth shocked me too much. I never expected to find her here, of all places... and she's become beautiful, with a brilliant son. The last time I saw her, she was just a child..."
Then he continued inwardly:"It seems she doesn't remember her past... No matter, it's better if I don't interfere, lest I endanger my daughters."
Speed replied aloud:"Ah... sorry, that was just a mistake."
No one accepted that answer, but they suppressed their suspicions—this wasn't the time. Especially Vlad, Elena, and Morgan, who had thousands of questions but held back because more pressing matters were at hand.
Then Speed turned to Arthur and asked:"What did you want to ask me?"*
Arthur said:"Ah, I almost forgot. Since you're going to prison now, and the weather seems very cold—even though it's the end of winter—the cell will be freezing for your daughters. Don't you agree?"
Speed replied in surprise:"Yes, you're right. But why do you ask?"
Arthur said:"I have a proposal... whether you accept it or not is up to you."
Speed replied:"A proposal? What is it?"
Arthur said:"As I said, it's cold, and the conditions will be harsh for your daughters. So, I suggest letting them stay in my room while you're in prison, and I'll move to my knight's quarters."
Then he added:"I assure you they'll be safe—no one will approach them, they'll have good food, and lack nothing. My knight and I will personally take care of them."
He turned to Vlad and said:"And I assume there's no objection to not imprisoning the girls—they didn't fight or do anything. They're very weak compared to their father and won't act out or escape, since their father is imprisoned. They wouldn't risk his safety."
Then he asked:"What do you think, Speed? And what do you say, Head of the Family?"
Victoria smiled and said:"Please, accept his request. They're just girls—imprisoning them serves no purpose. So I support my son's words and will take full responsibility for them."
Vlad wiped his face and said"What a hard proposal to refuse... it's presented so brilliantly. If I hadn't witnessed my son's birth myself, I'd think he wasn't eleven. Also, I can't refuse his offer without losing face before my daughter."
Then he said:"Fine, you can say I agree... but the final decision lies with Speed."
Hearing this, Speed was deeply moved and said:"I don't feel like a prisoner here... I'm being treated better than in my own village. And to have a talented, brilliant boy admire and respect me... it's wonderful."
Speed smiled and said:"I look forward to seeing you grow incredibly strong and lift humanity from its weakness."
Then he approached Arthur and said: "Please, take care of my daughters."
Then he looked at Victoria and said: "Please, look after them. You're a mother—you must understand how I feel now."
His words were filled with such strong emotion that even his enemies felt ashamed. He had taught them what true fatherhood meant—beyond strength, intelligence, or beauty, it was sacrifice, patience, and immense effort.
Luna stepped forward and said:"It's okay, uncle. We're just kids—we'll be fine. Just focus on yourself."
He replied:"Thank you."
The tension finally eased, and the meeting concluded. Arthur spoke up: "Since the meeting's over, I'll leave. I'm very tired—excuse me."
As Arthur was about to leave, Speed stopped him:"Arthur, hear me out before you go.
Arthur paused:"What is it?"
Speed replied:"When I said humans are the weakest creatures on the continent, I was right—I didn't say it out of anger. If you compare strength scales, humans truly are the weakest. Even other kingdoms and races don't care about you—you're the epitome of weakness."
Morgan, Ingrid, and Vlad flared up in anger."Do they really say that about us?!"
Arthur said:"Well, your words make perfect sense. From what I've witnessed, our power scale is unfortunately weak."
Then he asked:"Who are the strongest? Which races or kingdoms are powerful?"
Speed replied:"I'll tell you about the strongest fighters—beware of them, and never fight them if you encounter them."
"First, the Great Black Dragon, also known as the Lord of Destruction. He's an evil, powerful dragon—anyone who fights him either dies or suffers severe injuries.
Second, the Beast King Zairos... well, his title explains everything."
"As for the strongest races, they are: dragons, demonic beasts, ordinary beasts, elves, spirits... and many more, but these are the most famous."
"So, Arthur, train well. You have incredible potential—you can surpass human limits. Don't waste time here. Go to the Central Continent or the Midland Plains, and you'll see fighters on a whole other level."
Then he looked at Victoria and said: "I expect much from you... I hope human mentality doesn't corrupt you and that you'll reveal your full strength.
Though I'm certain your power will erupt son—because you have a reason for it."
Speed said this firmly, looking at her with confidence. He meant that, as a mother, she would gain immense power in a short time to protect her son from coming dangers. Emotional motivation, as he knew, was stronger than any other drive.
Hearing this, sorrow fell over Morgan, Vlad, Ingrid, Asta, and everyone present—except Arthur and Victoria. Vlad sighed and said:
"Being weak... is painful. But worse is believing you're strong when, in truth, you're just an illusion of power."
He looked at Morgan, seeking agreement. The latter replied quietly:
"Yes... it's truly difficult. No words describe this feeling."
But Asta refused to surrender to despair, protesting:
"Why believe him?! What if he's lying just to demoralize us?! Maybe it's all a plot to crush our spirits!"
Speed replied calmly, without even glancing at him:
"I didn't address this to you—I spoke to Arthur. So, whether you believe me or not doesn't matter."
Arthur smiled and said confidently:
"I understood your message well, Speed... and I'll make you regret surpassing me. Get ready—I'll catch up soon."
Speed laughed admiringly:
"I'll be waiting."
Then Arthur addressed everyone:
"When you finish the meeting, bring the girls as agreed. I'll go pack my things now."
Before leaving, he stopped at the door, turned to his father, and said sternly:
"Father... don't let anyone insult Speed—not in action or word. A man may be killed, but he must not be humiliated. If this happens, know that I'll sever all ties with this family. And before that, I'll make sure to take merciless revenge on all of them—then I'll leave without looking back."
He spoke his words clearly and calmly, then left, leaving everyone in shock at his unyielding stance and blunt warning.