She got so red, Koul chuckled.
He found her reactions cute.
As he smiled, replaying the scene in his head, a figure entered his room.
The knight.
Seeing Yui sprint out of the room like that, he was worried and had to check on Koul.
But when Koul saw him standing at the door, his expression quickly twisted into annoyance.
He's had problems with this particular knight ever since he challenged his authority. And the knight wasn't exactly oblivious to this either.
He knew very well that Koul didn't like him. And he doesn't exactly like Koul either. Not after his whole charades of abusing his power and title.
But of recent, he's come to notice the changes in Koul.
Rather than turn away blindly like everyone else and keep judging him by his vicious actions, he decided to give him a chance.
He tasked himself with staying close to him. To see to it that everything about Koul was handled by him.
If their young king was finally getting wise and changing, he should be there to support him.
"Greetings, your majesty. As today's the event, you should start getting ready to go out if you're already awake."
He bowed.
Earlier this morning, the maids had come to wake Koul up to get him ready for the event. But since he was wasted from the party, the knight denied them entry.
He asked them to let Koul get more sleep and come later. But seeing him already awake now, he thought to tell him to get ready.
Because of Yui's presence when he awoke, Koul had forgotten about the event. And now that the knight haa reminded him of it, he started panicking.
I didn't even think anything out. No plans, nothing.
I'm so fucked.
The knight watched quietly as Koul broke out into cold sweat. A dark, gloomy cloud was hanging over his head 'cause he was sinking into despair.
What could be wrong with him? The knight wondered inwardly.
He knew there had to be something after king Sestrus and him excused themselves to talk privately.
But, being a mere knight, and one who wasn't close to Koul, he couldn't just ask out of nowhere.
Though it bothered him.
"I will get the maids to prepare your bath."
He bowed and left.
Koul exhaled aloud, plopping down on his bed which bounced him briefly before he settled.
It's not like I'm gonna die. Why am I so nervous?
He took his hand up his chest, feeling the pounds.
He drew out another long sigh, unable to calm his nerves.
The worse that will happen is me losing, beaten to a pulp and humiliated in everyone's eyes.
Sigh… it isn't anything new.
But at least I would have tried…
His eyes held a bit of sadness, trying not to get overwhelmed by the guilt of not being able to save his wife.
Before long, the knight returned with maids. They greeted Koul and started escorting him to the royal bath.
As Koul walked alongside them, his thoughts couldn't help but stray toward his wife for whom he was holding the duel.
A woman he'd never seen.
Koul wasn't delusional. Nor was he blindly hoping for the impossible. He knew it somewhere in his heart that he'd lose.
But if there be a god of luck somewhere, then he beseeched whole heartedly for that god to bless him today.
If… if I'm not able to win the duel today and free her… then…. I'll try again.
Again when I'm strong. And that won't take long anymore.
After his bath, Koul had his breakfast. Then the maids spiffed him up for the event.
Pointless! I'll be taking off these fancy clothings to give you all a show.
Koul was escorted outside to the event arena entrance where he'd welcome the other kings and their people.
It was a traditional polite gesture kings do with their wives by their side. However, he was alone there.
When he heard about this, his mind drifted to Yui. But he knew he couldn't call her to join him.
That would be out of the real Koul's character and it would put more eyes on Yui.
When the other kings arrived one after the other with their people, they greeted Koul as he did them.
Though their displeasure and unwillingness were clearly written on their faces.
One among the kings who came, King Aziel, seemed to be particularly outraged by Koul's mere presence.
He didn't even accept Koul's welcome greetings, nor did he offer back any. But his wife, who was clad in a spicy red garment and was following him from behind, actually smiled at Koul.
She waved lovingly, about to even bow and greet him but her husband, King Aziel, shot her a glare.
Her smile immediately turned tense. Her features started twitching as she forced herself to maintain the smile at Koul before she passed by with her husband.
What's with him? Koul wondered, his gaze lingering on them.
Normally, every king in the nation was to gather for the event. But not many actually came.
Only because it was being held in Munrhal, Koul's kingdom.
King Sestrus pretended to feel heavy hearted toward Koul because of this and offered him consolation.
But within him, not oblivious to Koul, he was glad. Just because he put up with Koul didn't mean he loved Koul.
Sestrus was one of the main people that were against making Koul king, and this still hadn't changed.
After welcoming the last king and waiting for minutes but no one else turned up, Koul was escorted to the coliseum.
When he arrived there and saw the overwhelming crowd, his nervousness broke out once more.
The coliseum was like a vast field. The seats were long and round with tiers and levels of platforms, almost forming a complete circle.
At the center, there was an open space where the knights would fight and prove their bravery.
The seats were protected by heavy, reinforced walls. Although wooden, they were reassuring.
At one side of the coliseum, the royal spot, the kings sat with their wives and children.
While the knights took different spots in the coliseum. To each kingdom's knights were their given spot, dividing them from other knights.
Even Koul's knights had their own spot in the coliseum.
They were all dressed formally in their knight attire to announce their presence and identity. And which king and kingdom they served.
Most of Koul's Knights, however, weren't really pleased to wear their uniforms with pride.
Some were ashamed and could barely even lift their heads to look the other knights in the eye. While some were just purely upset they work under Koul.
The lower platforms of the coliseum were taken by regulars. The palace workers, maids, subjects and so on.
As Koul's eyes swept through the whole palace, he came to a surprising halt.
At the mid tier platforms, a set of women sat. Both young and mature looking. They were dressed rich and elegantly. Their aura was soft with bright, glowing gold.
Koul's heart pulsated as he guessed who they could be, but seeing Yui seated among them, he needed no confirmation.
My wives.