"I hope you all will help him get used to being here. May our glory be long-lived."
Nashia added as he took his place beside her. The crowd roared a wave of cheers as she ended her speech and Eric revealed his face.
Eric faltered as the roar of the crowd washed over him. Despite rehearsing his lines over and over alone, his words seem to get tangled in his throat.
He had long stopped attending such types of events due to poor health. At their wedding, there were fewer people where he had to give his speech, but this crowd here was massive.
His gaze fell upon Nashia and saw the smirk spread on her lips.
She is taking pleasure in my suffering. The small adoration that had curled in his chest vanished at that moment.
Yet he gathered back his strength as he spread an angelic smile through his lips. A kind gaze swept over the crowd.
"It's an honour to be able to participate in such a glorious ceremony like this. The joy in the air is heartwarming. I hope I can share in it, now and in the days to come."
His voice was calm and soothing — effortlessly slipping into the hearts of the people. Nashia had a bewildered look on her face.
Leaning closer, she murmured. "You are quite skilled at sugar-coating words, aren't you?"
The commoners seemed far too quick to favor him. Though the nobles were too hard to win. But it annoyed her that her people even cheered for him.
She would've enjoyed seeing him embarrass himself out there, but too bad luck wasn't at her side today.
"Let's head down. We have more things to take care of."
Her voice remained calm, but the edge of disappointment didn't go unnoticed. He held back a smirk of satisfaction as she dealt with frustration.
"Sure, your majesty. Let's get going," he replied.
They soon got to their designated spot down at the booth set up in the royal grounds. The knights helped the peasants to maintain their turn.
Eric moved with composed grace, his charming smile never faltering as he handed over each ration with delicate precision. To Nashia, it almost felt too genuine – as if he truly belonged among them.
While the peasants were swept off by his kind gesture and charm. He effortlessly earned many old folks' blessings.
The distribution went on by the officials as the imperial couple finished with their part. Both of them were led to the Imperial Arena for the upcoming competition.
As they settled in their thrones there, the fireworks went off – announcing the start of something grander.
The Imperial Arena was huge, surrounded by a big gallery. The arena ground was in the middle of the gallery and surrounded by an artificial water pool.
"The Imperial Knighthood Competition will soon start. All the participants get prepared."
The announcement rang through the air, mingling with the spectators' cheer. All the brave and respected knights took their stance as their representing house name was announced.
Even the imperial knights had participated. It was Eric's first time seeing the Rosett knights in action. The fight itself was mesmerising.
As all the knights were vampires, they had used their natural power in a safe portion. And that was amazing. The competition soon came to an end with the final winner.
"Valoric Lavrov, the commander of the first imperial division, is the winner."
The crowd erupted in cheers as Sir Valoric was announced the winner. He went up to the place before the thrones.
"All glory to Their Majesties," his strong, mature voice rang through the arena. His red hair hid his emerald eyes as he knelt before Eric and Nashia.
"You did well, sir Lavrov. May your blade reflect the pride of your oath."
Nashia replied as she rose to pass the gold blade to him, the prize for the winner. He accepted the blade with honor before straightening up.
With that, the Imperial Knighthood Competition came to an end. Nashia had signaled to the announcer to declare the end.
But just as the announcer raised his voice, a sudden interruption rippled through the arena.
"Before the event ends, may I have some words, your majesty?"
"Duke Deluah," she acknowledged him as he raised his voice. "You may."
"Your majesty, we heard about his royal highness's swordsmanship being unmatched in the arena. How about he has a duel today? We are curious about his skills."
The sarcastic tone brought a frown to her temple. Of course, he never failed to irritate her. No matter how unmatched Eric is in the arena, before a vampire, he would crumble.
She would've loved to see Eric fall flat in the arena below, but a loss in a duel would bring shame to the imperial family as well.
"You are aware of what you are speaking, right, duke? A human against a vampire. What a bizarre joke," she spat with visible annoyance – her eyes glowing red.
"Please don't take it otherwise, your majesty. We simply wanted to try to know the moon of our empire."
"He is right, your majesty. We all want to know more about his highness. Besides, we can just forbid the use of powers in the match against him."
Duke Livonia backed up the words of Duke Hans, which made Nashia frown deeper. There were four dukedoms in Rosett.
Duchess Lancaster – Imperialist. Duke Livonia – Anti-imperialist , Duke Hans – Anti-imperialist, Duke Salvatore - Neutralist. Among the four, these two have always been a thorn in her throat.
Duchess Lancaster, noticing the frown of Nashia, intervened.
"His highness is not suitable for a fight against the knights present here, dukes. All the knights present are highly skilled both in magic and physique. Is it too hard to understand?"
Meanwhile, Eric froze on his throne. His complexion was pale. The fear in his heart thumped against his ribcage like crazy birds.
The truth he guarded all these days is now being threatened. He fell into a dilemma; if he turns down the offer, it will bring his image down. If not, he might be risking spilling out his little secret.