<h4>Chapter 500 </h4>


    <strong>Sion’s Decision 2: ~…Huh?~</strong>


    For a while now, the younger prince had been observing the proceedings with a resigned expression in his eyes. The oue he had feared, a death sentence, did note to pass. Aided by the counsel of the Empire’s Great Wisdom and his friends, Sion opted for a suspended sentence, the most lenient option avable and a solution that demanded significant ingenuity. However, this act of mercy, even the salvation of his life, only fueled the young boy’s self-pity. He was so removed from the fear of death that even the gift of life failed to elicit gratitude.


    Once again, Sion disyed his magnanimity. Despite Echard’s attempts to harm or perhaps even kill him, Sion responded withpassion, which only emphasized Echard’s pettiness, leaving him feeling defeated. The psychological chains that bound him were robust and difficult to unravel, and each day they seemed to tighten their grip on his soul.


    Suddenly, a voice from outside the room interrupted the scene. “Excuse me. Prince Abel is here.”


    Echard turned to the door, which opened to reveal his brother’s friend and the second prince of the Remno Kingdom. The sight of Abel stirred a long-forgotten memory.


    <i>Yes, I’ve seen him before. He was here for a sword fight with Sion… I’m quite sure Sion easily defeated him. And somehow, they became friends afterward? I wonder what kind of person he is…</i> Echard thought, his curiosity piqued.


    As Abel entered the room, his first nce went to Abram, and he breathed a sigh of relief. “Your Majesty, it’s a relief to see that you’ve recovered. What happened earlier truly rmed me.”


    “Thank you for your concern, Prince Abel. I apologize for subjecting you to this unfortunate situation. Please ept my sincerest apologies.”


    “Apologies? You needn’t apologize or worry about such matters, Your Majesty. You are of utmost importance to this continent, and your well-being is our top priority. Please take some time to rest,” Abel reassured Abram before turning to Sion. “By the way, why did you summon me here?”


    Echard shared the same question. None of the prior conversation had hinted at the need for Prince Abel’s presence.


    Sion replied, “Indeed, I have a significant request to make, and I’m grateful for your prompt response to our summons. My younger brother, Echard, will soon be leaving Sunnd.”


    “Is that so?” Abel responded with a narrowed gaze, ncing at Echard. “That’s rather unexpected.”


    “Yes, it is. And in light of that, I’d like to bid him farewell with a special gift.”


    “A gift? What kind of gift?” Abel inquired, still puzzled.


    Echard, too, was perplexed. He couldn’t fathom what Sion had in mind. Feeling a bit uneasy, he exchanged nces with his older brother, who acknowledged his concern.


    “Echard, there’s something important that I want you to know, something that will guide your future. And I’m going to reveal it to you now.”


    With that, Sion turned back to Abel and calmly stated, “Abel Remno, I challenge you to a formal duel for the hand of the Great Wisdom of the Empire, Mia Luna Tearmoon.”


    For a few seconds, the room was filled with stunned silence.


    “Huh?” came a bewildered voice from an unnamed person in the room. It was clear that, like Echard, this person was equally confounded.


    <i>What is Sion thinking? Has he lost his mind?</i>


    “Are you serious?” Abel asked, momentarily taken aback before quickly regaining hisposure. “I suppose you are, and you don’t seem to be joking.”


    “I am serious, and you would have known if I were joking.”


    The two exchanged solemn gazes.


    “I understand,” Abel finally responded. “Given the stakes you’ve set, I have no choice but to ept. However, you’ve left me with no other option, and I will give this duel my all.”


    “I’m aware, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Bring your best, as I will do the same,” Sion dered with a fierce smile that was a rare sight. “I’ve decided that I’ve been holding back for far too long. From now on, I’ll be true to myself.”


    “That’s music to my ears. Let’s hope this was worth the wait,” Abel said, mirroring Sion’s expression.


    Echard, bewildered, finally spoke up. “Sion, can you please exin what’s going on?”


    Sion shed a grin at his brother. “As I mentioned, this is my parting gift to you. Pay close attention because it’s something I want you to remember.” He then turned to Count Lampron. “Our guests in the ballroom likely expect an exnation. I’ll address them personally, but for now, Count Lampron, can you prepare the area?”


    “Of course, Your Highness. But what about this…duel you mentioned?”


    “We’ll deal with that after the exnation,” Sion replied. He nced at Abel and asked, “Is that eptable to you?”


    “I see no issue with it,” Abel agreed. “I’m ready whenever.”


    The previously unnamed individual looked back and forth between the two princes. “Huh?”


    Once again, Echard heard the bewildered voice, though the identity of the speaker remained a mystery.


    Author’s Note:


    Mia may appear a little less this week.


    I ran out of energyst week and am taking a break…


    ※postscript


    Ah, I’m sorry for misleading you.


    Mia is resting. The author is fine! lol


    <strong>?</strong>