窃情谋欲

The following week was the same. The matches were just culling. Chaffing out the useless ones for the strong to shine.

More than forty fighters, pitiful fighters, who thought they had a chance against these peerless characters created by the author with love and passion.

All of them died.

They died in many ways. Some were impaled by spears or swords. Some were trampled to death by the feet of the other fighters. Some were cut into two by the sharpness of the weapons.

though killing was now legal, Calen hasn't mutilated or destroyed anyone. It was predictable as he might have heard an earful from the Autumn King and even his sister as well.

Damien was a little dishearted as he was yet to run into Celeste anywhere in the Carnival. She only appears at the arena when it was Calen's match and she leaves as soon as his match is over. He could go over her and talk but he really didn't feel like doing so.

Lumiere was also absent he knew it must be the punishment for sneaking away. He planned to visit her and sneak her away for carnival sometime later as it was the custom for a lover to do so. That is if he wants to steal her heart.

It was a rather cold morning when three of the Judiciary knights knocked on his door at the Spring Kingdom Residency.

Danielle stirred in her sleep, hearing the knock. His eyes shot wide at the faintest of the sound. He removed the blanket covering him and was about to get out of his bed when Danielle said, "Don't mind them. Come here," she loosely hung her hand around his waist. She was half asleep.

"I'll take a look and come back, Dani," he kissed her forehead and removed her hand. She was too tired to react.

He opened the door and saw the three knights standing there. They looked as if they haven't had a good night's sleep in years.

"Can I help you?"

"Damien Von Zadkiel, Second son of Duke Zadkiel of the Spring Kingdom, you are summoned by the GrandMaster of the Judiciary Order."

"What for?"

"I don't know. I was just told to bring you there immediately."

"How about I get dressed first? Then we can go."

·ƈθm  The head knight nodded his head, watching the night dress and sleepiness on the young master's face.

After a few minutes to get dressed and a few more minutes to calm the half-sleepy sister, he wheeled out of the room, closing it shut behind him. "Let us depart," he said in a noble tone.

The head knight nodded and lead the way.

Viper had already warned him about the summon at the gallery, but he thought the GrandMaster must have forgotten about the matter since a week had passed. 'I guess the old coot is GrandMaster for a reason,' he yawned as they descended the stairs and headed for the door.

There was a carriage waiting for them outside. It was a beautiful carriage made of dark oak. There were four white horses at the front.

The knights helped Damien into the carriage before taking their seats at the back.

As the carriage set off, Damien leaned back against the plush cushioned seat, his mind racing with thoughts of what could await him at the Judiciary Order. The air inside the carriage felt heavy with anticipation, and the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves added a sense of urgency to their journey.

The knights accompanying Damien maintained a stoic silence, their faces etched with determination. Damien couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this sudden summons from the GrandMaster. Had there been a development in the ongoing trials at the carnival? Or perhaps it was something entirely unrelated, a matter of grave importance.

Lost in his thoughts, Damien absentmindedly glanced out of the window, watching as the cityscape passed by in a blur. The vibrant colors of the carnival banners, once a source of joy and excitement, now seemed muted and distant. His mind was preoccupied with the mysteries that lay ahead.

After what felt like an eternity, the carriage came to a halt. The heavy doors swung open, and Damien emerged, guided by the knights. They had arrived at the grand entrance of the Judiciary Order's headquarters, an imposing structure adorned with intricate carvings and towering columns.

As they entered the building, Damien was immediately struck by a sense of solemnity that permeated the air. The hallways were lined with portraits of past GrandMasters, their stern gazes seemingly watching over the present proceedings.

They finally reached a set of large double doors, guarded by two imposing knights. With a nod from one of the accompanying knights, the doors swung open, revealing a spacious chamber bathed in soft candlelight. At the far end of the room, seated on an ornate chair, was the GrandMaster.

The GrandMaster, a venerable figure with silver hair and piercing eyes, gestured for Damien to approach. As Damien walked forward, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. The room seemed to hold a weighty atmosphere, as if decisions of great consequence were made within its confines.

"Damien Von Zadkiel," the GrandMaster spoke, his voice resonating with authority. "You have been summoned for a matter of utmost importance."

Damien bowed respectfully. "GrandMaster, I am at your service. May I inquire as to the nature of this summons?"

The GrandMaster regarded Damien with a solemn expression. "There have been developments at the carnival, developments that have caught the attention of the Judiciary Order. We have reason to believe that there is more to the matches than meets the eye."

Damien's curiosity deepened, and he exchanged a brief glance with the knights accompanying him. The GrandMaster continued, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

"The Midnight Consortium is here," his voice echoed through the vast room. "And I believe the student of the Golden Hero can be of great assistance to our cause."