Fatima: The Slave Princess-Chapter 94 - 93

Ivan's abrupt announcement, a sharp sound cutting through the indistinct murmurs of the crowd, jolted everyone. The emperor himself seems dumbfounded.

"What is your son doing, your grace?"

"He's as much as my son as he is yours, duchess Lizette."

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"*sigh* Where exactly did I go wrong?"

"Explain yourself, Ivan Wrotingthon." the emperor roared from above, leaning against the concrete rails.

"Gladly, your majesty." Ivan responded, a subtle smirk played on his lips as he turned around to face the Emperor.

"Given the lack of any explicit rules within the event guidelines forbidding delegation, I naturally assumed that it was allowed. I simply wished to explore every avenue available to make this event far more enjoyable for your majesty and everyone else present."

"Even so, that does not entitle you to decide-"

"I'll allow it." Nathan said loudly, interrupting the emperor's speech midway.

I had been worried about his ability to effectively fight Lord Ivan, but it's clear now that he's got everything under control.

"Who could his subordinates possibly be?"

"I have to admit, that was quite smart of him to do that. He basically exploited a loophole right in front of our eyes."

"Do not fret, Miss Lottie. I'm sure his highness will do just fine." Sir Leonardo reassured, gently patting my back.

He must have noticed my anxiety. His words, though unexpected, calmed my racing heart and eased my troubled mind, and yet...

"Please don't get hurt! Please don't get hurt!" I mumbled, my eyes squeezed shut and my fingers tightly clasped in a prayer stance.

As the emperor's voice confirmed his son's request, a wave of nervous energy vibrated through the arena, the silence thick with expectation of Lord Ivan's next move. The stipulation was that Lord Ivan would have to fight personally should his subordinates lose.

"Lord Ivan Wrotingthon, you may summon your champion whenever you're ready." the referee announced in a loud voice.

"You look confident, your highness." Ivan said, sneering at me.

"I can't wait to see the look on your face...when you realize just what type of trap I've lured you into. Oh, well...may the best beast win."

"What's that rumbling sound?"

"The ground is shaking."

"Eek! It's an earthquake!"

"H-hang on...what are...those?"

From the depths of the arena's dungeon, two enormous beasts emerged, their heavy footsteps echoing through the stone corridors, causing a terrifying shriek to erupt from the crowd. What are they exactly? They look like a couple of oversized wolves, but the giant blue crystals on their foreheads are emanating a strange, dark aura?

"What is the meaning of this?" the emperor shouted in panic.

"What...how can this be?"

That's Fati's voice. She sounds troubled.

"G-Glacien Wolves? What are they doing here, of all places?"

Glacien Wolves? Is that what they are? Where do they hail from? A low growl vibrated from their chests as they snarled, their eyes blazing with an intense, hateful glare. Will I be able to defeat them without using my divine powers? The air crackled with anticipation; every spectator, their eyes darting nervously, sat on the edge of their seats, prepared to bolt. Any incorrect action will immediately unleash a torrent of chaos upon this place, leading to widespread disorder and mayhem.

"Get out of there, your highness!"

"Run away! Hurry!"

Although I appreciate their concerns, running away from this is not an option for me. Besides, these puppies pale in comparison to the demonic beasts I had to face on the battlefield. If my suspicions are accurate, then these animals are a breed of canine known for their famously strong, assertive, and independent personalities. These creatures, vindictive and proud, bow to none other than their alpha.

~Meanwhile...

How did these animals find their way in Alkaraz? In Ecchelon, the majestic Glacien Wolves, with their powerful builds and surprisingly gentle nature, are revered as national treasures. Centuries ago, when these creatures, with their piercing howls echoing through the silent village of Bassup, took over, they made the entire area their habitat without harming a single villager. The biting winds and sub-zero temperatures unleashed by the creatures forced the people to evacuate to a nearby city, seeking refuge from the unbearable cold. Fortunately, my ancestor, King Arambara, whose reputation for peace preceded him, sought to forge a treaty with them through his unique ability to understand them. The village was ceded to the wolves on the explicit condition of their granting us unhindered passage across the land. That's how the Bassup underground prison came into existence.

"It's alright, Miss Lottie. I'll be here to protect you should the situation escalate."

She must have noticed my body's tremors.

"Thank you, Ulissa."

I could feel my heart racing in my chest, a cold sweat forming on my skin as I fought against the impending feeling of passing out. Though I fear for Nathan's safety, I'm not confident about inflicting harm on those creatures. What to do?

"You've ruined your nail, Miss Lottie. Goodness, you're even bleeding."

I didn't realize I was biting my nail so hard.

"Why don't you get her out of here, Ulissa?"

"Yes, I think that would be for the best, Ulyx. Let us go, Miss Lottie."

"No...I-I can't leave yet. I have to be here."

...in case Nathan needs my help. I've spent two years studying these beasts, learning their habits and quirks, so I know precisely how to tame them.

"But...you're not in the best of shape right now. I'm afraid you might collapse out of stress." Ulissa insisted, wrapping her arms around my shoulders.

I must stay calm. Deep breath, Fati. Deep breath!

~Meanwhile...

A low hum vibrated from the blue crystals, accompanied by an eerie glow. I distinctly remember noticing that same energy radiating from Ivan's bracelet as he was exiting the arena a short while ago. Could that be the source of his control over them? If so, all I have to do is shatter these crystals in order to sever the connection. However, I have a feeling that might cause them to go into a frenzy, in which case it's probably better for them to be under some sort of control. Perhaps releasing my own imposing aura might do the trick.

"I trust you will not take this personally. I know you were forced to be here, but...so was I."

Doing this might send everyone here into a state of shock, but...it can't be helped. Absolute dominance, in the context of combat, is a strategic display of one's aggressive fighting spirit intended to intimidate the opponent and serve as a preemptive warning of what's to come. This process is simple, requiring no special ability; however, my divine powers would occasionally interfere, causing those nearby to be paralyzed with fear.

"I, Kazein Nathaniel Von Alkaraz, order you to stand down at once."

Those words, sharp and cutting like shards of glass, compelled them to lower their heads, whimpering in pain, their bodies trembling. As I strode towards them, a faint crackling sound, like glass on the verge of shattering, grew louder in the distance, prompting me to halt my steps. The blue crystals slowly crumbled and ultimately disintegrated completely. Their eyes blazed with a terrifying intensity as they leapt towards me, causing the crowd to gasp in unison, a collective sound of shock and fear. However, contrary to everyone's expectations, the two wolves merely nuzzled their faces against me, their giant tails thumping a joyful rhythm against the sand as they wagged excitedly, sending a forceful gust of wind across the arena. Seeing Fati's pleased expression, which was a stark contrast to the anxious faces of those around her, I felt relieved I had managed to avoid resorting to violence.

"What a friendly pair you are! I can see how they managed to capture you."

In times past, I felt no empathy whatsoever for animals, a disinterest that was shockingly present even in my treatment of the two pets I kept inside my palace. But that all changed when I encountered an individual who possessed the unique ability to converse and connect with these beings, exhibiting a profound love and care that mirrored familial bonds. I could not resist being completely absorbed by her, with a strong desire to discover all there was to know about her.

"Don't worry. I'll send you two back home in no time."

Now that the puppies are out of the way...it's time for the real match to begin.

+++

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd as Nathan effortlessly subdued the creatures, the tension visibly releasing from everyone's shoulders. Now their chants have grown a thousand times more boisterous. Oh, my poor eardrums; the high-pitched squeals are unbearable.

"That was intense! My legs are still shaking." sir Uler exclaimed with a loud sigh.

"I think I might have gone on myself. I shall return, everyone." a random spectator commented before walking away.

A silent exchange of glances between Ulissa and me, followed by an outburst of shared laughter, completely erased the tension I had been carrying. Now, all that remains is the final showdown with Lord Ivan, the fight that will conclude this dreadful event. I can hardly wait.

*Boo* *Boo*

"You cowardly cheater!"

He's dodging a barrage of random objects, from pebbles to half-eaten apples, thrown with surprising force. How embarrassing.

"Go all out, your highness. Crush him!"

Should I join in the fun? Now that the most stressful ordeal is out of the way, I feel as light as a feather.

"Put your brawns to work, your highness!" I roared loudly.

Did he just...flinch? He couldn't possibly hear my voice in this ruckus...could he?

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Secretary Lottie!" Ulissa squealed, jauntily giggling and flailing her arms in the air.

"Let him have a taste of his own medicine, your highness! Crush him!" she yelled loudly.

How fun! We should have done this earlier.

~Meanwhile...

"Are you scared, Ivan? You look like you'd kiss the ground if I so much as asked you to. I must say...this subservient facade of yours is so very unlike you, yet not entirely displeasing to me."

I-I can't move.