The next day:
City of Cartag, Gregorian Empire.
The city's atmosphere had shifted. Down at the port, the only ones working were the slaves, following their masters' orders to the letter. Others managed the markets, while every free citizen had their eyes fixed on the amphitheater.
Meanwhile, at the Teleport Station… a steady stream of ships and people were arriving from all across the Empire and the Continent. Among them were prominent figures from the Kingdoms of Lichstein, Britain, and Nordkrieger.
They all came for one purpose: to witness the Imperial Gladiator Tournament, held once a year on the final day of Jupiter's month. Its location changed every year, and each year a city governor or provincial consul was responsible for hosting it.
Among those stepping through the portal was a man with a fierce presence—dark reddish hair, a lean build, dressed in a finely tailored outfit for casual occasions, alongside a magical cape and gloves.
They elevated his presence to another level. The silent mages around him recognized him instantly. This man was Count Ducking of the Kingdom of Britain, the most powerful fire mage on the continent.
Walking beside him was his daughter, Lucia—a twelve-year-old girl of striking beauty. Her vivid red hair and ruby-colored eyes shone beneath a dress that matched her father's imposing presence.
But they weren't the only ones crossing the portal at that moment.
Appearing almost at the same time was Miss Marilyn Weston—daughter of Count Weston of Lichstein, the continent's greatest merchant.
Marilyn was a senior student at Aeris Academy, nineteen years old, blessed with refined beauty. Her dark green hair draped elegantly, and behind her glasses were stunning jade-colored eyes. She wore a dignified dress paired with dark gloves.
And the third girl stepping through, perfectly synchronized with the other two, was the firstborn of the Gateway clan from Nordkrieger—April Gateway, from one of the most influential families in that kingdom.
April, thirteen, was a young girl with remarkable beauty. Her burgundy-styled hair was a deep red streaked with platinum highlights, and her captivating gray eyes stood out. Her outfit was leather with a steel breastplate—almost as if she, too, were about to compete in the tournament.
The three of them glanced at one another—recognition flickered. They exchanged polite greetings, regardless of the political differences between Britain and Lichstein.
Marilyn Weston: —"I can't believe the great and honorable Infernal Dragon, Luke Ducking, is visiting Cartag… not to mention the young Lady Gateway."
Luke Ducking: —"I came with my daughter to watch the tournament. I'm surprised the firstborn daughters of Weston and Gateway have come as well."
April Gateway: —"A close friend of mine is participating. Obviously, I'm here for that."
Marilyn Weston: —"What a coincidence. A classmate of mine is competing too… my friends and I came to support him."
Luke Ducking: —"How thoughtful of you, young ladies… Miss Weston."
Marilyn Weston: —"Yes, Count?"
Luke Ducking: —"I heard there were some ruffians who attempted to kidnap you. Are you alright?"
April Gateway: —"Is that true?"
Marilyn Weston: —"Yes… it happened a couple of days ago, but I'm fine. A passing stranger prevented those cowards and traitors from taking me."
April Gateway: —"What a tragedy… fortunately, there are still noble-hearted people out there."
Luke Ducking: —"It's sad that such unethical acts still occur in pursuit of selfish ambitions."
Marilyn Weston: —"I know your story, Count, and I know exactly what you mean… My family believes someone orchestrated the attempt."
April Gateway: —"And do you have anyone in mind?"
Marilyn Weston: —"Not yet… the traitors haven't given any names. Though we have our suspicions. My family's success has earned us many enemies… ones who would benefit from my disappearance."
Luke Ducking: —"When you're young, those who see you as a threat will do anything to destroy you."
April Gateway: —"That's very wise, Count."
Luke Ducking: —"Changing the subject… Miss Weston, you're in your final year at Aeris, correct?"
Marilyn Weston: —"Yes, this is my last year… graduation will be next summer."
Luke Ducking: —"Oh, that's excellent news. And you, Miss Gateway—have you already begun attending Aeris Academy?"
April Gateway: —"I start this year. My father decided it was time for me to go."
Luke Ducking: —"Actually, that's— Oh, how disrespectful and thoughtless of me… I forgot to introduce my daughter. This is Lucia, my eldest. Lucia, greet them."
The radiant girl stepped out from behind her father and greeted them formally.
Lucia Ducking: —"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Weston, Miss Gateway."
Marilyn Weston, April Gateway: —"The pleasure is ours, Miss Ducking."
Luke Ducking: —"I have business to discuss with Governor Acrisio. If you'll excuse me… may I leave my daughter in your care?"
Marilyn Weston: —"Don't worry, Count. Your daughter is in good hands."
Lord Ducking then took his leave, heading off to meet with Cartag's Governor Acrisio. With him gone, the young ladies began speaking among themselves.
Marilyn Weston: —"How old are you, Miss Ducking?"
Lucia Ducking: —"I'm twelve, and my birthday is coming up."
April Gateway: —"Then I'll be waiting for an invitation from you, Miss Ducking."
Lucia Ducking: —"I would be honored if you attended."
Marilyn Weston: —"I heard your father is close to the British throne, is that right?"
Lucia Ducking: —"Yes, Miss. My father is a loyal servant of His Majesty."
April Gateway: —"I also heard rumors that you're very close to Princess Teresa. Is that true?"
Lucia Ducking: —"It is, Miss Gateway… I actually have a question for both of you."
April Gateway: —"Go ahead."
Marilyn Weston: —"Proceed."
Lucia Ducking: —"Is it true that Miss Gateway dislikes etiquette and formalities?"
April Gateway: —"I didn't mean to offend you or give a bad impression by speaking out of turn, Miss Ducking."
Lucia Ducking: —"Forgive me, Miss Gateway, but you didn't offend me at all… and I'd like you to answer sincerely, just as I did."
Caught by Lucia's eloquence, April decided to speak the way she normally does.
April Gateway: —"Fine, I don't like excessive formality. I prefer things to be clear and direct."
Lucia Ducking: —"That's better, Miss Gateway. Don't force yourself into etiquette if it bothers you so much."
April Gateway: —"Maybe I don't have the etiquette you love showing off, but at least I don't have a reputation for being temperamental… if you'll excuse me, I'm going into the Coliseum."
April walked away, heading into the Coliseum and leaving Marilyn and Lucia alone.
Witnessing what had happened, Marilyn proceeded to show exactly why she held the highest grades in Aeris Academy's history.
Marilyn Weston: —"Your eloquence and the way you steer a conversation are impressive, Miss Ducking."
Lucia Ducking: —"Her Majesty Princess Teresa taught me that method of guiding a discussion."
Marilyn Weston: —"Now tell me, Miss Ducking… what was your question?"
Lucia Ducking: —"Is it true that your father bought his noble title after earning his fortune?"
Marilyn Weston: —"Didn't your father reject his real surname and choose to use your mother's instead, thus founding House Ducking?"
Lucia Ducking: —"Do you know what you're implying, Miss Weston?"
Marilyn Weston: —"Do you, Miss Ducking?"
Lucia Ducking: —"It isn't polite to answer a question with another question."
Marilyn Weston: —"And is it appropriate to bring up family matters the moment we meet?"
Lucia Ducking: —"It isn't, Miss Weston."
Marilyn Weston: —"Then don't bring them up. Remember, I've lived a very long time addressing that kind of question."
Lucia Ducking: —"Forgive my discourtesy, Miss Weston."
Marilyn Weston: —"Don't worry, Miss Ducking… shall we enter the amphitheater?"
Lucia Ducking: —"With pleasure, Miss Weston."
***
Bepnis Strait
Mount Albur (Hidden Base)
—So… you're telling me that… you already installed the whole robot deployment system, the potable system, the electrical grid, and the sewage?
[That is correct, Marshal.]
—How the hell do you build so fast?
[Would you like a detailed explanation, Marshal?]
—Better make it short.
[Well, for the first task I assigned the Risa-G35 units to cut and clear the area.]
—And the rest?
[I used mining equipment and robots to construct the systems you requested.]
—So you used the miners… Hey, speaking of mining—how's that task going?
[I continue extracting at maximum capacity.]
—Good. Keep storing everything.
[Of course, Great Marshal.]
Right at that moment, Quincy notified me:
[Master, it's time to leave (ರ_ರ)]
—Okie doki.
[Stupid Master (눈‸눈)]
—Hey Quincy, you're still mad?
[Please leave quickly, Master (=_=)]
—Okay… and you know what? I don't really like that tone or boldness from you… it's not right to insult your creator, you know?
[I will not comment on that (•̃ ₃•̃)]
—Fine, don't talk… Goodbye, Artia.
[Farewell, Marshal. I'll focus on designing the wall and its defense system.]
—Make sure it has the best defense mechanism possible, and make it fully upgradable.
[I will, Marshal.]
—Alright, I'm leaving.