Blood didn't know what to say when he read the subtle yet domineering words carved on the courtyard's entrance.
Who would have dared to give her such a name? That was his usual thought. Never had it crossed his mind that Kate herself might have had a hand in it.
The dragon descended swiftly, stopping some distance outside the entrance. From within, a woman appeared, her face brightening with relief when she saw the beast. She had been worried ever since it had taken off so abruptly the last time.
Her eyes widened when she noticed two figures dropped down. She wasn't surprised to see the young lady, but the young man beside her left her stunned. It had never occurred to her that the young miss would ride with anyone.
Even if she were willing, the dragon itself was another obstacle, its temper was as cold and unyielding as its master's.
"Young Miss." she greeted warmly, her smile was soft and sincere.
Kate returned the smile, clearly pleased to see her. She then gestured toward Blood and said, "She is Ariana Matar, the one who will occupy the courtyard after I leave."
Blood raised his brows. "You are truly generous. To gift such a place out, just like that." He shook his head, and then turned to Ariana, who smiled harmlessly at him. "I'm Blood."
"Welcome, Young Master Blood," Ariana replied, her smile still intact. "I didn't know Young Miss Kate had a friend. You must be remarkable. It's a first, I must say."
Of course I'm remarkable. I don't need anyone to tell me how incredible I am. Blood nodded quickly, his pride swelling.
Taking the initiative, he stepped forward into the courtyard. A soothing fragrance was drifting from within, calming the mind. Although he had visited before, he had never explored it fully. Only from atop the dragon, did he realize just how large and grand the courtyard truly was.
But his mood soured instantly when he heard a voice cutting sharply from behind. "You don't need to be courteous with him. He's nothing remarkable. He's just a temporary partner of mine and can be discarded anytime. I know it must be eating at you, but very soon, you won't have to see his face here anymore." Kate rolled her beautiful eyes dismissively.
Ariana was taken aback, glancing between the two. They don't seem to get along at all. Choosing silence, she led them forward, deciding their quarrels were best settled another time.
However, before they could enter—
The heavy flapping of wings echoed across the snowy sky. A powerful presence was approaching swiftly.
A beast soon landed before any of them could turn to look. Its eyes were glowing bloodshot, and a cold aura radiated from its body, that looked about to freeze the world if provoked. But when it sensed the presence of a predator nearby, it shivered and restrained its rampant aura, even looking for a place to hide.
A man descended gracefully from its back; his eyes were bright like shooting stars. He was adorned in simple white robes, his hair tied neatly backward.
After giving the dragon a calm and easing stare, he turned his gaze toward the trio.
"Young Master Basha, how can I help you?" Ariana was the first to speak, greeting the young man with a smile. But if one looked closely, her eyes seemed to carry a subtle chill.
Basha seemed unfazed by Ariana's coldness, as it was expected. His attention shifted toward Kate, but before he could speak, his eyes fell upon Blood, who was watching him calmly. That sight unsettled him.
Someone came with her? Riding the same beast? he thought, clearly amused.
"Who are you?" he asked, looking directly at Blood.
Blood's pupils constricted. What an idiot, he thought, nearly voicing it aloud. Instead, he restrained himself and replied evenly, "You should be the one to go first."
Basha's brows furrowed, felling the arrogance in the boy's voice. Everyone in the city knew who he was, and he had never needed to introduce himself before. Even that lady had called his name, yet that boy still dared to ask.
Unacceptable, Basha thought coldly. The boy clearly wanted to brag before the young miss.
Suppressing his irritation, he said, "You may call me Lord Basha. Young Miss Kate is my… rival." His words were clipped. He dismissed Blood entirely as he turned his focus back to Kate.
Swiping through the air, a box appeared, glittering with blue light.
"Young Miss, within this is a stalk of Soul Ash Grass. Accept this gift for putting that marquise in his place." His smile was bright, his voice warm.
"I heard your last battle with the Holy Queen damaged your soul. This stalk is rare and precious; it will nourish your soul. It won't take long before you are completely healed." He had made certain to be the first visitor since her last battle in the Polarity Eggwall. No one had been allowed into the courtyard then, and most had left after days of waiting without any sign of her.
Kate remained silent, her expression indifferent.
Ariana stepped forward instead. "The Young Miss's soul injury has already been healed. Your gift is generous, but it came too late. She no longer needs such herb."
Basha was in dazed, his jaw slackening as he tried to process the situation. Even if that's true, the gift is still precious. They could have accepted it… he thought bitterly. They don't think much of me, even though I'm from a major clan. His gaze furrowed.
Blood suddenly spoke in a casual tone. "Mr. Pursuer, if you don't mind, I'll take it in her stead." He wanted to help the poor man save face, seeing how close he was to losing his composure after being rejected so bluntly.
Blood glanced at Kate, who wore an indifferent expression. It was obvious she didn't care about the guy at all.
What a cold lady, Blood thought, his lips twitching faintly.
Basha's gaze moved to him, his eyes changing. For a moment, it seemed he was ready to slap the young boy silly, yet he restrained himself. The boy's intentions appeared genuine, but his words were wrong, and he was even standing beside the young miss.
Harming her underling in her presence would be to offend her directly.
Basha shot back, clearly annoyed. "Who are you calling a 'pursuer'?" His eyes narrowed further. "And who even are you?"
Blood's pupils constricted, his expression calm. "Who am I?" he replied evenly. Losing all pretense, he then said, "I'm the Young Miss's friend. Looking at you, you don't have the qualification to appear here. You should leave immediately."
He continued, "It is clear as day that you are a pursuer. Otherwise, you wouldn't still be standing here after being rejected outright. Even a block of wood has its dignity."
"You!"
Basha's fury suddenly erupted, veins were bulging across his forehead. His world seemed ready to collapse under the insult. There was no way he would let this boy go unpunished. Even if he was under the young miss, he had to be taught a severe lesson.
Kate and Ariana were equally stunned.
Blood was clearly stoking the furnace on purpose. He could have remained silent, since the matter had nothing to do with him. Kate had no intention of helping him either, if Basha went on a rampage.
But then, Basha suddenly smiled. His smile was so bright and disarming, that anyone watching might think that the conversation had been pleasant from the start. No one would suspect the venom hidden beneath it.
Looking at Kate, he said smoothly, "I've just finished cultivating after two months in solitary, and I was hoping to spar with Young Miss. But I won't trouble you with that anymore." His eyes then locked unto Blood's, whose expression remained calm.
"Young man, since you are a friend of the young miss, and since you wish to take the gift in her stead, I don't mind sparring with you." His energy began to rise, the place became colder, noticeably.
Blood shook his head immediately, refusing to be lured. "You can see I've just arrived with my friend here," he said, pointing at Kate. "We have other matters to attend to than sparring. I'll treat you to it another time."
Ariana's eyes widened slightly. She was shocked at how tactfully Blood refused the challenge.
No wonder the young miss finds it comfortable to ride with him, she thought.
But Basha's smile hardened. His voice rang out, appearing resolute and unyielding. "Young man, let's fight." His aura surged instantly, pressing down like cold ice, leaving no room for refusal.