Didia entered the base and saw Simmons and Celestia. “Dressed like that, are you planning to fight me?” Didia said calmly.

Didia was also wearing a dueling uniform, with the Nasser Clan’s wolf head embroidered on his chest. The ancestors of the Nasser Clan once relied on wolf-like tenacity to expand the kingdom’s territories and establish merit.

Simmons looked at Didia. “What else?”

“Given the nature of your George Family, after all your antics yesterday, either you’ll find an excuse to postpone today, or you’ll appoint a duel proxy.” Didia said calmly.

Simmons smiled, “Sorry to disappoint you, no postponement; your opponent is still me.”

Celestia, who saw Simmons change into this outfit this morning, found it strange and was even more startled upon hearing this.

“You can only exert about seventy to eighty percent of your strength now, not my opponent at all. Change someone, if not prepared, I can give you time.” Didia said.

This battle, unavoidable, yet choosing a worthy opponent is Didia’s final stubbornness as a knight.

Simmons shook his head. Didia stopped persuading, quietly waiting, the atmosphere suddenly turned heavy. Celestia felt Didia’s strong oppressive force, the game seemingly beginning at this moment; if usual, she would pressurize Didia verbally, but now words couldn’t come out.

Didia stood there, already emitting a strong oppressive force, like being aimed at by hundreds of Hex-Tech Guns; this must be the power of the Eight Dukes.

Amid cheers, Prince Achilles must have arrived; whether it be Achilles’ own character or the King’s prestige, both factions believe Prince Achilles is the best neutral party; no one is more suitable than Prince Achilles.

Achilles alighted from the royal carriage, immediately causing many girls present to scream. He is now the first choice as a confidant for all the noblewomen in Hedan and the dream lover of myriad knight academy and canon law school girls. Just the young prince title satisfies several womanly fantasies, let alone being so charmingly handsome, a legend returned from the Holy Land, possessing both looks and strength and status, treating women so gently—how to resist?

The Prince’s guards blocked the crazily enthusiastic crowd, whether noble wanting to please or beauties wanting close contact; only after Achilles waved did he leisurely proceed to the base.

Pushing open the door, Achilles entered while the guards shut the door and stood guard outside.

“Greetings, Prince.”

Didia, Simmons, and Celestia greeted in unison. Though Celestia did not quite accept Prince Achilles’ personality, she admitted his looks and grace, beaming with a bright smile. Despite innate royal elegance mixed with affability, it can truly enchant women, no wonder noblewomen go head over heels, sometimes women are even more intense when infatuated.

“No need for formalities, long time no see, Celestia.” Achilles scrutinized Celestia. He has seen many beauties, but Celestia indeed refreshed his eyes—not appearance, but temperament and character.

“Your Highness, we recently met, not too long ago.” Celestia said.

Achilles laughed heartily, oh little pepper, glanced at Simmons, “Simmons, can you fight like this?”

“Your Highness, as a warrior of the Canon Law School, can face any situation, including injury.” Simmons nodded.

Achilles remained noncommittal, saw Didia silent, knew they achieved consensus, “Where’s Avogadro?”

“Should be arriving soon.” Simmons said.

“This lad is later than me.” Achilles said, “I thought you’d appoint him as duel proxy.”

“Honestly, Your Highness, that was intended, but ultimately this is a duel between me and Didia; winning too easily lacks achievement, better do it myself.” Simmons said.

Didia raised an eyebrow nearby, “You can entirely let him come, or both of you together work too; looking at you now is barely enough to even warm up.”

Simmons shook his head, “You aren’t his match, no point winning.”

“Simmons, there’s no need to play mind games; I’ve said, as long as His Highness doesn’t oppose, you’re free to find a proxy, thus it would be a death without regret.” Didia said calmly; in Hedan, he hardly cared for others apart from a limited few, as for who Simmons chooses as proxy or neutral party, it wasn’t important.

Meanwhile, a quarrel erupted outside; waking late to make time, Li Xin even hired an expensive carriage. Barely reached the Canon Law School, encountering rather jam-packed, barely reached the base, the guard at the door denied entry.

“I am the arbiter for this duel, Simmons’s arbiter.” Li Xin explained for ages.

Guards scrutinized Li Xin, utterly disbelieving; this person looked like a commoner, how could he act as arbiter?

“I truly am the arbiter.” Li Xin’s lengthy explanation failed; privately sought others, painfully recognizing Little Red Roll’s noticeable hair afar, beckoned them over.

Lancer and Rock, along with others, vouched for Li Xin. The guards suspiciously scrutinized Li Xin and eventually decided to report inside first, verifying his identity before letting him in. Even after Li Xin entered, the guards still couldn’t understand how this person could be a notary.

Upon entering, Li Xin quickly apologized, “Sorry, I overslept. Hope I didn’t cause any delay.”

Didia frowned slightly, while Achilles smiled, “No delay, everyone’s here, so let’s begin.”

Didia glanced at Celestia, “Unrelated personnel can leave.”

Celestia pouted, “Why? Are you afraid of me? Relax, it won’t be two against one.”

“With you here, he’ll die even faster, and I’m just worried that when Simmons dies by my sword, you’ll cry endlessly,” Didia responded coldly.

“Hmph, impossible!” Celestia suddenly gave a sly smile, “Your Highness, can I be a quiet spectator? I promise not to speak or interfere with the duel.”

Thinking to herself that if Simmons is in danger, she might not be able to keep that promise.

Achilles nodded, “Didia, it seems like there’s no issue. Avogadro, what do you think?”

“I have no objections either. Simmons, are you going up there yourself?” Li Xin asked.

“Brother Li, I have to resolve this myself.” Simmons nodded.

Li Xin raised his thumb, “Well done, young master Simmons, like an eagle, keep it up! I’m rooting for you!”

Achilles was fine with it, back in the Secret Castle, Li Xin always had this quirky personality. Didia was puzzled, wondering what kind of notary this was. But it didn’t matter, since the Prince was present, they likely wouldn’t dare try anything.

The two began preparations, with Achilles and Li Xin standing side by side like old friends.

“I heard you had a little incident yesterday?” Achilles asked.

“Oh, Your Highness is interested in such trivial matters?” Li Xin replied with a smile.

“It’s not trivial; Metropolitan Volna was alerted. I heard he canceled all activities yesterday.” Achilles seemed amused, pondering what could have exhausted the Metropolitan’s cultivation.

“Are you asking about Simmons, or me?”

“Of course, it’s you,” Achilles said, wondering why he wouldn’t know Simmons’ level, “Father asked me to be responsible for secret figures and organizations, though lazy, I still need to put on an act.”

“I’m such a minor character; it doesn’t seem necessary,” Li Xin touched his nose.

“Let’s skip the sarcasm. Was it an event at the Secret Castle or the Moon God?” Achilles casually asked.

Lately, Hedan has been bustling, thanks to the Earth Mother Goddess’s festival. More secret organizations and figures have appeared, with four Grand Dukes guarding the borders, envoys from various Kings arriving, and traces found of the Gourmet Association and other secret organizations. Hedan’s Inner Demon remains elusive, and with previous infiltrations, the place has become quite lively. After all, as the Land of Divine Favor, everyone wants a slice.

The Prince lately has no time for flirting, thinking of leisure when it’s anything but. Most matters are handled by the Secret Court and Funeral Attendant, but he takes interest in matters regarding Avogadro.

Li Xin gave Achilles an amused look, “It’s nothing to do with Hedan or you; it’s personal business. Hedan is quite favored, so it’s normal for people to visit.”

It seemed that being a Night Patrol with the Moon God Medal had led outsiders to believe he was a Moon God’s favored one. Having backing is quite necessary, and this disguise could be useful for a while.

Achilles looked at Avogadro, trying to find something in his demeanor, but found nothing. It didn’t seem fake, regardless of whether it was the Secret Castle or being a favored of the Moon God. Even as a Prince, he couldn’t act recklessly, especially considering the undefined level of the other party’s personal power now.

“Let’s have a drink together when you have time.”

“As long as you’re paying.”

Didia and Simmons were ready.

Li Xin was speechless; they had changed into another set of clothes. It seemed men could still ramp up the sense of ceremony. Didia and Simmons together were different styles of handsome, now tensions were high between them, showcasing the strongest side of men. If placed on a modern arena, they’d certainly go viral, and he could earn quite a bit as a manager.

Both were wearing light armor to protect vital areas. Li Xin had borrowed a set from there, and was still borrowing it. He studied it; the equipment was made from some very light material, resembling a combination of hard plastic and leather. Rock had mentioned that it’s very difficult and expensive to make, rare even in the Knight Academy and Canon Law School, belonging to spirit model masters’ creations.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep