Chapter 365: Chapter 232: Prince Consort

In Hedan, various prelude combats could be seen everywhere. The underground arenas were livelier than ever. People’s desire to participate had peaked, and once this moment arrived, the entire population of Hedan would become fervent. Almost all work ceased as people sang, danced, enjoyed various performances, and watched a multitude of battles.

The real highlight was the combat selected by Prince Hokele between the eight major Knight Academies and the four great Canon Law Schools. The first round was a captain’s assessment; eight out of twelve teams would be retained, and four eliminated. The twelve captains would undergo tests personally prepared by Prince Hokele.

The tests involved a comprehensive exam including faith, history, and art, although this part was small. Next were strategy and tactics, followed by a personal aptitude test for the twelve captains in areas like Spiritual Ability, speed, and strength.

In the Moncalleta Empire, the leader of the army must be the strongest and most well-rounded. They have always been cultivated in this direction, as tradition dictates. Duke Tia is known as the foremost person in the army, holding a high status not solely because of his last name.

Prince Hokele personally presided over the event. The King, Queen, Princess, and other royalty and nobles were observers. Of course, scholars from the Celestial Principle School, as well as special representatives from the Knight Academy, the Canon Law School, and other countries’ emissaries, were also present.

Unlike before, this time journalists from the Hex Bird Report and the Hedan Daily were present to report on this celebration of glory.

The populace sang and danced, and the Royal Palace was also full of exciting activities. Undoubtedly, Moncalleta is a coveted prize on the Dao Yuan Continent, and its endurance is not based on abundance alone. Its knight system is exceptional, and while it has some flaws, it suited past kings perfectly. The eight dukes demonstrated excellent personal qualities and combat foundations. The playboys had no chance of getting involved. The strong resources, talent, and intense desire for glory are the roots of their strength.

In the first round, Canon Law Schools were usually all eliminated, but this year there was an exception: a captain from the Saint Grace Canon Law School made it into the top eight.

That captain was Simmons George from Saint Grace Canon Law School, ranking eighth overall, slightly higher than the Rock Duke’s Hannibal Shata, entering the finals.

It became awkward for those missing out. The Shata family would face ridicule for quite some time. While nobles appear gentlemanly on the surface, they love squabbling when idle, and gossip spreads easily.

With the result, the Hex Bird Report and Hedan Daily would undoubtedly report extensively. Simmons once again attracted attention.

The Hex Bird Report offered a relatively neutral and positive coverage of the eight captains and teams, describing the process vividly. In reality, the scores for the first few items were neck and neck, with the Rock Duke trailing due to lacking in artistic elements. This was a reason for his ultimate defeat. Hannibal could not understand this and was extremely angry. He was very dissatisfied with increasing the weight on non-combat skills, as he was just a bit behind Simmons. He believed firmly that in combat prowess, he could definitely defeat two Simmons.

The Hedan Daily interviewed Hannibal, fully expressing his grievances. Every participating team was aware of the changes, but none expected the impact to be so significant. Hence, the defeated Hannibal vented his anger, which the reporters of the Hedan Daily clearly articulated.

“Lucky Simmons grabbed a ticket in; whereas it’s a pity for Hannibal Shata. Their family, guarding the border, can’t afford idle chatter and indulgence.”

“The opportunist Simmons will learn what true cruelty is after reaching the semifinals.”

“Does the Canon Law School really possess this strength without genuine ability, entering the top eight?”

…

The Hedan Daily, although sarcastic, showed that Simmons indeed relied on his top three scores to enter the top eight. There was still a lot of sympathy for Hannibal. Hannibal also ended up drunk, blurting out all sorts of things that shouldn’t be said.

Inside the Cabinet, James and Kundra and others were well aware of the outside situation. This had been carefully calculated and discussed to give the Canon Law School a slight chance. And indeed, they barely scraped through.

There was no choice, as the Celestial Principle School couldn’t wait another five years for the next opportunity. If they failed again, although they had made great progress, the blow to the Canon Law School system would be significant, leaving subsequent advancements difficult. Their foothold in Hedan was not established just through empty talk.

Despite the risks, conflicts arising from interests were bound to erupt. No reform could please everyone, and necessary struggles and negotiations would ensue, whether with Oliver or other forces, this was just a small test.

Simmons finally did not disappoint them; having one person enter the main competition was already meeting their basic requirement, as making it to the semifinals was less of a concern.

Those at Li Long Inn were certainly not qualified to watch, but this did not prevent them from celebrating with Young Master Xiong Ying. Dalivin had painted a portrait of Young Master Simmons, and he made another large one to hang at the inn’s entrance, proudly flaunting it—the great Young Master Simmons forging ahead.

The only regret was the absence of the Dragon Mother, leaving life seemingly lacking in color. In the past, the Dragon Mother was always shouting and a bit annoying, but now that she wasn’t around, the inn felt lifeless. Li Xin also missed her.

Though the Dragon Mother wasn’t there, the coffee beans she bought were, and Ma Liu generously shared them. The main reason was that the beans would go bad if not consumed, and new ones would have to be bought upon her return. Quality ingredients should always be used at their best.

Drinking coffee, Li Xin continued to work hard. Only Dao Yuan Continent’s most diligent author was striving. The Hedan Daily’s recent sales had nearly matched the Hex Bird Report, putting pressure on the latter. They realized that Hedan’s new style was popular among the populace, but such sensationalism and incitement didn’t suit the Hex Bird Report’s style. After all, the Hedan Daily was a local newspaper and could play by different rules. The pressure fell on Li Xin, who relied on the serialization of “Utopia Mountain Grudges” to barely suppress the Hedan Daily. It was miraculous, given the Hedan people’s traditional love for the celebration of glory.

Young Master Xiong Ying cheered on, driven by reward and attention from Christie, hoping to impress her. The thought of succeeding made his adrenaline soar. Clarity filled his mind, his typing nearly producing smoke from the speed.

Discussion also filled the Royal Palace, as it was highly likely that the consort could be chosen from one of the eight captains. Though newspapers dared not report recklessly, it did not hinder discussions among common folks and various nobles. The Princess’s beauty and character were widely praised. The King was stern, yet it was that sternness that raised such a gentle Princess. Unlike a certain Commandery Princess who was superficially praised but whom no one dared to marry for fear she might bury her husband’s entire family in a fit of insanity.

Everyone looked forward to it, but the only one in distress was the Princess. Estella paced back and forth in her room, not wanting to marry, unable to accept the idea. Even though she knew it was a Princess’s duty, as it had always been, she just did not want to. Why should she have to marry? To someone she barely knew or did not even recognize?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep