ALL NOVEL Top 8
It was the second day. Only two sets of fights were scheduled today. The top 8 would fight in the morning then the top 4 will fight in the afternoon. Out of the 8, 4 of them were nobles and the other 4 were commoners. Either by coincidence or luck, the brackets are separated between nobles and commoners. Which means that the finals will be between a commoner and a noble.
“Are you the two of you ready?”
“Yes, mistress,”
“Wait, I have some things I want to bring.”
“Melanie, we will not be there long. You do not need to bring anything.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I do not plan on winning after all. I will only do a performance then surrender.”
“Performance? Are you going to sing or dance?”
“No.”
“Oh. Uh, what kind of performance then?”
“Just a simple one. Nobody would even know that I was performing.”
The three of us went to the venue. It was full of noble students. Understandable as all the nobles were also participating here. Looking around, I do not see a single commoner student.
“Sylvia, no need to be on guard. The prince will not do anything.”
“Understood, mistress.”
I strode to the arena. Our referee was still Emilia. Hmph, she really is doubling down.
“Athena.”
“Prince.”
“What did you do?”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“I was monitoring your matches yesterday.”
“Oh. Our dear prince was watching me? How romantic.”
“It was so obvious that it was all set-up.”
“Oh?”
“There were already rumors that you have been seen going to the principal’s office in a regular basis. The principal herself has been the referee for all your matches. All your matches ended immediately or by forfeit. Why did you even join if that is all you are going to do? Why did you even take another’s spot if you were not going to try.”
“But I did try, prince.”
“What?”
“Do you not see? I used what I have.”
I raised my voice to make sure that everyone in the audience would hear.
“I have power. I have position. I have influence. So, why should I not use it?”
“But this is a martial tournament. It is supposed to be a test of your prowess.”
“And I did it. I used my prowess to make them surrender. Used my position to make them know their place. Besides, did you really think that you won because of your strength?”
“What?”
“Do not fool yourself, prince. No noble would be brave enough to risk injuring you. No commoner would dare bare their blade against you. Do you truly believe that you won all of those matches fair and square?”
“I-“
“The very moment you and I joined. This fairness you speak of ceased to exist. For we were born with power. No matter what you believe, no matter what you think, no matter what you insist, this is something that you cannot throw away.”
The prince has an ugly expression on his face.
“But prince I know you have another question. Another question that you wish for me to answer. Why? Why did I do this? Why did I need to do this? Why am I doing this?”
The prince’s expression is now neutral as he looks at me waiting for my answer.
“Because I can.”
“Because you can?”
“Yes, as simple as that. I have had a feeling recently, you see. I feel like people were not fearing me enough. Not taking me seriously enough. They feel that my inactivity has dulled my fangs, dulled my cruelty, dulled my viciousness. So, I decided to show to the world. That I am still here.”
“I do not understand.”
“That is normal for you stand above us all. You are the one on top and that will not change. How truly lucky you are, prince. For you are also above me.”
I spread my arms wide as I look at the sky.
“You are the one with the power. I cannot best you. All my methods until now are all useless to your position. So, I can only do one thing in this moment, prince. I surrender.”
The prince stood shocked to my declaration. Without letting him recover, I turn around and walk away.
“Athena, wait!”
The prince shouts as I continue to walk away.
“I-, I-“
I ignore him and continue to leave without listening to what he has to say.
“Was that alright, Miss Athena?”
“Do not worry yourself, Melanie. I have done what I have set out to do.”
“You said a lot of things, I didn’t really understand all of it.”
“I have informed everyone there of the existing hierarchy.”
“Hierarchy?”
“Yes. This is something all nobles innately understand. For the prince, his place is at the top. Unlike others, the royal family has control on who climbs the ladder after all. My position as the duke’s daughter was given by the king.”
I have provided the clear hierarchy to all the noble students. I have also reminded the prince of his position in this hierarchy. Whether he heeds my advice is up to him. I have no desire to guide the man. The trap is now set. I just need to guide those rats to it.
“Come now. I have done what I wanted to do. Let us return, I still have some things to do for tomorrow.
“Tomorrow? But you don’t have a match.”
“I do plan on doing some minor things, that is all.
I already know what even could happen tomorrow. However, my actions could have changed some minor things so it is still best if I were to personally do what I want. The three of us returned to the dorm and lounged about.
“Mistress, the results are in.”
I looked at the information provided and of course those two will be on top. The finals were between Lyn and the prince. The female lead versus the male lead. Good. Now, what will you do Lyn? I have added a lot of pressure for you.