2026-10-22 15:58:38
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
208
Tiger Fang City Viscount Joshua smiled as he looked at the three young people standing before him. The news they had brought was precisely what he had hoped to hear.“So, you're telling me that all three of you are ready to join the First Prince's faction?” he asked, seeking confirmation.“Yes, you heard us correctly, Viscount Joshua,” Mattimeo replied.“Excellent!” The Viscount's smile widened. “Believe me, you've made the right choice. The First Prince doesn't overlook anyone who pledges their allegiance to him. Unlike the Second Prince, who focuses primarily on the major factions, he recognizes the value of even the minor nobles and talented individuals like yourselves. As long as you demonstrate your abilities, you'll have opportunities to distinguish yourselves. You won't regret this decision.”“We certainly hope so,” Mattimeo replied. “But how do we officially join his faction? We want to make sure we're eligible to participate in the contest following the Alchemy Tournament.”
207
He crashed into his carriage, splintering the wooden frame and sending broken planks flying in every direction.Before he could recover, Mattimeo was upon him.The leader barely managed to raise his head before Mattimeo's foot slammed into it, driving him sideways across the wreckage.He rolled desperately, scrambling away from his opponent. Pain throbbed through his body, and his thoughts raced as he tried to create enough distance to counterattack.The leader finally regained his footing and turned toward Mattimeo. Before he could launch an attack, Mattimeo stepped in and punched him squarely in the forehead.His head snapped sideways, and his vision blurred. He stumbled, struggling to regain his balance, but Mattimeo gave him no opportunity. Another punch crashed into his face.The leader staggered backward, blood trickling from his mouth. As Mattimeo drew back his fist for a third strike, the man suddenly lunged forward and clamped both hands around his opponent's arm.Using the m
206
There was nothing particularly unusual about another carriage traveling along the same road. For the moment, he saw no reason to alert his companions or make any assumptions.The journey continued for several minutes.Then Mattimeo leaned forward slightly and addressed the driver.“I can see a small town up ahead. Take us there.”The driver immediately adjusted his direction, guiding the carriage toward the town.Zaki glanced at Mattimeo with a puzzled expression.“Why do you want us to stop there? We're not very far from Viscount Joshua's territory.”“I know,” Mattimeo replied calmly. “But I want them to make their move now. They're taking too long.”Mia turned toward him, her brows drawing together.“Who do you want to make a move? What are you talking about?”“Soon enough, you'll find out.”Mattimeo leaned back, offering no further explanation.Their carriage continued toward the town, but they hadn't traveled much farther when the carriage behind them suddenly picked up speed. It
205
Is she naive, or is she simply so accustomed to men fawning over her that she can't understand why I'd reject her?Perhaps it was a combination of both. Whatever the case, she seemed completely oblivious to how unreasonable her question sounded.He rubbed his forehead before looking at her again.“Let me ask you something first. Why would I want to make you my woman simply because you're beautiful and you like me? Do you know how many beautiful women are interested in me? If I accepted every single one of them, I'd end up with a harem of a hundred women. That's not what I want.”He paused.“Besides, we've only known each other since yesterday, and you're already expecting me to accept you. That's assuming I had any intention of doing so in the first place.”Scarlet lowered her head and examined herself, her gaze traveling over her figure as though searching for some obvious flaw. After a moment, she raised her eyes to meet his again.“Tell me the truth. Am I unattractive?”Mattimeo st
204
“Why are you acting surprised, Scarlet? Could it be that you weren't even aware of this?” the count asked.“Yes, I'm only learning about it now.”The count gave his daughter a disapproving look. “So you didn't even check the news this morning? I'm sure they brought some papers here because I saw them myself. You should pay attention to such things! Imagine hosting the first and second-place winners of the Alchemy Tournament, yet you don't even know about their achievements!”“It's my fault, Father. I admit it.”The count shook his head in disappointment but didn't bother reprimanding his daughter any further. Instead, he turned his attention back to Mattimeo and Zaki, continuing their conversation as though nothing had happened.He was particularly interested in Mattimeo's background. However, whenever he tried to learn more about the young man, Mattimeo responded with vague answers that revealed little about his past. The count realized that Mattimeo probably had his reasons for kee
203
The two left their room and crossed the hall together. As they walked, Mattimeo tried to figure out the best way to ask Scarlet for a dress without making the request sound unreasonable.Eventually, a servant guided them to Scarlet's room.Mia stood slightly to the side of the door, so when Scarlet opened it, she didn't notice her at first. Instead, her attention immediately settled on Mattimeo.A wide smile spread across her face."I knew it! I knew you'd come looking for me, darling. So, you've finally stopped playing hard to get, eh?"Mattimeo coughed loudly."Ahem!"He cleared his throat before explaining himself."I'm here with my girlfriend. She didn't bring many clothes on our trip, so she doesn't have a suitable gown for an evening dinner. We were hoping you might have something you no longer wear. We'd even be willing to buy it from you. She just needs something appropriate for tonight."Scarlet's face turned beet red as she realized the blunder she'd made.Before she could r
You may also like
Beyond The Immortal
Shin Novel 40.0K viewsDragon Covenant
Camellia39.7K viewsWizard Of Cosmos
MadRain30.5K viewsSon Of The Universe
Evanscapenovel172.8K viewsRecipe for the Apocalypse: I Cooked an S-Rank Monster
Natiwana165 viewsThe Academy’s Rejected Mage
Delonia259 viewsThe SSS Talent That Wasn't Supposed to Exist
StoryOcta242 viewsThe Mad WarDragon of Greed.
Solace120 views