The noble elder coughed into his hand before resuming his speech.

"I have prepared a long list of activities that are to be held from this day forward. That includes an entire day of feasts personally funded by his highness himself. "

The image switched to Atheline who had been whispering to Solaris. He smiled, regaining his composure. The court went into an uproar, not all of them had ever seen him since their arrival on the first day.

The introduction to them had been crude at best and those from the other cities had also not seen him.

Rumours had been spreading around but no one had ever personally seen him. With the funding, Atheline had left his first impression impeccably on the citizens.

A somewhat kind person.

Everyone inside the court was breeming with happiness.

"Second, there will be a horse racing opening event performed by our soldiers and the nobility best!"

This time claps and cheers could be felt almost physically. People danced around the streets in joy just because of one thing.

Bets.

While the kingdom didn’t stop gambling, it didn’t mean gambling could be done in the open however you want. That was why most of the gambling was done in the lowest ring, but not everyone would want to go to the place infested with criminals and rot especially nobles.

During this period people liked placing bets on the participants and their stallions. At this time the odds were also higher especially for the winners since coins would be circulating frequently.

For winners on might be able to get twice the amount of money but for those who lost, the losses are also just as significant.

"And of course the most anticipated event of the week, the hunting competition!"

This was the loudest set of cheers. Even from outside the court Atheline could still hear it. While the first events were okay, all in all everyone had come to see the winner in such a gruesome hunt.

The main reason for the cheering came right after.

"It will be participated in by anyone who desires to join. There will only be one rule and that is..."

"DON’T DIE!" Shouts filled the courts again from the dark elves.

The blood lust could be felt. This was the time when enemies hunted and killed each other without facing consequences.

"Don’t die... of course, some of our best competitors will be present in the festivities, including his highness himself and our rising stars."

One by one, faces were shown the best warriors in the dark elven kingdom finishing with Atheline.

"Atheline, don’t let me down. I can’t imagine where I would go if you fail," Helther whispered to him the moment the image went back to the elder.

Atheline glanced at him, brow slightly raised.

"Aren’t you participating?"

He waved him off.

"That is not something to worry about. You will be the future king, this is a platform to prove yourself to them. I know most of these warriors are stronger than you but you’ll have to toughen through it all and emerge in victory. You have a wife waiting. "

Atheline nodded. He was never going to loose even if it meant using dirty means to get through. Lilith trusted him enough to let him attend when they were so close to his coronation, the goal was clear.

"As of now, the festival has officially begun. Let us ready our purses and cheer for our favorite figure!"

The noble elder finished bowing slightly before stepping off the stage.

The festivities officially commenced after he sat down.

Everyone rejoiced.

As the plant veins light the Courts light brighter than usual. Atheline stretched slightly as he watched the competitors start to gather, readying themselves for the horse race.

This race was a friendly show off to show everyone’s skills without the use of their aether, just plain body control on a normal horse.

It was more of an introduction to the real fight that was to come.

"There are plenty of competitors for this year’s horse race."

A familiar voice came from behind him. Atheline glanced back irritated.

Simion, the noble elder’s son.

’What’s with this guy approaching from behind’

"That is to be expected, there are more people," Atheline replied.

Simion nodded rounding his chair and stepping before him.

He turned to Solaris and slightly bowed.

"Good morning your highness. "

"Good morning," he replied shortly.

"Young duke."

He nodded towards Helther who did the same. It was to be expected that he knew everyone around him. If he didn’t, Atheline would have been surprised.

"You sure have a huge influence your majesty," he turned back to Atheline.

Atheline smiled, meeting his gaze.

"Meaning. "

"If I could be presumptuous, I could say you are the reason something this massive can be achieved. "

His head tilted slightly in interest.

"Really. But I beg to differ Simion this is achievable because of My queen. I could say I was just an accessory in the decisions."

Simion chuckled under his breath.

"Oh, don’t bring yourself down too much your highness. Her majesty would never have invited the other kingdoms if not for your participation and with that, I say thank you."

Atheline slightly frowned. He leaned forward slightly maintaining eye contact.

Simion faintly shifted, glancing back at the noble elder who was looking at them.

"Thank me for what?"

A small chuckle left his lips.

"With the opening of our borders, the visitors have stayed in the outer villages or towns but rarely arrive at the court. This competition has opened the gates for much more. The other species will be able to feel comfortable and visit the Court."

His eyes narrowed. Those words might sound sweet and all but they were somewhat off. Atheline couldn’t fully place it. It just felt off.

Not the bad kind but it just was.

A servant brought over a chair placing it next to Simion who took a seat.

"Have you ever participated in this competition?" Helther asked, subtly changing the subject.

"The hunting one?" Simion asked.

"Yes."

"Yes, this is my third. If you want a map, I personally compiled it during the hunts."

Atheline nodded.

"We would appreciate that."

It was better than nothing.

At that moment, another servant came stopping a few steps from them.

"Do you need something?" He asked.

She trembled slightly but still held her ground.

"Would you like to place a bet, your highness," she said, her gaze staying on the ground.