Novel Bin
Chapter 9:The Duelist Princess and the Unexpected Confession
Scene: Royal Tournament Arena – Day of the Finals
Trumpets blared. Rose petals rained down from enchanted clouds. The final match of the Grand Interschool Magic Tournament was about to begin…
And Zephyr Arclight was hiding behind a banner with a sandwich in one hand and his mop slung over his shoulder.
“They said I wouldn’t have to fight again,” he mumbled.
“I cleaned the arena. That should count for something.”
From the stands, Arwen and Selena watched nervously.
Arwen: “He’s going to get dragged in again.”
Selena: “Statistically speaking, yes. Also… she’s here.”
Enter: Princess Althea von Astrid Lumeria
•National Duelist Champion.
•Fourth-ranked Archsword Mage in the empire.
•Also: Very beautiful. Very dangerous. Very… sparkly.
She walked onto the stage in gleaming silver armor, her long blonde hair fluttering dramatically behind her. She raised her sword and pointed it at—
“Zephyr Arclight!” she declared.
“I challenge you! Right here, right now!”
Crowd: Gasps. Cheering. Magical camera orbs spin into place.
Zephyr slowly stepped out from behind the banner, still chewing.
“...Hi. I’m off-duty.”
Princess Althea: “Your raw mana stunned three dragons. You purged a cursed relic with a mop. You made me trip in the hallway and said ‘oops’ without looking back. I haven’t stopped thinking about it.”
“Wait. That’s why you’re challenging me?”
Duel Begins
The ground split. Arcane runes ignited. Althea’s blade shimmered with divine light.
She charged, her strike capable of cutting through mountains—
Zephyr… leaned back slightly.
Her sword missed by a millimeter.
Zephyr flicked his mop once.
CLANG!
Althea’s sword flew out of her hand and embedded itself in the arena wall.
Silence.
Zephyr blinked.
“...Did I win?”
Princess Althea: Kneeling?!
“Please… accept me.”
Zephyr froze mid-bite.
“Accept what?”
“My feelings. I’ve fallen for you.”
Crowd: LOUDER GASPS
•Arwen nearly fell out of her seat.
•Selena’s face went red.
•Drakynia actually roared and burned her tournament snack stand.
Rosalia (praying): “Another soul joins the faithful.”
Zephyr: Confused. So, so confused.
“...I really just wanted to finish my lunch.”
End of Chapter 9
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