The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 12.2

Odin took Evelyn’s hand and walked toward the mirror. He stood behind her. He moved her hair out of the way and placed the necklace around her neck. As she leaned down to fasten it, Evelyn whispered, “I am scared of father. Every time I recall our brother, I get nightmares.”

Odin’s face paled. “I fear for you, too,” continued Evelyn. “Our brother was merely following orders. The orders of our own father when he betrayed His Highness. What if you too—”

“Shut your mouth!” Odin glared at Evelyn. He gritted his teeth.

Evelyn pulled back. “I am sorry. I am just… worried about you. Father is a scary man.”

Every time he thought about his brother, Odin felt like someone was choking him.

“If something bad happens to you…,” Evelyn trailed off.

As she watched Odin breathe heavily, she smiled internally. Odin looked around the room. He had to release his rage and his fear somehow. His gaze rested on Sophie.

Odin recognized her. She was always with Evelyn from the time she was in the Maduse castle. He thought that an insignificant maid like her wouldn’t be worth anything. He swung his hand and hit Sophie on the cheek. The sound rang in the room.

Sophie screamed and fell to the ground, covering her cheek. Odin lifted his leg to kick her.

“Don’t you dare touch Sophie!”

Belina and Arthus came running, but Evelyn was faster. She turned back, snatched the necklace from Odin’s hand, and swung it at his face. The hard jewel struck his jaw leaving a cut.

Evelyn glared at Odin. She had gripped the necklace so hard that it had cut her fingers too.

The ruby necklace sizzled as it absorbed the blood of both of them. Nobody noticed the sound or how unusual that was.

“Have you gone mad, you little b*tch?!” Odin’s eyes were bloodthirsty. He wiped the blood from his jaw and struck her on her face.

“Madam!” Belina came running and supported Evelyn. Arthus drew his word.

“You prick, I’ll kill you!” He pointed it towards Odin’s neck.

“What could you do to me? I am the heir of Maduse! Are you going to show me your little swordplay, Black Forest Knight?”

“It’s a duel then.”

The knight’s young face was grim and focused. Evelyn hadn’t expected things to get out of hand. She wished she could scream.

* * *

As the date of the duel drew nearer, the news came that Odin was sick with fever. Ilya laughed at this.

“The great heir of Maduse or whatever is running away from an apprentice knight?”

“Your Highness,” said Nazz anxiously. “Sir Odin intends to send a replacement.”

“Who?”

“You see the giant of a man who is always by Odin?” said Nazz. “He’s the replacement.”

“Vile Maduse pricks,” cursed Ilya, as he tapped a finger on his desk. The tapping became more intense. “That coward! He was planning this from the beginning, wasn’t he? But don’t worry too much. Arthus is as much a monster as him. He can hold his own.”

Nazz didn’t look so sure. “The thing is…”

“What?”

“He is cruel. All the knights he dueled with have ended up…” Nazz couldn’t finish his words. His face turned pale. “I changed his diapers when he was just a baby. He is like my grandson.”

“Hm. What is Arthus doing now?”

“Sparring with the deputy and Sir Nabaron.”

“Tell them to practice like it’s the real thing. Maduse bastards don’t play fair.”

Ilya pressed the side of his temples. He was exhausted. Nazz hesitated.

“Madam refuses to eat,” said Nazz after a pause.

Ilya sighed. “She is probably blaming herself for this. She always does.”

“Shouldn’t you visit the annex? The mark that bastard left on her face…”

There was a scuffle outside. “What’s going on?” yelled Ilya.

The knight who guarded the door ran in. He looked troubled. “Your Highness, Madam has come to visit and seeks the permission to enter.”

Ilya was surprised, as was Nazz. They looked at each other. “Evelyn?” muttered Ilya. “Let her in.”

Evelyn appeared at the doorway. Her face was covered by a white veil. She stood there and hesitated.

“Come in and sit down,” said Ilya gently, as she walked forward.