Chapter 17
The commencement of the duel had arrived.
The resounding voice of the emperor reverberated solemnly, capturing the attention of scores of nobles and a multitude of citizens, all fixated on a singular point.
In that moment, both the crown prince and the second prince stood poised, their presence commanding.
Anticipation hung in the air, the question lingering: Who would make the initial move?
Perhaps, it was assumed, the second prince would take the initiative.
Just as this assumption settled in the minds of onlookers,
A sudden, unforeseen metallic clang pierced the expanse of the grand bridge.
Clang!
Upon the floor lay a forsaken blade, none other than the iron sword clutched by Crown Prince Raciel for the duel. Had it slipped from his grasp while defending against the second prince’s onslaught? No, it was a deliberate release, a calculated act by the Crown Prince himself.