Chapter 78: Max Luminaris Vs Master Marksman
The crowd’s excitement had barely settled after Lady Huangyan’s victory when the tournament official stepped back into the center of the arena.
"Our second quarterfinal match," he announced, "pits Lord Maxwell Luminaris against Rayden, The Master Marksman!"
The announcement drew enthusiastic cheers, particularly from the noble section where the Luminaris allies were concentrated. Max was a tournament favorite. He was young, handsome, technically skilled, and bearing the prestigious Luminaris name. His opponent was a master marksman who was quite skilled with a bow. He eliminated someone by constantly shooting arrows until they were forced out of the ring. He advanced through the ranks with his remarkable archery skills, surprising everyone by qualifying for a tournament that was mostly comprises of swordsmen.
Max entered the arena. He waved as he made his way to his starting position. His weapon of choice was rapier. His expression was so confident that one would think it was arrogance.
Grim watched from the competitors’ section. Max represented everything he despised. The unearned privilege of those who had profited from House Ambrose’s destruction, the smug certainty of those who believed their own sanitized version of history.
As Max took his position in the arena, his gaze swept across the competitors’ section, finally landing on Grim. Max didn’t bother hiding his contempt, his lip curling slightly as their eyes met.
In that moment, Grim made a decision. Rather than giving Max the satisfaction of his attention, he stood abruptly and turned his back to the arena, heading toward the exit.
[What are you doing?] the voice asked.
"Sending a message," Grim muttered as he walked away. "He thinks he deserves my respect, my attention."