Perhaps it has something to do with her blurred memories. Yes, other than the memory of the Queen finding her, she recalled nothing else. From before then and even from when she first entered the mist kingdom grounds. Her first proper memory must have been when she was bestowed with her magic abilities. Since earning her position, she has never encountered a difficult battle. Then again, she had only been in two battles before. It is more accurate to say she has never lost a fight before.

This must be what Master Teo said about her still needing to learn more about the world. Miley pants heavily as she barely dodged the next blow. It's all over when she falls off her horse. She ought to be grateful for the horse. If this was a normal fight, she would have long lost. Miley could barely keep conscious. It was going all too well; it bore her didn't it? She wanted this to all end quickly, so she could make her request to the Queen.

Queen Lyn, Miley didn't dare spare a glance at the woman anymore. She doesn't want to see a disappointed look.

____________________________________

People always saw Queen Lyn as a rational and calm person. No matter how annoying the requests, she would handle everything with such ease. Truly an aura benefiting the Queen. But she was anything but calm. Was it because one of her most trusted people was losing? No, she's not that petty. The reason she was angry was, to think someone would dare cheat right in front of her face. Do they take her lightly? Cheating against one of her most loyal people is an indirect insult to her.

But more than that, how dare they. How dare they use such means to get to her?

"Pupillam, don't stop me."

"...This time, I want my Queen."

Her hardened gaze softened slightly hearing her advisors words, "I'll be right back."

.

.

Interrupting in an intense fight is already difficult. Let alone a fight where people are riding on horses. However, for her, these things come naturally now. Before the man's attack could reach the barely conscious Miley, she stopped him in his tracks with her bare hands. He seemed startled and was about to shout until he realized it was her, "Q—Queen Lyn…."

Eugene seemed nervous. At least he catches on quick. The crowd appeared confused and whispered.

"Can she not stand her people losing?"

"I don't believe the Queen is like that.."

Lyn closed her eyes briefly, "Remove your armor."

At that comment, the man froze, but he didn't dare refuse her words. A knight's armor is practically there clothing, even though they wear other garments underneath. By doing this, she was already publicly humiliating him. But it isn't enough.

Once the man was in his light fragments, it was clear. Several circles of magic covered his arms, shoulders, legs. Everywhere. The crowd gasps in surprise.

"He cheated?"

"That's several enchantment circles, using many elements.."

"Oh, my.."

Lyn's gaze hardened, as she glared at the man, "How careless. Today's tournament is a friendly gathering, with no rewards. I expected no one to bother with cheating." Although she remained calm, she was angry. Just a second late and Miley would have gotten hurt severely hurt.

Her gaze landed towards the girl's condition, "Pupillam."

"Yes, my Queen."

The girl appeared beside her in a flash, "See to it that Madam Miley receives immediate treatment."

Thankfully, the girl's side of the bracket was almost complete, so taking a break wasn't unusual. If Pupillam heals her, then she ought to be fine.

"Yes, my Queen, and that man.."

Lyn doesn't spare him a second glance and her aide nodded in understanding. Her silence showed that Pupillam can do whatever she wanted. She made her way to the partic.i.p.ant waiting area and stopped. General Teo had come out of the area and had an odd look on his face.

Yes. It's a look that's unlike him, filled with a mixture of different emotions. But a look she is all too familiar with, "My Queen.."

"Speak."

"Would it be wrong if I took part when one side of the bracket is almost complete?"

"The other side is still underway. There is no problem."

"Then, I'll trouble you to make the arrangements." he still appeared lost and confused. But she understood his intentions well.

He's a man of honor, seeing things like this must not sit well with him.

_______________________________

Two hours later.

After the advisor healed her up, Miley didn't fight in her usual calm and silent a.s.sa.s.sin style. In fact, she charged at her remaining opponents with so much brute strength and energy. That match from the guy from the lightning kingdom bothered her. To think she didn't realize… She isn't sure if that was the reason she lost so easily… but...

"And the winner of the jousting tournament is...The mist kingdoms the fourth knight, Xiao Lan."

Miley sighed. She lost.

Lan chuckled and extended his hand out.

"It was a great match, madam Milley."

"..."

Miley refused his handshake and looked away.

She shouldn't underestimate this person. He may be the 4th knight, but she had to admit that his skills are impressive.

"H—hold on you two. Word just in, there is still one more partic.i.p.ant."

Eh? There's still one more. But who else could it be?

"Oh? So he joined. I wondered why the other side of the bracket got cleared quickly." Lan said with a knowing smile.

Who?

Miley turned to the other entrance, her eyes widened when she saw who it was.

"M-" she stopped in mid-sentence, "General Teo."

There was none other than General Teo, standing in his usual armor and carrying his lance, as he leads a white horse along the arena. "What a surprise the surprising partic.i.p.ant is General Teo… Sir Xiao Lan, get ready.."

Ah, right? She lost, so she can't fight him.

Xiao Lan chuckled, "No, this is him we're talking about so…"

Almost as though he overheard, her master suddenly said, "Both of you, come at me."

_________________________

The final match was beyond amazing even though Pupillam could tell he was holding back his strength. General Teo pulled off a magnificent performance, landing him the winner to the tournament.

"What is your request?"

"My Queen, please consider raising our flags and declaring war."

!!!!

Her eyes widened.

While Pupillam had been discussing it with him, she wasn't sure whether he thought the same. She was aware,

"Without waiting for Ark and Kristy's confirmation, you wish to raise our flags?"

"If we act first, then the snow kingdom will reveal they're true colors. My Queen, please."

The silence in the stadium was suffocating n.o.body spoke. Not even the gossipy n.o.bles. n.o.body dared to be the first to break it.

"...Very well."

Eh?!!

"The moment it strikes midnight, we will raise the banners. General Two, please lead the arrangements."

.

.

Inside the Palace

"What are you sulking for, our Queens reputation went up?"

She shot him a glare, and he chuckled, "I understand your concern well. But our Queen's condition has been great for the last few months. Even the doctors say she's almost healed."

But that's because they don't know the truth. Her thoughts broke off once she spotted King Allen, Pupillam rushed over.

"King Allen, please wait a moment."

Allen does so, "Do you need something?"

"The Queen... could you?.."

He nodded, "That's what I'm about to do. Fear not, I'm still capable of lecturing her."

Pupillam sighed in relief and watched as the man walked away.

"The Queen needs a friend right now. Even if we're all close to her, we're still her subordinates." Pupillam explained.

"That's true." Ashley agreed.

Besides, her condition aside. She recalled the Queen's expression when she agreed to the general's request. Unless one was close to her, n.o.body could see it. The Queen's pained expression.