Chapter 1863: Undying Medicine
Little Elaine unexpectedly pulled off an upset. Under extreme disadvantage, she took down her opponent with a sudden, high burst of power, carrying them away. Many people must have bet against her; it was unexpected that she would win.
I watched and shook my head. Older Brother Jayad had sealed three of his magic powers for his survival, but he used them all in one match just to win this small round.
Had he forgotten my warning to be as low-key as possible? In such an important competition, the Count from Deep Lake City would very likely be watching. He’d recognize Elaine at a glance. Although he wouldn’t necessarily make a move against him, it was still a risk.
But I could guess what he wanted. He wanted glory, to restore his family’s honor. He didn’t need to win another match, because today’s competition had only three rounds. Those who advanced would receive an audience with the Crown Prince and rewards. That’s why Little Elaine threw caution to the wind and used all three magic powers at once.
Even if I advised him to be low-key and not to be too fixated on past glory, or at least not to show it outwardly, he wouldn’t listen.
There was nothing I could do. Since things had already happened, and it was unlikely he’d pass the next round anyway, having used up the life-saving trump cards Older Brother Jayad left him, his strength paled in comparison to these knights. This time, I’d let him have his way.
Alicia, of course, also smoothly passed the third round. Ranged combat seemed to be her specialty. From when she tested Older Brother Jayad with her bow and arrows in the second round, one could see the devastating power she possessed. Her opponent gave up directly once again.
And so, today’s competition concluded. With a major reshuffling, after three elimination matches, only thirty-two out of the two hundred fifty-six participants advanced.
I looked at the large projection screen displaying the list of participants. The names around Norton had all dimmed. Along one row, only a few names were still lit. Each name had a line extending towards the center of the tree diagram.
This represented the lines of advancement. The lines they crossed had dimmed, indicating their opponents had been eliminated. They would eventually meet another successful qualifier. What I wanted to see was Older Brother Jayad’s opponent in the next round.
Unfortunately, at the end of the line that met Older Brother Jayad’s was a Female Knight in golden armor. It was Alicia. She seemed to have also discovered her next opponent and looked towards Older Brother Jayad, a smile seemingly on her face.
Jayad naturally found her troublesome. This woman spoke mysteriously, her intentions obvious, but she wouldn’t reveal them. If possible, he truly didn’t want any entanglement with her.
But glancing further to the side, next to her was Albrisque. He had also advanced this far. If Jayad could win one more match, and Albrisque didn’t forfeit, they would face each other in the next round.
It seemed he couldn’t hold back anymore. Older Brother Jayad thought troubleshootingly. But that Alicia was very formidable; it wouldn’t be easy to win against her. He needed to prepare in advance.
At this moment, the Crown Prince finally got up from Lady of the City, got dressed, and went to the front stage to congratulate and award the successfully advanced knights. Lady of the City lay on the bed, silently weeping, her slightly parted lips continuously spitting out white fluid from behind.
“Congratulations to all the knights who have gloriously won. You have all worked hard and brought a wonderful competition to the Citizens of Cando City. The eliminated knights need not be discouraged; it is just one competition. You will all still have the chance to prove yourselves on the battlefield!”
The Crown Prince spoke very tactfully, making the knights who advanced feel valued while also comforting the losers. Someone had certainly helped him write his speech.
“Today’s competition ends here. The thirty-two advancing contestants please come to the stage to receive your medals of honor and prizes! Additionally, all of you will have the opportunity to be my honored guests on Winter Veil Eve, at which time I will send out invitations for you to attend the banquet.”
So that’s how it was. The Crown Prince’s purpose in holding this Knight Competition was likely to recruit talent, befriend more strong individuals, and perhaps even recruit them into his personal forces.
However, these qualifiers were basically knights with organizations and influence; many were even vassals of great nobles. Whether he could poach them depended on how much the Crown Prince was willing to give.
Considering his future succession to the throne, if they accepted ennoblement in advance, they would become Knights of the Royal Court in the future. This was a significant attraction for many knights.
Therefore, among those who came on stage today, there were quite a few who appeared very proactive and enthusiastic. Before going on stage, they would first bow to the Crown Prince, performing a very respectful royal etiquette. These knights had actively expressed their willingness to pledge allegiance, and Little Elaine was among them performing this respectful bow.
Older Brother Jayad, however, was very casual. He placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head slightly, considering it done. His attention was entirely on Albrisque beside him. He was still thinking about how he would deal with Albrisque if Albrisque accepted the Crown Prince’s offer.
Luckily, the Crown Prince wasn’t in a hurry. He waved his hand, telling the knights not to be so formal, and then brought out a tray. On it were more exquisite and gorgeous medals than those distributed the day before.
During the medal ceremony, Little Elaine’s chest was puffed out straight, looking like an incredibly proud rooster. When the Crown Prince placed the Knight Competition medal on his chest, Little Elaine’s face turned red with excitement.
Now he could call himself a knight again. Even as a wandering knight or a chivalrous knight, with this royal medal as proof, no one would question his status as a knight.
But unfortunately, the Crown Prince wasn’t very interested in him. He didn’t even glance at Little Elaine before moving on. If he treated everyone this way, it would be fine, but he didn’t. The Crown Prince would say a few extra words to the knights he favored.
Jayad was one of them. When the Crown Prince awarded him the medal, he casually said, “Mr. Norton, I invite you to attend my Winter Veil Festival party. It’s the day after tomorrow, which is after the fourth round of the competition.”
“Thank you, Your Highness, for the invitation. I will consider it seriously.” Fearing that refusing directly might cause trouble, Jayad’s response was noncommittal. Luckily, the Crown Prince didn’t press further and continued to award the next person.
After all thirty-two people had received their medals, the Crown Prince announced, “The prize I have prepared for those who successfully advanced is the Undying Medicine!”
“What? Undying Medicine?!” As soon as he said this, the entire venue erupted in excitement. Many people looked at the viewing stand with disbelief. Immortality was the goal of many, and it was also the lifelong research subject of those great alchemists.
“This is the Undying Medicine. If consumed, it can extend your lifespan by twenty years. You will stop growing for twenty years at your current age.” The Crown Prince held up a small, exquisitely packaged box.
