The royal arena match was an entertainment for all the people of the kingdom.

The massive circular arena was filled with people who were already excited even before the match started. It was impossible to know who they were most eagerly anticipating.

Currently, the most talked-about figure and the sword master of the Hilk Kingdom, Cahilin de Hilk. There were rumors that early on, tickets were in high demand to see him in person, although nobody had seen his face properly.

Those who wanted to confirm whether he was as impressive as his reputation or just a pawn enchanted by the duke, even if they had to pay, purchased tickets.

Among the skeptical crowd, there were already voices strongly supporting Cahilin.

The royals occupied the best seats in the shade. The king, queen, 2nd prince, and Floria were all present. The sound of the crowd calling Cahilin didn’t seem to please the queen.

I sat on the side of the seat where they were seated. The sunlight directly illuminated us, but the autumn sun wasn’t harsh, and it was a satisfying position to vividly see the stadium from the front row.

When the king opened with a ceremonial greeting, fireworks burst, and people in the stands waved flags, shouting before the match even began.

“We will now begin the royal arena match!”

The opponent, avoiding the extended lance of Rendolse, fell off their horse.

As the flag representing Rendolse’s victory went up, he reached towards the sky with all his strength. The excited cheers of the audience continued until Rendolse left the arena.

Then, the inside of the venue suddenly became surprisingly quiet. It was because Cahilin revealed himself.

“Black flag, Prince Cahilin de Hilk!”

Riding a black horse, Cahilin appeared in the middle of the arena. There were abundant rumors about his appearance as he always wore a mask.

Saying he had gruesome scars or that he was an unsightly man who couldn’t bear to look at when his eyes were open. However, standing under the sun, he looked more handsome than anyone else. The astonished audience, who couldn’t close their mouths, collectively shouted.

The voices of women were more prominent than ever.

Suddenly, Cahilin and I locked eyes. As a smile spread across his face, which had been expressionless, the cheers of the people grew even louder.

Cahilin’s opponent happened to be one of the knights who had mockingly teased him in the waiting room.

Although larger in build than Cahilin, he was already visibly frightened. As Cahilin familiarly put on his black mask, the knight reluctantly put on the mask he had been holding.

The emcee lowered both flags simultaneously, and the match began.

The match was overwhelming.

The opponent couldn’t even swing his sword properly. Just blocking Cahilin’s attacks seemed overwhelming for him.
Cahilin, while able to overpower his opponents effortlessly, attacked with a controlled force, much like a lion playing with a rabbit, not giving any room for surrender.

Cahilin easily secured victory. The knight, now a complete wreck, couldn’t bring himself to look at Cahilin with his cold gaze.

Cahilin’s victories continued afterward. Strangely, his opponents were all those who had mocked him in the waiting room, and they all endured his attacks until they became a complete mess.

Despite being a sword master, he had worried about his opponents being larger in stature, but he completely outplayed them. He demonstrated an overwhelming difference in skill even without using magic.

He agilely and gracefully delved mercilessly into his opponents’ weaknesses.

The opponents had no choice but to succumb, and when they exchanged greetings after the matches, they sent looks of admiration towards Cahilin.

“Watch only me. I’m the best.”

Even if he didn’t say it, it was undoubtedly true that everyone’s attention was on Cahilin throughout the matches. His presence was captivating.

As Cahilin’s victories continued, the cheers in the arena grew louder.

Those who came to watch the royal arena matches were naturally drawn to Cahilin, who displayed an overwhelming difference in skill.

Finally, Cahilin, planting his sword into the ground, was declared the winner of the arena match.

“This year’s winner, Prince Cahilin de Hilk, will be awarded the golden rose.”

The king proudly presented the award to Cahilin with a delighted expression.

As Cahilin, who had kneeled halfway, stood up, a loud cheer echoed through the circular arena. It seemed like everyone completely dispelled their doubts about Cahilin with today’s matches.

Then, Cahilin, descending from the stage, mounted the horse again. He slowly directed the horse towards me. My heart pounded as he approached. It felt strangely overwhelming.

Finally, as he came within reach by just reaching out, he looked up at me.

“See, I’m the best.”

As he said that, Cahilin playfully smiled, extending the golden rose he held to me. Cheers erupted from the spectator seats. It seemed like, at this moment, everyone was blessing us, forgetting all the criticisms.