Chapter 71- The test~2
Chapter 71- The test~2
Kyle never heard anything about this pond of truth. Neither he heard about it when he was in the capital nor did he read anything about this in the novel.
However, seeing those skeletons inside the pond, he knew this was the real deal. Although he couldn't feel magic from the water—given he was non-awakened—however, there was something about it which gave him an ominous vibe.
However, if there was something he was sure of was the fact that he could and would answer all the questions Aiden had in store.
"So...Mr. Butler, tell me something." The man rested his leg on the handle of the throne, letting it dangle as he asked, "Are you a virgin?"
The question wasn't being asked in the context of knowing whether Kyle had any previous experience. Aiden was determining here if Kyle had laid his hands on his precious sister.
This question was very vital. Kyle could already feel the hands of the Prince moving weirdly—signifying that he might use some spells if Kyle nods here.
However, "Yes, I am."
His response brought no pain and the way Aiden's shoulders relaxed told Kyle that his answer was acceptable.
"Okay now....tell me if you have ever ki-"
"Wait, hold on a second. Why are you prying into our lives when you should be asking something else?" Kyle interjected—evidently not comfortable being asked about his personal life with Alatia.
No one should pry in their life, not even her brother.
"Why? Just why are you trying to skip the question? You are trying to hide something?!" The rocks around the Prince's throne began to levitate, showing his agitation.
However, Kyle didn't show any nervousness and while staring at the man he simply uttered, "Forget about me, if I were to tell Alatia what kind of questions you asked me...do you think she would ever talk to you again?"
The best weapon against sis-co brothers is to bring their sister into conversation and threaten them using her. Kyle had no other option. This person didn't know the meaning of 'privacy'.
*Dhak*
The small boulders dropped to the ground as Aiden narrowed his eyes at the bastard of a butler.
"You are one cheeky asshol-"
"*Cough*" Kyle coughed to interrupt his cussing.
Aiden leaned back on his throne crossed his arms and thought for a moment.
Kyle was feeling a little cold in the water and the smell wasn't that good....or to say, it was awful. Like weeks-old rotten fish.
"Okay, tell me, are you in a relationship with someone else?"
"No."
"You intend to be?"
Without a moment of hesitation, Kyle responded, "No."
"What about a mistress?"
"Never had I felt nor I will ever feel the necessity of having another partner. Alatia is all I need."
"You speak her name too casually!"
"I apologize."
The conversation went through several phases and ended on a polite note. Kyle and Aiden both knew that the former was in a relationship with the girl, but being an over-protective brother as Aiden was, Kyle expected much.
There was a brief silence that befell the desolated space. The reason was Aiden's need to contemplate and choose the right question so no loopholes could be left.
(A/N:- When asking questions in a context where accuracy is vital, like a polygraph test, the skill needed is the ability to ask precise questions. This prevents the respondent from giving truthful yet evasive answers.)
"In a situation where Alatia's life and a hundred people's lives are on line, who would you save?" Aiden has seen many fools in the past who can let their beloved die for 'the greater good'. They carry the philosophy that saving tens of lives is always more important than saving one.
However, Aiden didn't hold such a thought process, and luckily—
"I would choose Alatia over any numbers."
—the butler seemed to be on the same wavelength as Aiden.
Aiden didn't have anything more to ensure. He didn't believe in things like social differences and what people might say. What he actually cares about and was determined to make it possible, was the thing which makes his sister happy. And if her happiness lies in Kyle, then so be it.
He was about to tell Kyle to get out of the pond since the test was over, however, he suddenly had a thought.
"There is one last question I want to ask."
Kyle nodded without showing reluctance as he remained standing in the middle of the pool.
However, his nonchalant attitude took a turn when he heard the Royal Highness' next question,
"Are you a Dark magic user?"
Rumours were circulating in the council that there was someone close to a very important member of the Royal family who might be a Curse magic user. The reason why Kyle originally was invited was to ascertain whether the rumours were actually credible.
However, Aiden didn't mind it. Even if a person becomes a dark magic user, he doesn't give a single shit about it unless they are willing to hurt the people Aiden keeps close to his heart. If Kyle was a dark mage then so be it. Until he could use his powers for Alatia's betterment and to keep her safe, Aiden was content with it.
However, naturally, Kyle wasn't aware of his inner thoughts nor did he have any way of knowing what was Aiden's perspective toward Dark mages. In the story, Aiden is one of the least-written characters. He was like that deterrent that could have overwhelmed any side he joined but he never showed up at the right time.
As such, under the clouds of uncertainty, Kyle chose to say, "I would like to skip this one."
A moment of silence followed by a hearty laugh from the Prince. He held his stomach and in between chuckles he said,
"Y-you are really something else...the Kyle I remembered was not this amusing...ha."
Kyle couldn't discern from which angle was he amusing. All he did was to answer the question honestly. But well, it was all good until this man didn't start shooting spells.
"You can come out now." With a swing of his hand, Aiden brought Kyle's clothes from the ground as the silver-haired teenager climbed out of the pond.
While Kyle was drying his body with his handkerchief, Aiden remained standing.
Amidst the growing silence, which subtly got disturbed because of the rustling of clothes, Aiden's voice resonated again,
"Tournament of Champions, have you heard about it?"
Kyle turned to look at the Prince with a perplexed look before nodding.
The Tournament is famous across the continents since every Empire send its best seven warriors to compete there and the winner receives some benefits and the winning Empire gets leeway of tax on trade.
Although it would be a great contest between the elites and a good chance of developing one's skills, Kyle couldn't simply participate in it. After all, from the perspective of the world, he was still a non-awakened.
Regardless of what Kyle thought, Aiden stepped toward him before resting his hand on his shoulder and with a gentle squeeze he said, "Win that tournament and I will help you get the status of a noble."
Kyle's eyes parted wide in surprise. He could have never thought that the intention behind mentioning the world tournament was to get Kyle a title of his own.
Even if it was the world championship it doesn't mean it was easy for one to become an actual ranked noble in any Empire; especially such a prominent and rich one like Valenchide.
"Your Highness...are you intending to help me get married-"
"Ugh! Don't say it, you moron! I will start to think about it!" Aiden grumbled however it was a fact that the intention behind getting Kyle a noble rank was to have him get married to Alatia without any obstruction.
A soft smile bloomed on his charming face, as the butler bowed and sincerely said, "I will do my best...brother."
The moment Kyle lifted his head Aiden was no longer there. But that doesn't matter.
Thanks to
him, now Kyle has a chance of lawfully getting wedded to the girl he loves.
**********
A/N:- Aiden; the wingman.
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