Chapter 17 — When Silence Breaks.
The moment she stepped into the hall with David and Jane at her side, the atmosphere shifted—subtly, but unmistakably. Conversations faltered. Postures straightened.
It was not every day that two of the four Calamity-Class beings stood in the same room.
The silence stretched.
Then Morvane Kharos broke it.
He inclined his head toward Cecil—not deeply, not formally—but with familiarity.
"It's good to see you again, Cecil," he said. "And… thank you for the invitation."
The words were simple.
But warmer than the greeting he had given the King.
Cecil's lips curved faintly. "I'm glad you came."
Aeron Fenris stepped forward next, arms crossed, eyes sharp with interest.
"You've gotten stronger," he said bluntly. "Last time we met, you didn't feel this… stable. Maybe we should spar later."
Valeria Ignis immediately sighed.
"Ignore the musclehead," she said lightly, waving a hand. "He thinks every reunion is an excuse to fight."
Aeron scowled. "What did you say, you bird-brain?"
Cecil chuckled softly.
"I'll pass," she replied, shaking her head. "I'm too old to fight like children."
Aeron snorted. Valeria smiled.
The Guardian heirs moved next.
Kaelric Kharos rose first.
He did not bow deeply—only inclined his head, shield resting at his side, posture solid and respectful.
"Headmaster Ashborn," he said evenly.
Beside him, Eryon followed suit, slightly less composed but earnest all the same.
Lyra Fenris stood next.
She hesitated for half a breath—then bowed properly, fists clenched at her sides.
"Thank you for inviting our families," she said, voice firm.
Aurelia Ignis rose smoothly, setting her teacup aside.
She offered a graceful nod, controlled and precise.
"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Cecil," she said. "We appreciate your invitation."
Lunaria followed with a small, careful curtsy, eyes wide but sincere.
Cassian gave a careful nod, bowing just enough to be proper.
Rhea and Rhys paused mid-snack, exchanged a glance, then hurriedly bowed—nearly knocking into each other before straightening again.
Aeron sighed under his breath.
Cecil took it all in.
Her smile softened—just slightly.
Only then did King Reinhardt step forward.
"Cecil Ashborn," he said, voice measured. "It's been some time."
Cecil acknowledged him with a nod. "Your Majesty."
Reinhardt hesitated, clearly intending to speak further—to address Lucas, the market incident, the growing strain—
But before he could—
"Lady Cecil!"
Princess Iris stepped forward, eyes bright, barely containing her excitement.
"You really came!" she said, bowing quickly before straightening again, unable to stop smiling.
Cecil laughed quietly. "Of course I did."
Then, her expression softened.
"I owe you an apology," she said gently. "During your kidnapping… I wasn't there."
Iris froze.
Cecil continued, voice low but sincere. "Demon activity on the borders spiked at the time. There were rumors of an Ancient-Class presence. David asked me personally to investigate the matter. Because of that, I wasn't in the capital."
Iris flushed, shaking her head rapidly.
"N-no! There's no need to apologize!" she said, stumbling over her words. "I—I was still saved. And you sent Lady Jane later. I'm grateful. Truly!"
Jane smiled faintly beside them.
Cecil relaxed. "I'm glad."
Next came the delegates.
King Aldric of Westermark greeted her with practiced ease, wishing her good health. His children followed—Rowan, Cedric, and Selene, offering respectful bows.
Rowan's posture, however, remained stiff. His eyes lingered on Iris a moment too long.
Cecil noticed.
She sighed inwardly.
One rotten egg in every royal family.
From Thalassar, Crown Prince Kaelen greeted her with flawless decorum.
Princess Seraphina followed with a casual—but still respectful—nod.
Then she looked up, grinning, and blurted, "Can I fight you?"
Kaelen paled. "Seraphina!"
He bowed quickly. "My apologies, Lady Cecil."
Cecil laughed. "Maybe another day," she said. "Not today."
Seraphina grinned wider.
Cecil turned back to Kaelen. "How are things in Thalassar?"
"Our Guild Master is discussing the dungeon outbreak with Guild Master David as we speak, hoping that Guild Master David can send some to help with the investigation," Kaelen replied.
Cecil glanced toward the entrance.
She saw David deep in discussion.
And just beyond—
Hayato, leaning against the wall near the gates.
She sighed inwardly.
Before King Reinhardt could resume the conversation—
Lucas stepped forward to greet her.
His smile was polite.Too polite.
"Lady Cecil," Lucas said, forcing a polite smile. "Allow me to—"
Cecil's smile vanished.
She moved.
In a single step, she was in front of him.
Her hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Lucas Aureth Valenor," she said quietly.
Then she forced him down on his knees.
The impact echoed through the hall.
"Give me one good reason," Cecil continued, her voice calm and cold, "to spare your life."
For a heartbeat—No one reacted.
Shock froze the room.
Then chaos rushed in.
"Cecil!" King Reinhardt barked, stepping forward. "This is just a misunderstanding—!"
Gerald moved at the same time, hand already reaching for his weapon.
"Cecil Ashborn, release the prince—now," Gerald said sharply.
Cecil turned her head just enough to look at him.
Her eyes were empty of patience.
"Since when," she asked flatly, "did you think you had the authority to give me orders?"
Then—Her aura unfurled.
Not violently, not explosively, but completely.
Everyone in the room felt it for an instant.
But it was enough to understand.
Before it could do lasting harm, Morvane stepped forward.
His aura rose—dense, immovable—shielding the children and others inside the room.
Even so—
That single moment was enough.
Every child in the room had the same thought.
Monster.
Lucas collapsed to his knees, sweat pouring down his face, body shaking uncontrollably.
Cecil leaned closer.
"I'm waiting for your answer," she said. "Boy."
He couldn't speak.
Before things escalated, David appeared beside her, hand resting on her shoulder.
"I think that's enough for today," he said calmly.
Cecil looked at him.
Then she saw Hayato—now inside the hall—watching her.
She exhaled, and her aura vanished completely.
Lucas crumpled to the floor.
Gerald rushed to help the prince get up.
Cecil straightened and looked toward Lucas.
"This is your final warning," she said coolly. "Next time, even David won't save you."
Lucas looked up.
Hatred burned in his eyes. He simply nodded, not trusting his voice.
Around them, the Guardians, their families, and the delegates observed in silence.
Each drew the same conclusion.
Something had happened before they arrived.
They all made a mental note to ask their subordinates to investigate later.
Silence followed Cecil's warning.
A heavy, uncertain silence—one where no one quite knew how to move forward.
Lucas remained on the floor, glaring at Cecil with naked hatred, supported by Gerald, who himself was still struggling to stand properly. The delegates and Guardian families watched with mixed expressions—some wary, some displeased, some quietly alarmed.
It was King Reinhardt who finally stepped forward.
"Cecil," he said, voice measured, controlled. "I apologize for what has occurred today."
Lucas stiffened.
Reinhardt continued, his tone firm. "I assure you—this will not happen again."
Cecil regarded him for a moment, then nodded her head slightly.
Before the tension could thicken again, King Aldric of Westermark stepped forward with an easy smile.
"Well," he said lightly, "since everyone is still alive, perhaps we should move on."He turned toward Reinhardt. "Are all preparations complete? May we proceed to the Arena?"
Reinhardt exhaled quietly—grateful.
"Yes," he replied. "The city is secured. Knights are patrolling all major routes, the gates, and the surrounding districts. Guild Master David has also assigned several top-ranked adventurers for additional security."
Aldric nodded, visibly relieved. The other delegates shared similar reactions.
Then Crown Prince Kaelen spoke, his voice calm but serious.
"What about the students and civilians inside the Arena?"
Before Reinhardt could respond—
"They're covered."
Cecil answered casually.
She turned slightly and gestured toward the far wall.
"I've assigned top second and third year students throughout the Arena," she said."And I brought my own security as well."
Her finger stopped.
Pointing at a figure leaning against the wall near the entrance.
Only then did everyone realize—
There had been another person in the hall the entire time.
The Champions' eyes sharpened instantly.
Morvane's gaze narrowed.
Aeron straightened.
Valeria's smile faded just slightly.
They hadn't sensed him at all.
Hayato sighed quietly, clearly annoyed by the sudden attention, and leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, ignoring every gaze directed his way.
The Guardian children and heirs stared at him with open curiosity.
The delegates frowned, confused—one person?
Seraphina's and Lyra's eyes lit up; they were clenching their fists, itching to fight already.
Cassian Ignis scoffed loudly.
"Are you serious, Lady Cecil?" he said arrogantly. "He doesn't look like much. I'm sure even some newly recruited soldiers could take him down."
A few Phoenix knights chuckled in agreement.
Hayato didn't react.
Seeing this, Cassian clicked his tongue in irritation.
Cecil waved dismissively. "Don't worry about it. He's more than enough."
She smiled faintly.
"Your little knight squads won't even need to move."
Cassian frowned but said nothing.
On the other side of the room, Iris found herself staring at Hayato.
Her heart was racing.
Why…? she wondered. Why does it feel like this?
As if sensing her gaze, Hayato turned his head toward her.
Even behind the mask, she knew he was looking at her.
Iris quickly looked down, face heating.
Selene leaned closer. "Are you okay?"
"I—I'm fine," Iris replied quickly, avoiding eye contact.
Selene frowned but didn't press further.
Lucas, finally regaining his footing, pushed himself away from Gerald and looked toward Hayato.
The moment their eyes met—
Recognition struck.
Rage followed instantly.
"YOU!" Lucas shouted, pointing at him. "What are you doing here?!"
Hayato ignored him.
Lucas's voice rose. "How dare you show your face again—!"
Still no response.
The room's attention shifted completely.
Gerald stepped forward, eyes fixed on Hayato.
"Prince," he said evenly, "you recognize this man?"
Lucas sneered. "He's the adventurer who laid hands on me and humiliated me in the market."
Gerald's gaze hardened.
"Young man, assaulting a member of the royal family is a serious crime," he said calmly. "Apologize to the Prince now, and perhaps your punishment will be lessened."
Hearing this, Lucas smirked and waited for Hayato to apologize and beg for his life.
Hayato finally looked up.
His voice was flat. Bored.
"I have nothing to apologize for," he said. "The kid should have kept his hands where they belonged."
He paused.
"He's lucky he still has them."
Absolute silence.
Then—
A muffled snort.
Seraphina turned her face away, while Cecil covered her mouth, shoulders shaking slightly.
Seeing this, Lucas's face twisted with fury, he looked toward Gerald and ordered.
"Gerald," he snapped, "teach him a lesson. I want him on his knees before me."
Gerald's hand rested on his sword.
"This is your last warning, Young man," he said. "Surrender now."
Seeing this, concern flickered through the room.
Iris's hands clenched, while Lunaria and Selene looked terrified.
The adults watched closely, ready to interfere if things went out of hand.
David leaned toward Cecil and whispered. "Shouldn't you stop this?"
Cecil smiled faintly and said. "Let him handle it. I'm also curious how much his control has improved since the last time we met."
Hayato simply lowered his head slightly as if he were trying to sleep, ignoring Gerald's warning.
Seeing this, Gerald's patience finally snapped.
Nothing a healer can't fix, he thought, while justifying his next actions.
He drew his sword.
The blade slid free without a sound.
Then Gerald vanished.
He reappeared at Hayato's side, sword already descending toward an unguarded angle.
Too easy— He thought.
Before the sword reached Hayato, He turned his head toward Gerald, just slightly.
"Too slow."
These words reached Gerald an instant before reality did.
He felt some resistance, then Nothing.
Gerald suddenly felt weightlessness.
He blinked.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that his arm was no longer where it should have been.
It was falling.
Blood followed a heartbeat later, splashing across the polished floor.
His mind struggled to catch up.
…My arm?
Before he could react, he saw the blade heading toward him.
Hayato's sword was already there, so close that the edge brushed the air against his neck.
Fear arrived before pain.
"I'm going to die." He thought
Before the sword reached Gerald's neck, a translucent barrier flared into existence between them.
The sword clashed with the barrier for a moment before bouncing back.
The impact force from the collision alone sent Gerald flying—his body launched across the hall, crashing into the far wall before collapsing to the floor, blood smearing behind him.
His severed arm lay where it had fallen.
Then— Time resumed.