Bk Iv, Ch 32: River Hue (1/2)
Chapter Thirty-two: River Hue
”So… that just happened”, Thilde said
Soldo shot her a look so dark it could wilt flowers Once again Everything had gone to shi+t In the arena's bon below, Bhita was trying to argue that she had not lost and that in fact, it was Valerian who had forfeited theThe battle was not and still had not been officially concluded Her opponent, on the other hand, was currently out of bounds Soldo agreed which hy he flew in to help her argue her case
Thilde turned to A, ”Why are you here?”
”Excuse me?” the monocle alchemist said in surprise
”Soldo recruited us because he wanted 'The Ultimate line-up' but we all came for other reasons In fact, until you pushed Stayson of your way, I would not have pegged you for the co the legacy disciple of Bathar's h?” Amerrak mused
”No! It is not” Thilde affirmed ”Fintan came because his clan, the Mosa want the secret of Lady Bloodworth's mastery of fire Bhita and the Order of Rudra think it is the key to pushi+ng their [Five Sacred Metals] art to the next tier Soldo wants it all; the power, the accolades, the benefits that our backers will shower on him when he pulls this off and you? You're a mystery!”
”I think you outlined it yourself”, A back in his seat ”Everyone is out for whatever secret sap Elder Bloodworth has Why would you think I was any different?”
”Because, until yesterday I only knew you as that alcheuy everyone talked about Today, you're mister duelist”, Thilde pointed out in a suspicious tone ”Come on, even you should kno that looks”
”I'm here for the sa his suaveof his nanoble as it sounded, so their support for Bhita and Soldo It said so about how Valerian had stepped on their coo to clai for favourable judgeets of this support However, there was another person eager to re for Marrbissi's pride and her cheering was broadcasted throughout the arena
Thilde's eyes narrowed as she traced it to Edith, A in her head She knew Edith to be a machinist, the top of her class She also knew that while Aet into their circle Edith's family, however, thanks to their numerous military and diplomatic ties, did
”Ohthis for her, aren't you?”
The hastily suppressed blush thatshe needed to know
Disgusted by the debate on the stage, Hue stood up to put a stop to it In her opinion, you could not sink lower than trying to discredit the person who spared your life Thankfully, the referee was having none of it He turned a deaf ear to the pleas of the petitioners, a strong stance froe the moment Valerian's second intent came out Even so, Bhita and Soldo continued toto bend the rules in their favour
”You lost!” the soman told Valerian's one tiirl turned to yell at her but Hue had both Heidi and Sweetrot backing her up
”If I were you I'd worry about my own match”, Soldo said to Heidi
”And what about yours, Soldo?” Heidi sneered ”Personally, I find it strange how eager you are to debate the issue You certainly weren't this talkative when Valerian was around but now he's gone you're quick on the take like a dog after a bone You wouldn't believe how dearly, I wished youhim punch your stupid face in would have been cathartic Now, I'et the chance to do so myself
”On the contrary, I should be the one disappointed in you”, Soldo spat ”I honestly thought we'd be done with our dance by now The only reason I have yet to crush you is that it would be considered bullying However, if you were to land the first blow”
His voice trailed off but what ca in ave you every opportunity, I even reduced the barriers between us Too bad you're not skilled enough to force the conclusion”
The atmosphere between the two earth attributed arcanists was incredibly hostile Heidi's essence was roiling enough to be felt by those around her and Soldo's had gone cold with hate There had to be so more to the story of their enmity than what she had heard Hue shot Sweetrot a look but he seemed just as puzzled as he was
”Oh, I arily ”It used to be that you didn't know the entle I never threw the first punch when you gave ain?”
”In a h ”I cannot possibly just jus, you know? The leader goes last”
The referee watched this byplay with raised eyebrows For a fewtheree seeuing like children Being the only responsible adult in the group, he stepped forward and broke it up
Slaical barrier between the two sides, he said, ”That's enough! The two of you should return to your seats immediately Go cool off!”
Once ned role
”Which of you till be fighting next?” he asked Hue and Sweetrot