Chapter 36: A Wager Accepted

“As a member of the Royal Court, I possess such a right, don’t I, Uncle Abraham~?”

Undeterred by the palpable tension in the air, Noah continued, her tone light and playful, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort.

“Ahem, ahem, that is certainly true…”

Abraham cleared his throat again, a distinct flush of awkwardness rising to his cheeks.

To be addressed as ‘Uncle’ in such a manner by a young woman of such pristine beauty and remarkable endowments made his heart flutter in a way he found rather unbearable.

“However, to be frank, this arrangement deviates from established protocol…”

The Royal Court Trial, as it was known, entailed each of the Six Royal Courts designating a single representative to administer a challenge, the specifics of which were entirely at the discretion of the chosen champion.

These champions, while barred from being the reigning Lord of their respective Royal Court, were typically the most promising young scions, those who had inherited the Royal Crowns and were held in highest esteem within their own Courts.

While it was not unheard of for the same individual to challenge the Demon King across several generations—a peculiarity often arising from the divergent lifespan philosophies among the various Court races—the chosen champion was, by and large, an individual who commanded unanimous internal approval.

Already, the very act of elevating an outsider to the status of a Royal Court Princess constituted a significant breach of protocol.

To then allow Noah to serve as the Court’s representative in a trial would undoubtedly provoke an uproar among the ancient traditionalists, their outrage easy to envision.

Even if, strictly speaking, the rules afforded her this very right.

Noah did not reply.

She simply gazed silently at Letitia, who reclined upon the throne.

Letitia raised her head, meeting Noah’s gaze, her pale blue eyes sparkling with a gem-like brilliance, utterly clear and devoid of any shadow.

“Hmph.”

A faint smile played on Letitia’s lips.

Her expression, usually one of languid indifference, now softened into a hint of genuine amusement.

“Let her proceed, Abraham.

I respect her will and trust her judgment.”

Her soft words resonated through the grand hall.

Abraham sighed faintly, understanding that there was no longer any room for protest.

“What exactly is it you intend to do?”

With the object of her long-held desire now within reach, Silvya found herself uncharacteristically calm.

She furrowed her brow, her gaze fixed on the young woman beside the throne, her eyes brimming with wariness.

While she had not entirely dismissed the possibility of the Demon King’s refusal, the unfolding events were clearly far beyond her initial expectations.

“Hmph, hmph~, nothing of consequence, truly.

I am simply accommodating Lady Silvya’s eager anticipation, merely accelerating the Royal Court Trial that was, in truth, scheduled for a later date.”

Meeting Silvya’s wary, almost barbed stare, Noah simply offered a subtle smile, a warmth emanating from her like a spring breeze capable of thawing glaciers, instantly putting everyone present at ease.

“But, this will not be without its cost, you understand, don’t you?”

Noah’s gentle words, like a soft blade, slowly pierced Silvya’s heart.

“What are your terms?”

Silvya asked, her voice low and steady.

“If you lose, then you shall submit to Her Majesty, the Demon King—absolute submission.

You will swear an unbreakable oath, incapable of the slightest resistance.

These are my conditions.”

Noah’s slender, jade-like finger rose to her cherry-red lips, one eye narrowed in a charming, knowing squint.

Her gentle smile belied the chilling words that followed, each one sending a fresh wave of ice through Silvya’s heart.

“Naturally, whatever transpires during our duel, I shall harbor no grievances.

Do you dare accept this challenge?”

Silvya remained silent for several tense seconds.

Noah’s unspoken challenge resonated clearly: ‘If you’ve come for me, then conquer me with honor and might.’

Understanding her meaning, she slowly spoke after a brief moment of thought:

“Those warriors who have pledged their loyalty and followed me here, they are fully aware of my intentions, yet they still choose to stand by my side.”

“If I cannot surmount even this seemingly minor impediment, then I would be utterly ashamed to face the unwavering resolve they have shown.”

“At that point, what would it matter if I were to be dealt with as you please?”

“I accept this wager.”

While this turn of events diverged from her initial plans and agreements, her core objective had always been to acquire the bloodline of a true dragon.

To recoil from such a challenge now would be a profound betrayal of her deepest convictions.

As Silvya’s powerful declaration echoed through the hall, a pleasing curve graced Noah’s lips.

“Now that’s more like it~, settling matters in a manner befitting a warrior’s esteemed reputation.

Indeed, this display has rather endeared you to me~.”

Turning towards the throne, she executed an exquisitely graceful curtsy, her voice imbued with respectful deference.

“Therefore~, Your Majesty, I humbly entrust the preparation of our battleground to your esteemed hands~.”

Letitia gave a slight nod.

With a lift of her delicate hand, a black, glowing hexahedron materialized in her grasp.

As she closed her fingers, the hexahedron shot forth, descending into the center of the grand hall, where it expanded to delineate a vast, square arena.

The palace guard and the maidservant corps quickly withdrew to the periphery, leaving only Silvya isolated within the defined space.

Even her two most trusted retainers found themselves excluded.

Noah’s delicate foot touched down with the lightness of a dewdrop, carrying her into the heart of the square arena.

The space around her shimmered faintly, subtly distorting, a testament to the intricate and artful design of this magical enclosure.

While external energies could effortlessly penetrate its confines, anything originating from within would be firmly contained by the hexahedral barrier.

It was, without question, the quintessential arena for an unbridled contest, ensuring no collateral damage to the surroundings.

‘These clothes aren’t quite suitable for battle, are they~.’

As this thought crossed her mind, Noah’s body shimmered with light.

When the radiance receded, her attire had transformed entirely.

Her flowing white hair was gathered into a thick, long braid, revealing the elegant, swan-like curve of her nape.

Her ample bosom, which had previously swayed softly, was now firmly contained, the generous curves cinched to a stable position, with only a small, breathable opening at the upper curve.

Her waist was cinched tight, her hips, encased in a pleated skirt, were round and pert, and the alluring glimpse of pale, tender skin between her black thigh-high stockings was undeniably captivating.

Her figure, though voluptuous, gained an unexpected grace and even a hint of slenderness in this new outfit.

The combination of her curvaceous body and impressive bust, clad in this attire, evoked the image of a spirited and heroic maiden, a beautiful champion poised to embark on a grand adventure.

Though originally conceived with a cloak or shawl, the presence of her dragon wings necessitated a backless design for the upper garment.

This choice, revealing her smooth, elegant back and the slow, graceful unfurling of her wings, imparted a peculiar, exotic allure to the already spirited maiden.

“So, Lady Silvya~, are you ready~?”

Noah winked playfully at her opponent, her usually alluring breath now somewhat constrained and delicate due to the binding of her chest.

“I could not ask for more.”

Silvya closed her eyes, banishing the distracting thoughts that had clouded her vision.

She then made a gesture as if shaking dust from her military uniform, before drawing a long, slender battle-axe from beneath her cape.

The battle-axe, crafted entirely from dragon bone, gleamed a pristine white.

Its long handle and formidable, thick blade suggested a weapon that relied less on razor-sharp edges and more on sheer, devastating weight, designed to cleave and crush with brutal impact.

“Then, I’m coming for you!”

Silvya’s eyes snapped open, and she drew a deep, centering breath.

Her gaze, now burning with fierce resolve, locked onto her opponent, whose face still held a carefree smile, as she let out a low, guttural growl, brimming with unbridled battle intent.