Chapter 803 - Distrust
GDK 803: Distrust
Han Shuo, Aobashi, and Andre returned to the center area together. The crowd had their eyes gathered on Han Shuo. A constant stream of congratulations and compliments came from members of the three major family clans. Han Shuo handled the wave of praises calmly and modestly.
The three major patriarchs who started having a certain idea did not display too much excitement to Han Shuo on his victory. But Carmelita, Jiya, and Erebus who were friends to Han Shuo were rather open about it. They celebrated Han Shuo’s victory as though it was something unimaginable. Carmelita and Erebus would also console Aobashi who lost the battle.
Aobashi who had carefully considered this outcome as a real possibility before the fight had managed to find solace after Han Shuo and Andre consoled her during their return journey. She wasn’t upset or dejected as the crowd expected. On the contrary, it seemed as though the defeat had only ignited her fighting spirit. She made it known that she will get Han Shuo in the next centennial competition.
Wallace grew more concerned as he observed just how close Aobashi, Erebus, Carmelita, and Andre were becoming with Han Shuo. As the patriarch of the House of Sainte, he must think much further ahead than everyone else and therefore had much more to worry about than all those around him. Unknowingly, Wallace had started to take Han Shuo’s influence in the City very seriously.
After the first place was determined, it was time to determine the rest of the ranking. After rounds of battles, the new ranking of the strengths of the Divine Guard Chiefs was finally determined. From strongest to weakest: Han Shuo, Aobashi, Erebus, Ralph, Camilla, Batúk, Rugersey. In the duel between Erebus and Ralph, Ralph was defeated as he had exhausted most of his energy when battling Han Shuo. His defeat was rather surprising to the crowd.
Ralph was much more silent than usual after the new ranking was set. He had not spoken a single word but sweep his eyes up and down Han Shuo from time to time. No one knew what he was thinking.
Han Shuo had given Ralph a strong warning not to try anything silly and he was on guard against him. If Ralph wasn’t a henchman directly under Wallace, Han Shuo might even have eliminated this potential source of danger long ago. But Han Shuo knew that once he does so, his relationship with the House of Sainte will instantly sink below the abyss, beyond the point of no return. This was not an outcome Han Shuo wished to see at present and therefore he did not act on his thought.
“The competition has concluded. All those who ranked in the top three in either of the two categories will be rewarded. Bryan, the Chief of the Fifth Corps, takes the first place in both categories. He is given the power to apprehend any member of any family clan directly, without having to first seek for any approval. Also, the taxes levied on shops and forts owned by the House of Han is reduced by half… “ Wallace announced the prizes after getting the crowd’s attention.
However, for some reason, Andre seemed rather astonished when Wallace completed his announcement. It was as though what Wallace had just announced was different than what he knew beforehand. He stared at Wallace in a puzzled face and seemed as though he wanted to say something to him.
“You should start keeping some distance from him. Lest you feel troubled if we had to fight him someday,” instructed Wallace in a deep voice as he looked at Andre’s back.
Andre halted. Without turning around, he answered, “Yes, I know, Patriarch,” and continued flying away.
***
Over at the Fifth Corps’ campsite, the divine guards had been waiting expectantly for Han Shuo. As soon as Han Shuo returned, they excitedly asked, “My Lord, what are the results?”
“You guys have held true to your promise and taken the first place, so have I!” said Han Shuo in a faint smile.
Upon hearing those words, the Fifth Corps divine guards started cheering excitedly, especially the female divine guards who had their fiery eyes firmly fixed on Han Shuo. They were so passionate that Han Shuo dared not meet their gazes for more than a split second.
“Told ya. My master defeated everyone easily. There is no doubt about this!” remarked Gilbert complacently.
Bollands who had always been emotionless revealed a faint smile – an expression very rarely seen Bollands’s face. Having worked under Erebus’ Third Corps for ages, Bollands was very familiar with the rules of the centennial competition. Out of curiosity, he asked, “Senior, which fief did we receive?”
“There’s been a slight change to the rules. We did not receive any territory but an extra five hundred thousand black crystal coins,” said Han Shuo. He still had a faint smile on his face.
Bollands was astounded. He stared blankly for a moment and said, “But… “
Han Shuo raised a palm and held back Bollands’ words. But instead of explaining, he smilingly said, “Get ready, we will return to the City.”
Bollands still wanted to say something but was stopped by Han Shuo’s gaze.
Bollands realized that there must be a reason that Han Shuo did not want to discuss it openly. Although puzzled and confused, Bollands did not ask anything but nodded. He began instructing the divine guards to get make preparations for returning to the City of Shadows.
A few of the divine guards who knew the competition rules well turned silent. Others who were oblivious to it continued cheering excitedly. Following Bollands’ instructions, they completed the necessary preparations in no time and started their return trip in a grandiose manner.