The World's Ego (Book 2)

Waning Night

Third Person POV

When the evening sun set, a huge feast was prepared for dinner. Kiana and the others decided to eat their dinner with the general public. Compared to eating with the nobles and royals the previous day, there was a more relaxing atmosphere when they ate with them.

"Everything here is delicious too!" Kiana hummed in delight, her full plate of food that she gathered in front of her as she stuffed her face, "Mm~ I love it!"

"She really eats too much..." Bronya sighed with a shake of her head before turning to Durandal, "... So how was the martial tournament today?"

"It's only the elimination rounds but it seems like there are promising fighters." Durandal said, "It's a pity that we are unable to join but I think it's better not to draw attention to ourselves."

"There are also rumours that the winner of this year's tournament may be able to fight one of the Queen of Tempest's Twelve Guardian Lords, whatever that means." Rita explained further, "If they did, then it would be broadcast live in real time from inside the labyrinth on the last day."

"Oh, now that I think about it..." Siegfried said in between bites, "... While you and Vita were out looking for food and drinks, we were asked about placing bets on who will make it to the end of the tournament. But the person acted really weird when we refused. Looks like they were hiding a secret."

"A betting pool?" Mei questioned

Siegfried nodded, "Seems like it."

Mei hummed in thought, "It doesn't seem like something she would allow in her country. Does that mean..."

Someone cleared their throat nearby as they turned to see Souei, blending in with the crowd with a disguise, giving them a subtle glance.

"I have been hearing rumours about an illegally run betting pool for the martial tournament." Souei explained in a hush voice, "May I inquire further about this figure you saw?"

"He doesn't appear to be a local." Rita recalled, "And his manner of speaking can be considered... sophisticated, even though he tried to hide it."

"It may be hard to say it but..." Siegfried hummed in thought, "... You don't think it's any of those nobles that came to the country, right?"

Souei huffed quietly, "It won't be a surprise nor the first time someone will pull something like this. We're still trying to keep those types of things controlled but new ones will emerge sometimes."

"Wow." 'Seele' huffed before commenting, "Gutsy, I'll give them that."

"As for appearance..." Rita thought back to the figure they saw, "... Well, they blended in with the crowd using civilian clothing and their hair is black. Eyes... I caught a small glimpse of blue, I think."

Souei nodded after hearing her description, "Thank you. I'll make sure to keep an eye out."

"We're planning to watch the tournament tomorrow." Mei voiced out, "Maybe we can try catching the culprit and stop the betting pool."

"This is also a possibility but maybe there's someone that's participating in the tournament too." Theresa added, "They might try manipulating the results during the tournament, so you could watch out for that."

"Thank you for the suggestion." Souei nodded to them, "Then please excuse me for interrupting your meal."

He disappeared into the shadows afterward and their table fell back into light conversation before the topic turned back to what the other groups had been doing during the first day.