With the first rounds over all the contestants were summoned to a banquet with the banished Princess. Though the event was held in good spirits, Jessi had no intention of partaking in the food or drink. In fact, even with the Jester of the Court himself present, Jessi was possibly the most observant in the room. Everything from drinks being poured to crumbs falling on the floor Jessi watched and kept an eye for anything.
Save for those sitting next to him, all of these people were traitors to the Imperium who would love to see horrible things happen to Asguard. Being her only chance at safety, Jessi was convinced these people would do something to sabotage him and his allies. Poison, drugs, even a hidden blade, he dare not risk anything with what was at stake.
Things only got worse as Emilia began flaunting the Crimson Guardian as if to say “What are you gonna do about it?” It took everything bit of discipline to hold back. Had anyone regardless of status touched Asguard like that in Imperium borders, they would have been swiftly arrested and most likely judged on the spot.
He of course knew, no matter how frustrating it was for him to see this and be unable to stop it, Fei was suffering unimaginably worse than him. This was no more clear now as her eyes began to burn and her face showed nothing but rage. Jessi made no move to stop her though. His attempt to do so in the arena didn’t work, why would it now? And would it really be so bad to let loose now? Sure they were outnumbered much like at the tavern before, but not nearly as bad. The Jester was there as well, his power alone could probably handle everyone here…
It wouldn’t come to that as his thoughts and Fei’s fire were cut off by a knight who also hailed from the Imperium, asking Fei to drop out of the tournament. His request was met exactly as Jessi figured it would, with the Princesses anger and hostility. The knight made no further attempt at talking Fei out of the tournament after that.
Not that he even had a chance. Fei excused herself and left the table before anyone had a chance to say anything. At first Jessi was going to follow as it was his job to be with her at all times. But the second his eyes fell on who had summoned her, he dared not move. If the Jester wanted him to come he would have made it known. He wanted to be alone with Fei and it was not Jessi’s place to interrupt.
That wasn’t even close to the biggest surprise of the night, however. As soon as Fei and the Jester left, a woman dressed in all black with a mask entered the banquet hall, drawing nearly everyone's attention. She made her way to Emilia and asked that she be allowed in the tournament despite the fact she had missed the beginning rounds.
To Jessi’s astonishment, Emilia allowed her to join!
”What? She’s letting her join just like that?” Jessi whispered to no one in particular.
”Even the most basic rules for this tournament aren’t followed. This truly is a law-less land.”
The time had come for the second round, though this one would be played much different than before. Instead of one on one, the combatants would fight in a deathmatch style were only two would emerge victorious and move to the finals. If the others were smart, they would find someone they thought weaker than them and pair up; giving them not only an edge in this round but the final. That wouldn’t be a problem for Jessi and Fei. Of course they would fight together, but he had every intention of disappointing the crowd by forfeiting at the finals and letting Fei be the tournament champion.
Before the match began and the beasts were loosed, Fei walked up to Jessi and caught him by surprise. She held out her hand basically told him how much she respected him. When the shock wore off, Jessi shook her and reciprocated,
”Nor were you ever in need of one. Regardless it’s been an honor serving you Princess Fei.”@KoL@BlueAjah@ReaptheMusic