Chapter 203: A Show of Might
Chapter 203: A Show of Might
The aftereffects of a King's presence still lingered in the Great Hall.
Everyone knew the shock originating from this news would engulf the entire galaxy pretty soon. It wasn't just a matter of obtaining the priceless resources of UGF or becoming a student of a Duke. At the back of their mind, all were aware of the fact that whoever would come under such a prestigious Dreamer would definitely achieve the next Rank.
The Counts would at least become Earl, and the Earls would approach the Rank of Marquess if not become one.
This lure was too great to be passed on, and Marquess Nicholas seemed to know it perfectly.
But before carrying on with another round of murmurs, all Dreamers had to bow again. It also included Harold and Nicholas, for the person they were now bowing to had a status higher than Blessed Ones. Ancient Oracles were always known to be mysterious beings, with their powers unknown. So when the Ancient Oracle of House Venomous Rose appeared among them, with no disturbance, it didn't come as a tremendous surprise.
"We greet the Ancient Oracle."
The sentence echoed for a few seconds before Aldrich saw Rosalia giving him a look and turning around.
"Carry on. I won't impede any proceedings."
Tchh!
The two Marquesses and Earls bowed again as Rosalia snapped her fingers and a chair made of vines and roses appeared just by the raised stage. As the seemingly 14-year-old girl took a seat, Aldrich saw Harold narrow his eyes and continue his previous argument.
"It is an undeniably great opportunity for any youth to get the teachings of a Duke. But how does it become relevant to me taking this boy as my personal student? Huh! Old age is getting to you, Nic."
Nicholas still had his characteristic smirk on his face as he stared down at Harold and retorted.
"Relevant? All Viscounts have the same time left, around 5 months. In these 5 months, they need to Rank up and get enough Skills to outsmart half the Galactic Dreamers. Won't it be better for him to be with someone who has experience of being in UGF than some golden spoon brat like you?"
The middle-aged man and the yellow-eyed boy looked like two brats scuffling over a toy in the school playground. Marquess Nicholas' words to Harold weren't as clear cut, but those who knew what he was talking about made them take a second glance at Aldrich.
Harold took a step closer, his eyes wide, and shouted.
"Do you mean"
"Huh!" Nicholas scoffed and nodded his head as he said, "Of course! I want to give this young white rose an opportunity to be with me for 5 months. I will personally mold him to tackle the upcoming tournament."
It didn't need to be said that this sudden interest by the two high Ranked Dreamers in a bastard perplexed everyone. Jealousy had already been washed over the faces of other Viscounts and now sheer hate had taken its place. On one side, Enok, standing near Amalia, was red and purple as he looked at nobles on stage fighting over a scum. On another side, Vivi and Sonja, standing behind Earl Frida, had their plump breasts moving up and down in anger. The wrath of the beauties was about to decimate the delicate makeup in their faces.
Amid the brief silence, a sultry giggle resonated in the Hall, making everyone look at Earl Frida. As she climbed the stage, her long leg kept coming out of the slit dress up to her thigh. Under her throat, there was a blue coiled dragon tattoo, whose tail ran down and got lost in the ravine between her breasts.
"Hehe! Pardon my intrusion My Lords, but I couldn't help myself."
The two Marquess and Earl Drago eyed the Head of House Divine Enclosure standing tall among them. Aldrich noticed how even Nicholas and Harold turned to give her full attention. By the stage, the Ancient Oracle still had her eyes closed when Frida gave a bow to her and continued.
"I assume you two are dead set on grooming a Viscount for the upcoming tournament. Then why are you limiting yourself to only one option?"
Drago seemed to understand where Frida was going. Aldrich noticed how the prideful Earl harrumphed and addressed the audience.
"Humph! This is a decision better left to the Marquesses. Earl Frida, you and I have no say in this."
But Earl Frida deliberately didn't take the hint and let out another charming smile.
"I am just saying that there are other fishes in the ocean. Even if we ignore the brilliant star, which is Viscount Amalia, I have three outstanding viscounts with me. And let us not forget the many Viscounts who had come along with many guests."
The entire Hall lit up with murmurs and buzz about Frida's genuine words. Earl Frida governed many solar systems, and thus, the number of Counts presented in this ceremony wasn't low. Even if they didn't consider themselves, there were as many or more Viscounts in the Great Hall who also wanted to be considered for this position.
Called by an unseen gesture, Enok, Vivi, and Sonja stepped forward and bowed towards the stage. And following them, many Viscounts also approached the stage before bowing towards the Marquesses.
Earl Frida walked on the edge of the platform and eyed the dozens of viscounts with their heads bowed. She extended her right hand outwards and looked at Nicholas and Harold.
"See, My Lords? Even the Supreme Commander is hoping for healthy participation, isn't he? It would be such a shame to not give these young blood a chance."
Aldrich sighed under the guise of his mask. He knew by bringing the name of Supreme Commander, Earl Frida was pressuring the Marquesses to uphold their image. And as expected, the two old Marquesses glanced at each other before Nicholas in a shrieky voice called out.
"Frida, what do you propose then?"
Earl Frida put her pinky finger on her lips and let out a playful chuckle.
"Hehe! Nothing much, but a quick show of might. Whichever Viscount will come out on top will be the most deserving of the status of your personal student."