Eli had a complicated expression as she looked at Azu in the arena. She couldn't help but feel worried no matter how much she knew about his capabilities.
Still, she softly smiled back as well to indirectly tell him that she would be there for him no matter what happened today.
Draven, who was sitting on the bottom platform, frowned when he saw the looks Azu and his woman were exchanging. Was he really that stupid and bold to do this not only in front of him but even the other important people here?
Draven cracked his knuckles as if he couldn't wait to show a spectacular bloody sight to everyone today and make sure the princess would never ever think of him again.
The Frost King also noticed the subtle exchange of glances between Azu and his daughter and clenched his fists. But then he relaxed them as he sighed inwardly.
Rubella held her daughter's hand as she whispered with a gentle smile, "Your Azu looks really handsome and kind. You never told me he was this charming."
"Mother…" Eli awkwardly looked away, though she did feel better, seeing that her mother liked Azu at first glance.
"But I am not surprised. He is the descendant of two powerful bloodlines. No wonder he has the bearings of a prince even if he never grew up as one," Rubella mused while keeping her voice low enough so that others wouldn't hear, especially the elders.
"But why does he seem like a human? Is his human bloodline strong enough to fight Draven?" Rubella curiously asked since she couldn't sense any vampire bloodline in Azu. Was it because he was a half-blood? Nobody including her had a real idea of a half-vampire should be since most of them die right after they were born.
Eli cleared her throat and said, "Mother, it doesn't work that way. Azu is different, but he definitely possesses our bloodline. You will see."
The Frost King heard their conversation and had his brows furrowed, but he felt that it was time as he spoke in a loud voice, "As the king of our beloved lands, I have looked after my people like my own children. But as a king, I also have to think about the future, especially about who is going to inherit my burdens and responsibilities as a king. Everyone knows I do not have an heir, but I do have a daughter whose talent and beauty shine above all."
Eli felt a bit moved since she could feel that her father sincerely meant every word he was saying about her and not just for the sake of his speech.
She knew that her father was very sad about not having a son, but he never held back on his love and instead tried to give everything he had.
The Frost King continued, "So it is only natural that I choose the most worthy man from our kingdom to wed my daughter. Otherwise, I would never know peace. Fortunately, the most capable young man in our kingdom had stepped forward on his own to ask for the hand of my daughter. I have no complaints, but since my daughter never personally saw his valiant acts, she simply wanted to witness his strength in battle. And for that, we have someone who wishes to "challenge" Draven. Draven, are you ready to step into the arena?" The Frost King as he looked at Draven.
Eli wasn't disappointed that her father didn't introduce Azu since it would only dig up his parents' history before everyone. It was better that everyone else thought that the Frost King didn't care about introducing an offspring of traitors.
Nobody even glanced at Azu since they considered him a dead man, which was why they weren't even bothered about his origins or his blood. As far as they or Draven was concerned, he was just a body of flesh he had to cut up before everyone to make the princess happy.
Draven got up as he said with a confident smile, "Of course, Your Majesty. I am always ready," Saying so, Draven stepped into the arena as he, looked at Azu with a condescending smile, and said, "Well—"
"Wait. I have something to say, Your Majesty," Azu suddenly spoke up as the Frost King narrowed his gaze, not expecting him to speak up like this.
Eli's heart froze for a moment since she didn't expect this.
Everyone's attention also got drawn towards Azu since they didn't expect an exiled half-blood to have the guts to speak up here.
The five royal elders had looks of displeasure upon hearing him speak.
The Frost King could feel his daughter's pleading gaze, and after hard contemplation, he asked in a loud voice, "What is it?"
Draven couldn't believe that the Frost King was actually hearing out this half-blood dog. This was beneath him!
Azu took a deep breath to gather courage, but after looking at Eli again, he got the courage he needed as he said, "I know my parents are considered traitors by everyone and exiled. But they never did anyone wrong other than marrying and loving each other."
One of the royal elders harrumphed in disagreement but didn't bother to say anything since he didn't want to waste his energy. His name was Orien the 2nd, who was said to be the proudest one among the others.
Azu wasn't finished as he continued, "But I am not here to justify whether what they did was right or wrong. I am here to request that my family be reprieved from their exile and be at least granted the status of a citizen."
"How outrageous!" One of the royal elders roared as he banged the armrest since he couldn't just take it. His name was Doru the 3rd, who was said to have the shortest temper.
Most of them began to mumble with looks of scorn and disgust, not expecting the half-blood to be really brazen enough to ask for something like that.
Draven also had a mocking smile, unable to believe how dumb this guy had to not realize his own situation. The Frost King was the one who ordered the exile, and if he were to go back on his order, it would be no different than slapping his own face.
The Frost King raised his hand to indirectly tell everyone to be silent as he asked in a stern voice, "You are an exile. Why do you think I should accept your request?"
