As the young man turned his gaze towards the arena, his maid prepared to strike. Behind a facade of loyalty and obedience, she concealed her true intentions.
"Remarkable skills, don't you think?" The King complimented a participant engaged in a fierce battle within the arena.
"He is competent, considering the standards of this place," the young heir responded indifferently.
With the young man momentarily distracted, the maid seized the opportunity to attack.
With a brief pause, she lunged forward, aiming for her true master.
In that fleeting moment, everything changed. Sensing the imminent danger, the young man swiftly attempted to evade the strike, but his reaction was slightly delayed.
The cherished dagger breached the young man's defenses, yet fortune was on his side. He managed to protect his neck, and the dagger only stabbed his shoulder.