Chapter 4: The Duel

Harley looked at Gusion sharply. His emerald-colored eyes burn with anger. He knew who that brown-haired guy was, he is the well-known son of the Paxley family. He knew he is a mage like him and also an assassin like his sister. He knew Gusion has something to be arrogant of and it totally pisses him off. It makes him want to crush him and his pride.

"Such an arrogant brat," Gusion spits. "Now I see your resemblance with that stupid woman."

Harley has been fond of his sister ever since she entered in he Vance household. He knew how good Lesley is at tutoring him and hearing the Paxley guy refer to his sister as stupid made him snap. He held his hat down which covered his eyes, then smirked with anger.

"Such arrogance coming from you, you ugly Paxley," he said before releasing his cards which surprised Gusion.

The brown-haired guy was hit by three cards right on his face while he was able to cut the rest of the cards using his dagger.

"Stop that, you two," Miya interrupted with his bow drawn and two arrows are directed to the two mages.

"Calm your nerves, warriors," King Estes said. "To make things fair and square, why don't you two hold a duel? My garden is the perfect place for the two of you to fight."

"Why not?" Harley said. Gusion simply nodded in agreement.

King Estes lead the way to the garden. Guinevere took Harley's hat off and patted his head which earned her a snarl from the little boy.

"Don't touch the hair!" Harley said as he snatch back his hat and walked on a faster pace.

Guinevere simply giggled. On their way, a blond guy wearing a blue coat with a huge sword. His right hand is covered with a special metal which he used to wield his sword. Guinevere's eyes was set on him. She admits to herself that this blond guy's appearance is stunning and captivating. She could also sense his strong aura which made her conclude that he is probably a royal fighter.

"Alucard, fancy meeting you here," Granger greeted.

"You know each other?" Guinevere asked in a whisper.

"Yeah, we're both demon hunters," Granger replied.

"Where are you headed to?" Alucard asked.

"The royal garden, want to watch some duel between mages," Granger replied. "Why are you carrying your sword around?"

"Just finished my training," Alucard replied. On his peripheral view, he saw a familiar face. The white cloak trimmed with gold that she wears and that cap, he knew it was her. Granger noticed that Alucard is staring at Miya who is coming towards them.

"Talk to her, coward," Granger said as he dragged Guinevere out of the scene.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Guinevere complained. "There is something between Alucard and Miya."

Granger continued dragging her while replying to her. "They have something to talk about and it is not your business so don't be a nosy."

They reached the garden and the two duelists face each other. Gusion has his dagger on his hand while Harley has his cards.

"Now, you two can fight," King Estes said with a smile.

"Is this really alright?" Miya asked. She had left Alucard in the hallway without even looking at him nor saying a word to him.

"Yes, yes. It's been a while since I had watched a duel between the Vance and Paxley household. It's entertaining," King Estes replied.

While the two started fighting, the king motioned Miya to lend him her ear. Miya bowed down to be of the same level as the king.

"How is it going with Alucard?" he asked while still watching the two fight.

Miya stands straight. "That guy has nothing to do with me."

Granger heard her and he simply snorted.

"Nothing?" he asked. "Then, what was that kiss for that you gave him last month when we went for a mission?"

Miya looked at the death chanter sharply for speaking out such embarassing moment. Granger lifted both of his hands as a sign of apology and surrender. He would not want to anger her or else, Alucard would kill him.

"You two should make up," King Estes said. "He is a demon hunter and you can't do anything about it. Just support him."

Miya kept quiet about it. She does not want to talk about such thing. Plus, she's in duty and it is already embarassing enough for her to be lectured by the king.

"Is that only what you've got?" Gusion teased as he wipes off the blood from his cheeks. "Throwing cards? You are much more suited to be in a gamble den than to be in a battlefield."

"Watch your mouth, Paxley," Harley countered. "You're too slow. Are you going to lose to a kid like me?"

Gusion smirked as he throws a dagger towards him but everyone has gone quiet when the dagger was hit by a bullet.

"Granger!" Guinevere yelled. "Don't interfere with the duel."

Granger looked at the lady with wonder. "I was not the one who did that. I haven't even brought out my gun."

Everyone scanned the vicinity. Miya has her bow and arrow ready. Gusion has his six daggers brought out.

"An assassin?" Guinevere asked as she readies herself to fight in case someone suddenly pops out of nowhere.

"Exactly " King Estes replied. "Looks like she's awake."

"Who?" Gusion asked.

"The only assassin who could fire a bullet even from long distance is someone Harley knew, am I right?" the king asked as he looked at the blond, little boy.

"My sister," Harley said as he kept his cards back. He gulped nervously and cold sweat starts to cover him.

"Causing another trouble again, Harley?" a familiar voice said.

Lesley jumped from the tree and hits Harley on the head with her fist.

"I told you to behave yourself even when I am not looking," she said angrily.

"I was behave not until I saw you lying down!" Harley countered while holding the top of his head. "And because you got hurt, you won't be able to join the Conquest of Dawn!"

"What?" Lesley asked in surprise.

"I apologize but your wound is too deep, I couldn't fully heal it. It's too dangerous," King Estes said.

"I see," Lesley simply said.

"That's it?" Harley asked. "You're not going to cry like last time?"

Lesley gave another hit to her younger sibling for spouting such annoying memory.

"Watch your mouth, brat," she said. "King Estes, I apologize for the trouble caused by Harley. I also apologize to you,Gusion."

"No worries," the king replied.

"You should teach him disciplinary actions so he'll behave," Gusion said.

Lesley gave him a sharp and annoyed look. She lifted her rifle and points at him. "Watch your mouth, brat."

"Brat?!" Gusion exclaimed. "Can't you see what he did to my face? I had cuts because of his cards!"

"Just for you to know, Paxley," Harley interrupted, "You're good-looking, I admit that. But no one is as handsome as I."

Guinevere and Miya giggled upon hearing his words. Lesley covered his mouth before he could say anything else.

"We're leaving," Lesley said as she drags Harley out from the palace.