At this very moment, atop the stage, the Prince, in a silent wait, gazed intently at the teenager not far away.
Suddenly, a pleased smile appeared on his face.
"Well done, Huai Shi."
He gripped the reins and Sword Blade firmly, nodding in approval. "Indeed, you are a worthy opponent, and I must concede—this profound popularity you've gathered is truly a Crown of glory, one to be envied."
"So, what now?" Huai Shi asked with a smile. "Ready to concede? Surrender and lose by half."
The Prince paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. He slowly raised his Sword Blade. "—I will use all my strength to defeat you and bring tonight's duel to an end. Huai Shi, no matter which of us wins, we shall inherit this stage."
"Then come at me!"
Huai Shi grinned, motioning towards the Prince on the White Horse, his fighting spirit blazing... then suddenly, it seemed to falter as if he remembered something. He turned around in shock to the figure behind the curtain.
