'Ah, I think I messed up yesterday with those bizarre series of questions. I have a feeling that she will definitely keep some distance from me from now onwards. But talking with her, I am sure now that she does not remember anything related to me from our past life.' Flavian could not help but reflect on the events of the previous day. This acknowledgement puzzled Flavian, provoking him to wonder why she seemed to selectively forget only aspects related to him. Was it possible that Leesa had intentionally trained herself to suppress those memories, focusing solely on practising her combat skills? Or perhaps she had genuinely forgotten everything and was merely relying on her body's instinctual remembrance of fighting techniques? A wave of unanswered questions swirled in Flavian's mind, leaving him in a state of confusion. Despite his best efforts to find a conclusive answer, he could not shake off the lingering mystery surrounding Leesa's memory loss and her focused dedication to her physical abilities.
Elzar could not help but give Flavian a puzzled look, his expression reflecting the shock he felt after witnessing yesterday's encounter with Leesa. Having been Flavian's close aide for a long time, Elzar knew the prince's usual disinterest in romantic pursuits and his unwavering dedication to his work. However, the events of the previous day had left him bewildered. Flavian's mysterious behaviour and talk often made Elzar wonder if there was more to the prince than meets the eye. Sometimes, Flavian's words seemed to come from a place far removed from their present existence, as if he carried the weight of another presence. Elzar had even heard him speak of a specific person, someone he had known from the beginning, further deepening the mystery surrounding Flavian's thoughts and intentions. The sudden interest Flavian displayed in Leesa appeared to Elzar as if he had finally found the person he had been contemplating. This unexpected turn of events left Elzar pondering the true nature of Flavian's connection to Leesa and the underlying secrets that seemed to surround them both. As Flavian's trusted confidant, Elzar resolved to keep a watchful eye and offer his support, hoping to solve the unknown that had taken hold of Flavian's attention.
A few days passed as Flavian's mind was consumed by the possible reason for Leesa's memory loss and then suddenly out of nowhere, he called upon the butler and made an announcement. Flavian declared his intention to host a grand fighting tournament, seeking to identify a skilled assistant who could aid him in his work and assume a position akin to Elzar's. He decided to write a detailed report with the help of the butler about the tournament, the reason for holding it, the rules, and who could participate.
With the assistance of the butler, the details of the tournament were finalized. Flavian took great care in outlining the reasons behind the tournament's existence, ensuring that each purpose served a distinct and meaningful role.
First and foremost, Flavian acknowledged the waning motivation within the royal army. It had become evident that their spirits needed rekindling and a renewed sense of purpose. The tournament would serve as a catalyst, injecting enthusiasm into their regular training and inspiring them to reach new heights. By witnessing the prowess of skilled fighters at the tournament, the soldiers would be motivated to push their own limits and strive for excellence.
Secondly, the royal army was in need of fresh blood and new talent. The tournament provided an excellent opportunity to scout potential recruits who could join their ranks. Flavian recognized the importance of constantly replenishing the army with capable warriors who could contribute to the kingdom's defence and security. By identifying and recruiting skilled fighters from the tournament, the royal army would strengthen its forces and enhance its capabilities.
Lastly, Flavian considered his own security and the role of Elzar as his sole personal assistant and bodyguard. Recognizing the potential risks during times of conflict or emergency, Flavian understood the need for a contingency plan. If Elzar, the current commander-in-chief, were to be called away to lead the army in battle, Flavian would be left without immediate protection. By appointing a capable assistant through the tournament, Flavian could ensure that he had reliable and competent support even in Elzar's absence, maintaining his own safety and allowing his loyal aide to get relieved of some of his workloads and to focus more on training the royal army and fulfilling his duties as commander-in-chief.
In order to ensure a fair and organized tournament, a set of rules were established, taking into consideration the various categories of participants and the desired outcome. Participants were divided into three groups based on their background and skills - the Commoners Team, the Nobles Team, and the Mage Team. The tournament would consist of combat-based challenges. Participants would engage in one-to-one battles, showcasing their martial skills, agility, and strategic thinking. The matches would continue over the course of five days, with losers being eliminated and winners progressing to the next round.
After three days of competition, the finalists from each group would face off against each other on the fifth day as the fourth was the break for the finalists to practice and relieve their fatigue. This round would determine the ultimate winner, who would be crowned the victor of the tournament. The winner of the tournament would be granted the prestigious position of crown prince's aid. This role held great responsibility and significance, as the aid would serve as a trusted advisor and assistant to the crown prince in his official duties. The competition would be held two months after the announcement, allowing participants ample time for preparation and training.
Participation rules were simple. Each participant had to register in the appropriate category, and failure to do so would result in elimination. Any participant found violating the rules, engaging in foul play, or using forbidden techniques would be immediately disqualified from the tournament.
With the tournament announcement made, preparations began swiftly. Word spread throughout the empire, attracting warriors from far and wide who sought the chance to prove their guts and potentially secure a prestigious position at the royal court. As the excitement grew, Flavian's mind remained focused on his goal to get closer to Leesa. He knew about Leesa's ability far better than anyone and he also knew how competitive Leesa was, she would just need to participate and there was no way she would lose. Flavian was ready to make his move and pursue his goal of having Leesa as his trusted assistant and, perhaps, something more.