Chapter 312- Another defeat

 Another Defeat

The discussions of the fight among the circle of young nobles slowly changed topic. Little by little, eyes began to flicker towards the puffed faced fatty. Since there would be more than one battle, most nobles usually reserved their pouches. Everyone would simply spend a few thousand silvers to show their face while holding the majority for the private nightly escapades.

But fifty gold on one match? Yes, sometimes large wagers would be placed but this person acted as though gold and silvers had the same color.

For the curious young masters, this wager confirmed the rumors floating in the city. The visiting young master of Seastone City was a wealthy spendthrift.

"Brothers, this is the secret to gambling. If the first bet loses, then all you have to do is to up the next wager. Sooner or later you will win back all your losses and a hefty profit. Of course, I must admit, sometimes I do lose such a large amount that has my patriarch cursing for months..."

Young Master Will boasted on enjoying the spotlight. He seemed unaware as to the stares created from voicing his gambling technique. No matter how they processed it, this didn't seem right...

The gong sounded in the ring as the announcer coughed while glancing towards the seated pudgy. Unless feuding, these young nobles would not wager that much gold on a single fight. Most of the time, grouses were settled in the ring among their fighters like in the last match. Defeating a rival by using the ring raised one's status while also slapping the face of their opponent. Wagers merely added salt to the wounds.

Since the contestants fought for glory with weapons, spilling of blood and sometimes even death might occur. For these young masters, however, the fights in the stables only raised their blood to a boil in preparation for the other entertainment within the Caressing Inn. Tonight, it seemed that the Inn found a potential gold mine. Whatever was lost out here by the establishment, could also be reclaimed inside the enticing private rooms.

"The ring is once again open for challengers!"

In the silence, a young master sitting close to Young Master Wung stood up.

"The last battle caused my blood to boil as a fellow warrior. Because of it, I felt the first fight seemed lacking. I, therefore, want to challenge young Willow for a thousand silvers and to provide him the opportunity to reclaim some honor."

A shuffle came from the bench near the ring. Young Master Wung stood up and bowed slightly to the one issuing the challenge.

"Young Master Dill, you speak the words of a true warrior raised within Frost City. Yes, the first fight did little to seethe our thirst but we are all aware of the situation of Clan Willow. We must always give face and provide a leeway for others."

The calm words invoked a series of praises around the ring.

"Young Master Wung shows the bearing of a true noble. No wonder his House has finally decided to issue a challenge for an Ancient House. Everyone here knows Clan Willow doesn't have a single copper coin to spare. I really have no idea why young master Willow visited the Inn tonight."

"When one reaches the position his Clan is in, then grasping at straws becomes normal. I hear that after the last Ancient House challenge, that they lost so much wealth, they can't afford to hire new guards or servants. They have to cook and clean for themselves."

"They were lucky their Sersen held out until the last battle back then. This time, however, everyone knows they would be the first to fall. Clans are fighting among themselves to claim the first position in challenging House Willow."

While muttering, all eyes remained on the golden-haired teen from Clan Willow. Though Wung Ji stood up and voiced his objection, he had also highlighted the status of Clan Willow. Now everyone waited for the young master to rise and refuse the challenge through the shame of not being able to afford a loss.

Chu sat silently while watching the scene being played out. He had arrived tonight with the purpose of interacting with the young masters of the city. Currently, his information network did not possess sufficient manpower to monitor the scope of the entire city. The plan tonight lay in earning some coins while probing the relations between Clan Willow and the other Houses.

From the expressions and muttering of the young masters occupying the front benches, the Ancient Houses seem to view Clan Willow in contempt. Chu figured it originated because of the miserable condition of the Willow Clan. Since the clan appeared set to lose their house after the challenge their standing among the other ancient houses had obviously fallen. He did observe something interesting which required confirmation.

"Heh heh, Brother Nile, look out for me later. I'll definitely treat you for helping me with the bet. I yet require you in choosing out the best rooms."

Chu said under his disguise as young master Will. The noble sitting next to him raised an eyebrow before comprehending the words. A smile then bloomed on his face. Previously, he thought he had been delivered a raw deal in having to keep this fatty company. Who knew this guy would not concentrate on flattering the more prominent masters but share his wealth freely.

"Brother Will is truly gracious. This brother has a few contacts here so expect the very best."

"Esteemed Brother Nile is too courteous. By the way brother, is there some rivalry between that master Dill and that little master Willow?"

Young Master Nile glanced around before beckoning him closer.

"Clan Willow are paupers clinging onto the status as nobles. He probably would have to borrow money to pay for the loss of the last match since everyone knows his family's treasury is barren. This challenge by brother Dill must have been instigated by Master Cleft."

"Master Cleft?"

"Most likely. Master Cleft belongs to the leading Ancient Cleft Clan. He has long stated his view that Ancient Houses hold their title through strength and wealth. Since the last challenge, he has always voiced that House Willow should not have waited until this challenge to be booted out. From the looks of things, Willow will lose face and decline this match. If he accepts and loses another wager, then when they fall during the challenge, they will become poorer than beggars."

The young noble whispered while glancing towards young Willow in disdain. Chu caught the look that matched the tone he used when speaking about the lowly Willow House. His mind spun on recognizing an opportunity.

"I see. Then maybe I can help our honorable young master Cleft in discarding this eyesore. Hurry and pass this message to our esteemed leader. The time is ripe to take advantage since this kind is flustered. If my plan succeeds then Clan Willow will lose their house and all their face even before the challenge."

Chu cleared his throat while standing. Young Master Willow stood with clenched hands and any minute now would discard his pride to refuse the challenge.

"Ahem! Greetings, honorable young masters! This lowly one is a visiting guest from the distant Seastone City. This is my first visit to the Caressing Inn and I am pleased to meet all of the most acclaimed young masters of the mighty Frost City. Please accept this humble bow."

Chu clasped his hands and bowed slightly in all directions. Completing his greetings, he then turned towards young master Willow.

"Young Master Willow reminds me of my younger self. Back then, I failed to seize the opportunities that entered my eyesight and lost the face of my clan. Maybe if I had discarded the doubts in my mind and ignored the risks, then I would not have to live those years as being regarded as a loser. If not for my patriarch stepping in and pushing me forward, I might have remained trash for the rest of my life."

"Young Master Willow belongs to the great and courageous city of Frost City. A man of Frost City losing face is like sending him to a torturous death. This little master Will hopes to do what my patriarch once did for me. The server there holds an agreement. Young Master Willow needs to only place his stamp and I will finance this challenge."

Young Master Willow blinked on seeing this strange guest. Although this offer arrived like a barrel of ice water in the desert, he was no innocent child. He clasped his hand to return a greeting.

"Young master Willow greets young Master Will. Older Brother Will is generous in seeking to provide assistance. But I have been taught that a man must also be able to repay his debts. This younger brother..."

Chu raised his hand to stop the younger boy.

"Debts and payments among nobles should never stop you from accepting aid. Look around you! Nobles are men of their word and differ from cowards and beggars who run from their bills. Whether months or years, I trust young master Willow to pay off his debts. You should place your stamp and sign without fear since you yet have a great opportunity to claim a fortune."

Young master Willow stood with his eyes locked onto this amicable figure. Under the silence of the crowd he sighed before bowing slightly.

"This young brother thanks older brother Will for his assistance. Bring the agreement."

Chu received the parchment after both young master Willow and young master Dill had both placed their stamps. Looking across the ring, his eye fell on young master Cleft. The young man seemed to have been waiting for his gaze since he acknowledged him with a slight nod.

Chu reciprocated with a grin before scribbling on the parchment. His contribution before handing over the agreement lay in placing his stamp and entering the agreed wager.

***

The two fighters entered the ring and faced off against each other. In a slow spiral they wound toward the center like a tense, coiled spring ready to burst.

This time the opponent of the shoulder-length black-haired teen was a short and agile, clean-shaven figure. The man wore a sleek leather vest bound by leather cords. Protecting one hand was a gauntlet while the other gripped a longsword. He swiftly took the initiative to leap into the air while bring down his sword from over his head.

The black-haired teen retreated while raising his sword in reflex. Seeing his young adversary stumble after the clanging swords collided, the man sneered. Stepping forward, he slashed a diagonal strike aimed at the left side of the boy. His approach left the boy with no opportunity but to parry.

Witnessing the trembling hand after parrying his strike, the attacker let out a mocking laugh.

"You will not be the first nor the last to lose your insignificant life in this city. Fools who only boast in the taverns end up like fodder for the horses. They are chewed up and dropped in heaps of dung. You chose the wrong master to brag about your skills."

From the first ringing of iron, the man gained an insight into the skill level of his opponent. He shifted forward and slashed another diagonal cut, this time from the opposite side. As if slapping the teen with vicious, deadly cuts, he attacked with each step. From the bulging eyes overflowing with fear, it was only a matter of time before the boy turned tail and fled.

Showing a back towards an attacker meant death. Understanding the thoughts of his young master, the thin man licked his lips in anticipation of delivering a worthy kill. Tonight, he needed to earn the approval of his young master. This way, perhaps he would not have to risk his life during these petty brawls between nobles.

"Run, little fool."

Clang

"Turn away and run!"

Clang

"I'll let you go if..."

The clang of the sword came early as the boy seemed to find some extra power like a rabbit running for its life. In the split-second it took for the man to deliver his next blow the teen jumped back.

"I admit defeat..."

****