[Disclaimer: This chapter includes graphic violence and mild gore that may be unsuitable for some readers.]

I looked up at the person blocking the King's sword in shock. The man in question had a sadistic smile on his handsome face as he glared at the King. He spoke calmly, "Father. Didn't I tell you not to bully my dear fiancé?"

Simon knocked back his father's sword causing the King to stumble back. I stood up trying to recover from being pinned down. The King looked at us standing side by side with cold eyes, "I see. So you were behind this rebellion as well, Simon. I should have known."

I looked at Simon in a panic.

Didn't he say he wouldn't help me in order to save himself?! Why is he getting involved now?

"Actually, this was all planned by my lovely fiancé. But what kind of man would I be if I let my women suffer all alone?" The arrogant smirk that had been on his face turned into a malicious frown. His voice was dark like a venomous viper, "After all, I'm not like you."

I shouted at him, "Simon! Think about what you are doing! Didn't you want to protect yourself at all costs?!"

Simon turned to me with a carefree smile, "And let my precious fiancé have all the fun? No. I think I am done standing to the side and watching. For once, I want to have some fun."

I sighed, "Then you should have come sooner. I was almost a goner."

"Do not be so upset, darling. First, we should take out this disgusting waste of space. Then I will gladly listen to your complaints."

I rolled my eyes as I faced the King with my sword, "I am not your darling."

Simon chuckled, "We will see."

"Did you forget about me?!" The King charged at us and swung the two swords in his hands.

I blocked one sword while Simon blocked the other. The men who had been killing the nobles stopped to look over at the intense fight. Even the Bandit Chief and the Second Prince paused to watch the now fair fight before attacking each other once more.

Simon and I worked in tandem as we fought the King without mercy. The King used both swords to block us but was surprised to see that now he was the one getting forced backwards. His face showed his confusion as Simon and I worked together to attack. We didn't even need to speak to understand each other.

What the King didn't know was that Simon had trained me ruthlessly in the past. In that short time, I came to understand his attacks and moves. And he came to understand mine.

We were an unstoppable force.

The King poured even more of his strength into his attacks. As I rushed forward, the King went to strike only to be blocked and knocked backwards by Simon. As the King stepped backwards, I used my speed to rush around his sword and strike.

He moved to dodge, but my sword swiped across his skin. A single gash appeared on his back making him frown. He twirled around and struck at me. I was able to block the sword as I stared back into his evil eyes. We were so close that I took the opportunity to throw out my foot.

....And kick his precious snake.

He shouted in pain and tossed me back. Simon lunged at the King and slashed at his side. The King attempted to avoid it but was still cut. He stepped back panting in pain as blood dripped from his wounds. His eyes began to swirl in a fury.

He charged once more.

Simon and I attacked side by side.

All those years of training and fighting were going to come in handy.

The years I spent under Dante learning to see through the enemies moves.

The fights I was in which taught me not to stop despite how many wounds I received.

The years I spent under Simon learning to turn my weakness into my strength.

All of my years of training were preparing me for this one moment.

Both Simon's sword and mine pierced his side, sliding through his flesh as if it was gelatin. Simon's sword pierced his stomach while mine pierced his chest.

They were wounds that no one could recover from in this era.

The King clenched his jaw as blood poured from his mouth.

Simon and I pulled our swords out and watched as blood sprayed out from his wounds.

The King fell to his knees.

Simon watched him struggle to breathe as blood soon pooled around him. The beating of his heart was getting weaker and weaker.

The King struggled to sit up as blood poured from his chest. He looked at me with dark eyes as he coughed out blood. He sputtered, "W-Why would you go so far?! This… Isn't… Your… Kingdom!"

I held my sword above my head, "BECAUSE! I! LOVE! DANTE!"

The King frowned as he spat out, "I should have tried harder to kill that whore the moment I took her from that d*mned church!! Then she wouldn't have ever given birth to that d*mned child!!"

"Oh, give it a rest already! You reap what you sow you misogynistic bastard!!" I smiled smugly, "Now enjoy being killed by a girl!!"

I swung my sword down.

*PLOP*

The room went quiet as the sound of what sounded like a melon fell to the ground. The severed head rolled on the ground creating a blood trail in its wake.

The second Prince shouted, "FATHER!"

The bandit chief took advantage of his distraction and swung his sword. Soon the second Prince's head rolled along the ground as well. The rest of the men who had followed me cheered in response. They finished their assault and rushed towards us. I let out a sigh of relief and wiped my sweaty brow.

It had been too close. If not for Simon, I would have died.

I turned to look at Simon who was already staring at me with a calm smile. He walked over not even looking that exhausted. His voice was soft, "Are you hurt?"

I shook my head, "I only got some superficial wounds. It's nothing to worry about for now. However, there are still two Princes that managed to get away."

The bandit Chief walked to us and spoke, "Savior. The men are awaiting your words."

I turned to look at the group of men standing around with determined expressions. There were far fewer than when we had begun, but it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. Thankfully we hadn't lost too many men. I noticed as they all looked at Simon with distrust.

I spoke aloud to them, "This is Prince Simon. You may have heard of him as the Sixth Prince who just received his title. He was the backer I mentioned. If you all accept him, he will become your new King."

One spoke up, "What is your opinion on him?"

Another spoke, "If you have confidence in him, then we will naturally follow him as King. But can you ensure that he will be better than the last King?"

I glanced at Simon once more and noticed he was still smiling at me without a word. I turned back to the men awaiting my words. I spoke with conviction, "King Simon will be a true asset to this Kingdom. I believe that if you follow him, you will no longer have to worry about starving or suffering as you have been. He will make an excellent King."

This only made Simon smile more. He stepped forward to address the men, "I know some of you have your suspicions against me. After everything the previous King has done to you, I understand your hesitance. The previous King has made you all suffer despite how much you sacrificed for him. You all gave him your strength and resolve, but he only took advantage of you. However, I am not like the previous King. Those who work hard will be rewarded no matter what class they are in. I will not allow the citizens of my Kingdom starve while others live in luxury. If you follow me, I will listen to all your concerns and do my best to resolve them!"

The men held up their swords and cheered, "LONG LIVE THE KING! LONG LIVE KING SIMON!"

Simon glanced at me with a triumphant smirk. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his haughty expression.

I pointed my sword upwards as I shouted, "Do not cheer just yet! We still need to kill the two remaining Princes if you wish to be free from the previous King's reign! We must make haste to find them!"

The other men shouted war cries and charged into the direction the two princes had gone with the bandit Chief leading. I went to run after them but was held back by Simon. I looked back at him in confusion.

Behind his smile I could sense an ominous dark feeling.

He spoke, "There is one thing left for you to see."

I raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"

He nudged me gently, "It's a surprise."

I furrowed my brow, "A surprise?"

Simon held my hand firmly and started to lead me in the direction of the large balcony overlooking the side courtyard. Our hands were slippery due to the blood that covered them. He spoke as we stepped over the many dead bodies, "Do you know why my father chose this location for the party?"

Why does he sound so sinister?!

I spoke anxiously, "What are you talking about?"

He brought me to the terrace and pointed over the railing with a sadistic expression, "Because it overlooks the North courtyard."

Why is the North courtyard so important?

Seeing his sadistic expression made my chest tighten nervously. I slowly walked to the railing and peered over.

My eyes widened in horror.