"Sigh... well you see William once the emperor had gone on a visit for an event when he was young to the elshire empire where he met Stephanie we don't know much but at the time he was already married to the empress but when he came back to the empire he didn't come back alone as he came back with Stephanie and a child who he announced is going to be his concubine," mom said this time but dad continued by saying

"I have been to the imperial palace a few times and I have heard a few rumours floating around about how the emperor loved this concubine very much and spoils her and their kids so much so that he has neglected his kids altogether after the empress died "

"So from what your telling me is that this is not the end and why does it feel like mom has some problems with Stephanie"

"Well William it's best not to open up closed wounds" William heard his mother but when his eyes met her eyes that were radiating killing intent he felt a chill run up his spine.

'Yep definitely should open closed wounds" William thought with a gulp.

"Cmon grace you are scaring William anyways we called them here today intending to cancel this engagement, " dad said while patting her shoulder "she can't do anything to you with me here," he said looking at mom.

"I know honey"

*muah*

"Umm I think I should go"

"Yes you should," Albert said while chuckling without even looking at William

~~

'It's been a year since the engagement problem and I have successfully broken through to the rare rank in the warrior path'

'Emma show me my stats'

[Strength:11

Speed:10

Dexterity:11

Mana:9

Brain Power:14]

"William your brother will be coming back home for the academical tournament," Albert said to William while doing some paperwork on his desk.

"What's the academical tournament?"

"Well all the academies on the continent are involved in this tournament and this time it is being held here in glory field kingdom this tournament is used to decide the student's strength of each grade amongst all the academies"

"So James will be coming back huh"

~~

In a luxurious-looking office, a man who if William was here would recognise as the prince and in front of him was James.

"This time when you go back you know what you should do right" the prince looked at James with cold eyes and asked.

"Yes your highness it will be done"

"Remember the emperor supports this"

"Yes you majesty I will fully do the job"

"Leave"

James saluted and walked out of the room with the prince e inside.

"Haha...HA...HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA William oh poor William you dared show such disrespect to me the future crown prince now you must pay Haha and what better way but to deliver this punishment in the hands of your big brother haha"

~

It's been a few days since William was Informed about his brother's return.

'the whole household has been busy with the tournament preparations and all but I've got nothing to do but train and apparently, James will be here tomorrow'

~

William and his family could be seen standing outside the family's mansion seemingly waiting for someone when in the distance a carriage with the grand Duke's insignia come into view.

'It seems he is here'

The carriage which was followed by another carriage with no insignia on it, it came to a stop in front of William and his family and from the carriage stepped out James in his uniform and a girl with brown hair and a decent figure with black eyes.

Albert and grace went towards James and welcomed him back but William's eyes seems to have not left the second carriage.

The second carriage door opened and two women came out along with a bulky-looking man.

"Hey ried a long time huh"

William said walking towards Reid while waving his hands.

"Ya I know right it's been a while, huh you seem to changed did you get stronger"

"Haha ya I did get stronger now I might even be able to beat you"

"Haha is that challenge cause I certainly won't back down"

"Alright tomorrow cause you seem like you need some rest"

"Haha sure"

After William finished talking to Reid he turned around and saw that Albert grace James and the girl were looking at him weirdly.

"What?"

William asked with a confused face.

*sigh*

"William come let me introduce yourself to James's fiancee"

"Oh fiancee who is she?"

When the girl heard William say that her face blushed and she turned away to James.

"William what's your problem!"

James said looking at William enraged by what William did.

"What I just asked is who is she I have never seen her here before what's wrong with that or what are you too embarrassed"

"What!"

"Hey there miss..."

"Violet graham"

"Graham why does that name sound so familiar hmmm .... nope can't remember"

"My brother is Alex Graham"

"No idea anyways I ha... wait was that annoying guy in the princess awakening ceremony???"

"Un"

"Oh well nice to meet you now if you will excuse me I'll be going"

'Since when was James so confident'

[Well time changes people]

'Ya that's true'

~

On the training grounds, William could be seen standing on a podium with a sword in hand surrounded by soldiers along with butlers maids and even his parents and James and violet.

Opposite of William stood Reid with a broad sword in hand.

'Damn I'm guessing this crowd was gathered by James to embarrass me when I lose I'mguessing'

William looked towards James and saw a grin on James's face.

'guessed it'

"Are you ready young master I won't hold back"

"Haha I was born ready"

William gripped his sword tightly as he looked at Reid.

3

2

1

Attack.

Reid stood there as he watched William launch himself towards him and swung his sword sideways

Reid swung his sword and met William's sword without fear.

*Clang*