Bloodhorn bows respectfully to the group, saying, "It's an honor to have you all at Bloodhorn to enjoy the gdiator tournament. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask." The nobles nod politely but show no interest in engaging further with him.

  Daniel adds, "He's brought the gdiator profiles. Take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to watch or pce bets on!" Bloodhorn steps forward to hand over the documents, but a knight from Prince Shazo's entourage intercepts him, taking the papers to prevent any close contact with the nobles. The knight then distributes the profiles among the group.

  Standing behind Arius, Henwell gnces down at the papers, noticing no familiar gdiator names. After all, the gdiator profession is one of rapid turnover. Few gdiators retire successfully; they earn quick money, but it's money made at the risk of their lives. Although some have gained their freedom, their vish lifestyles make it difficult to adjust to a simpler life. Their savings often vanish due to various vices.

  Most gdiators, accustomed to fast earnings, ck the foresight to save. When they finally realize their bodies can no longer endure the strain, it's often too te to quit. Typically, gdiators meet their end in the arena or succumb to their injuries. Gdiators are much like gamblers, except they're wagering with their lives.

  Every arena has its methods for tightly controlling gdiators. Overt violence is frowned upon, so arenas offer extravagant lifestyles to cultivate high spending habits among gdiators. Spending money can become addictive in many cases!

  As Henwell reflects, a count's second son nearby asks, "What's this about young gdiators?" Bloodhorn quickly expins, "These are child gdiators, around twelve years old!" While some nobles verbally express that it's rather cruel, their eyes betray a keen interest.

  Soon, everyone starts pcing bets, picking gdiators whose names catch their fancy. Arius also puts down several hundred gold coins. Although Henwell is a lord and should have his seat, he insists on standing behind Arius, maintaining the appearance of a guard. Thus, Henwell refrains from betting.

  After Bloodhorn leaves, the group begins critiquing the bloody spectacle below.

  "Oh dear! I thought that big guy would be impressive, but he's just all bulk and no skill!"

  "Tsk! What's up with this gdiator?! Just a few wolves, and he has to take them down one by one?"

  "Hahaha... I told you! I have a good eye. Look at that gdiator called Wild Rhino; he's really something!"

  "Is this it? I thought gdiator fights were supposed to be thrilling! How is this better than peasants brawling?!"

  ……

  Henwell drifts into his thoughts. In the past, how many times had he been scrutinized and judged by those in power, just like these gdiators? Unconsciously, he clenches his fists, his knuckles cracking. He vows never to end up like this again, never to be discussed as if he were an animal.

  Arius, standing closest, notices Henwell's change but doesn't immediately question him. Instead, getting Arius's subtle cue, Karitan asks, "How can we tell which gdiators are the strongest from these profiles?"

  Arius casually hands the profiles behind him, "Henwell, what do you think? How can we tell?"

  Their words snap Henwell back to the present. The bloodlust that had almost surfaced slowly recedes. Taking the profiles, Henwell responds, "The gdiators with the lowest odds usually have the most skill and experience!"

  The group nods in realization. Of course! The arena is in it for the money, and they set the odds. Naturally, the ones with lower odds are likely the stronger fighters.

  At this point, a newly titled viscount named Channing remarks, "Sir Arius's knight is quite clever! This must be the knight-lord known as Henwell. We've heard tales of him even in the kingdom!"

  Another noble, Keppel, a count's second son, adds, "Oh, you might not know this, but there's a rumor that Henwell was once a gdiator himself! He was called The Fsh!"

  Arius gnces at him, "Lord Keppel, I've also heard that if you trace back the Dilisen family, your ancestors were shepherds."

  "You..."

  Prince Shazo waves his hand dismissively, saying, "One's origins aren't something to be ashamed of! Our Celtic family, after all, descended from sves. It's precisely because our ancestors started from humble beginnings and fought their way up that our family's honor is hard-earned. We must strive to protect this honor and carry forward the spirit and will of our predecessors."

  With that, Shazo looks at Arius and Henwell, "Keppel meant no harm, only to praise Henwell's tenacity. To be honest, we owe our positions to our family's protection. Henwell, having risen to the rank of knight-lord on his own, is truly more remarkable than any of us!"

  His words are perfectly banced, effortlessly defusing the tension.

  Tsk! It seems there's not a single easy character among those vying for the throne!

  Henwell realizes that this Fourth Prince is more astute than he initially thought. He decides to gather more information on this prince in the future.

  Given the friendly gesture, Henwell responds graciously, "Your Highness jests. I've merely been fortunate. You all are distinguished individuals, and I have much to learn. There's still a long way to go before I become a true noble. What Your Highness just said was enlightening, and I must hold myself to higher standards to set a good example for future generations."

  Just then, cheers and curses erupt from the nearby stands. The group turns to see that a scion of another duke is in a shouting match with nobles invited by Shazo. It seems the other side won a bet and is taunting Shazo's friends, who are now angrily retorting.

  Shazo merely gnces over before picking up his wine gss and continuing to watch the gdiator match, showing no intention of intervening. Daniel, however, as the nominal host of the event, rolls up his sleeves and starts hurling insults across the stands.

  Karitan expins to Arius that the instigator is Maxi, the third son of Duke Stephens. The Stephens and Raymer families have long been at odds. During the War of the Six Kings, the two families were supposed to join forces and cover each other's fnks in a battle.

  However, Duke Stephens, seeing the unfavorable situation, fled without notifying Duke Raymer, leaving him surrounded for a week. If not for timely reinforcements, Duke Raymer might have perished there. So, Daniel feels no qualms about retaliating with insults now.