It was rather early in the morning when Alucard was preparing to leave for Heaven's City, for what would be the first day of the tournament. The day where several multi-men, battle royale matches would take place in order to decide the 12 individuals who would be taking part in the tournament itself.

While Zesshi and Talia were still in simple looking clothing, since they had just woken up, Alucard was already fully dressed and prepared to leave, outside of a "simple" issue. As he had finished preparing, he heard someone knock at their door with some urgency. Since he was already fully dressed, Alucard went to meet whoever wanted to so adamantly see them. Opening the door, he saw the handmaiden Fayeth, with a somewhat tired and concerned look on her face.

"Is something the matter?" He asked in curiosity.

"I apologize for concerning you at a time like this my Lord Alucard, b-but Arthur and Artoria won't open the door to their room." She informed with a bow.

"Right. I will go and…" Alucard began, when Zesshi walked over and interrupted him.

"I'll go. You have a meeting to get to." She informed, going to get changed.

"Are you sure? I can turn them around quickly."

"And are you saying I can't?" Zesshi argued, lifting an eyebrow at him.

"N-Not at all. I'll be going then." Alucard replied with a small sigh.

Shortly after, Alucard left via [Gate], as Zesshi then went to deal with their children. Arriving at the door that led to Arthur's and Artoria's room, she was greeted by the rest of the handmaiden's and some other maids. Giving them a greeting nod, Zesshi placed herself in front of the door and lightly knocked.

"Who is it?" Came the sweet voice of Artoria from behind the door..

"It's mother. I want to know why you two won't open this door."Zesshi replied in a calm tone.

"We don't want to have lessons with Lottus." Came the voice of Arthur, causing Zesshi to sigh weakly as she replied.

"We already talked about this. Lottus is among the best out there to give you magic lessons."

"But he's mean." Arthur argued.

"He's stern. It's different."

"C-Can't we have lessons from uncle Ainz? It was really fun the last time." Artoria happily pointed out.

"Honey, you know uncle Ainz is a very busy man. He can't come to give you lessons."

"Then we are not opening the door!" The male sibling announced.

Zesshi rolled her eyes and lifted her right index finger towards the keyhole, as she then concentrated some of her golden aura the tip. The aura took on a more solid shape as it extended forwards and into the keyhole, until it ultimately occupied its interior and she turned her hand as if she was using a key to open the door. This was a rather simple trick, but one Zesshi had to train extensively in order to do, as it required concentration and masterful reshaping of her energy.

"Hah! As if I needed that." Zesshi said as she laughed, opening the door as wide as she could.

"T-That's not fair!"

The one who shouted this was Arthur. The boy's looks matched his 7 years of age, as his skin was slightly pale, with one crimson right eye and silver left eye, while the left side of his short hair was black, and the right side was silver. In Artoria's case, she had a black colored right eye, and a crimson left eye, while her long hair was silver on the left and black on the right. They both had pointed ears slightly smaller than full-blooded elven children, that further noted their mixed heritage.

"Running!" The boy declared as he prepared to run out of the door.

However, before he could do this, he found himself in his mother's embrace, something he knew he wasn't getting away from.

"Oh, you little devil." Zesshi remarked with a wide grin.

Putting the boy down, she didn't even give him time to say anything, as she placed a hand on his head, so as to make sure he wouldn't try to run again. She followed this by doing the same to her daughter and lowering herself to their level by taking a knee.

"I should punish you two for this…" She informed with a neutral tone.

"But…" The boy began, when she silenced him.

"No buts. We already talked about this. I know you don't really like these lessons, but it is for the best. What Lottus is teaching you, is something some people can only dream of. It is the best lessons. The only thing you two deserve."

As Zesshi said this, her hand went from their hair to their cheeks, caressing them warmly, as to show how she understood their side of the issue.

"But its sooo boring." Arthur said in a pout.

"Couldn't it be someone else?" Artoria asked hopefully.

"Do you know anyone else who can teach you better than him?" Zesshi asked back with a raised eyebrow.

"N-No." Artoria replied in defeat.

"Thought so. I know you two may not like this arrangement, but it's for the best. Now, like I said before, I should punish you…" Zesshi began to say, getting back up.

"So that, for the time being, there will be no visit to Heaven's City." She matter-of-factly informed.

"T-That's not fair!" Arthur argued, while his sister kept quiet.

"Watch your tone, young man." Zesshi said in a stern voice, looking down at him.

"I-I…"

"For the time being you will have your lessons. Behave in those, and I might reconsider."

Artoria was going to say something, when she noticed her mother's attention going to the opened door. This causing both twins to turn around and come face to face with their personal teacher, Lottus.

"Greetings, my queen." He said humbly with bow.

"Lottus." She replied as she nodded.

"Artoria. Arthur."

"Lottus." Both greeted in unison in a low tone.

"It seems I got here at a bad time." Lottus pointed out with a neutral tone.

"They needed a little convincing to attend your next lesson. But don't worry the situation is solved, right?" Zesshi asked, looking down at her children who nodded weakly in reply.

"I see. I may be able to fix that." He pointed out plainly.

"I'll leave it to you then." Zesshi informed, taking a step forwards before looking back at the twins.

"Remember what I said." She said in a warm tone, giving both of them a kiss on the forehead before leaving and closing the door behind Lottus.

The Overlord Lottus oddly seemed to relax a bit, as he walked deeper into the room, and towards the window where a crow was resting. Eyeing the animal for a brief moment, he then turned around to face the children as he spoke in a neutral tone.

"Have you two continued to feed it?"

"We stopped…" Arthur began.

"Like you said." Artoria finished.

"Good. These creatures can become rather stubborn and attached." Lottus remarked.

As he said this, he handed two books to the children, following this by placing the rest of them on top of a nearby table and removing his mask to reveal his bleach-white skeletal face.

"It seems you were rather lucky today." He added with amusement.

"What do you mean?" Arthur asked in curiosity.

"Is it because of today's lesson?" Artoria added.

"Indeed. Today we will be talking about monsters and other similar creatures."

"That does sound interesting." Artoria mumbled.

"Anything's more interesting than magic, b-but don't side with him." Arthur growled.

"But it's true." His sister pointed out in a huff.

"So, shall we begin? The faster we get done here, the faster we go to the practical side of the lesson."

"Practical?" Arthur asked with his interest piqued.

"I got permission to show you both a Wyvern. No need to worry. It's tamed and used for riding." Lottus said reassuringly.

"Does that mean we can ride it!?" The twins asked excitedly in unison.

"It depends."

"Um... On what?" Artoria asked with a head-tilt.

"How well you do throughout the lesson."

"Fine. I'll give it my best." Arthur informed with a confident smile

"I want to ride it too.~" Artoria announced gleefully.

"Good. Now, let's get started."


As Alucard emerged from the [Gate], he had found himself in a plain but well furnished meeting room. Inside were already several people responsible for the maintenance of the different aspects of Heaven's City. Among the crowd was Pan the Satyr, the one responsible for the adult entertainment, Touka being responsible for the city's security, Mare who organized the several druids that kept the city's gardens looking perfect, and Aura who supervised the beast tamers, among other individuals.

Alucard looked over the room as his vision moved from individual to individual. The first was Touka, who kept the look she had adopted since Brain's death, with a blue braid, and her departed lover's katana at her side. On her face was a rather cold and distant look that she did not possess before Brain's death. It always bothered Alucard to see her like this, but for the moment he had to set it aside.

His sight then move to the elven twins, who now looked like adults in their 20s. Mare, while still keeping the expression of someone who felt overwhelmed by being in a room with more people, had during these 100 years grown in his own way to be able to be more open when needed.

This was more thanks to his relationship with Nyx, and the influence of Alucard who Mare found himself going to when he had something to ask about Nyx. Another change was the fact he wore more manly clothing, his lower half was now covered by white pants which partially hid his boots, with his upper half remaining mostly the same outside of the fact he now wore a open vest.

Aura's clothing hadn't changed that much, as they had mostly adapted as magic items to fit her older form, that was now decorated with very eye catching curves, which weren't too big or small, settling perfectly on her body. While her brother seemed uncomfortable in the room, she wasn't really focusing on it, with her attention being on whatever else could distract her from the boredom of waiting.

"Greetings, Lord Alucard." Everyone said reverentially as they stood up and bowed.

"Greetings. Now, everyone take your seats. This will be a quick meeting. More of a formality than anything really." Alucard informed, as all did as instructed.

"I am aware that all of you have been informed of the situation. This is not the first time this happens, as many of you know. Whatever the case, as it has been stated before, tell your people to be careful, while trying not to be too obvious about it." He began, his eyes then going to Sarya as he continued.

"For all of you focused on the well-being of the visitors, I can only say that the others here will do their best so they don't come to any harm. Have faith in knowing that in all these years when this happened, nothing has yet to go wrong."

"If I may, my lord. I heard there was a year where on person got injured." One of the new elf managers pointed out.

"True, but in that situation, Rubedo was provoked, and any serious damage was prevented by the efforts of Aureole Omega." Alucard calmly corrected.

"I ask you to believe in your efforts, in the efforts of those around of you, and in the efforts of Aureole Omega to make sure everything goes smoothly."

This had happened during other tournaments or other random occasions, where Rubedo, arguably the strongest being in the Empire, was allowed to leave her home in the 8th-Floor of Nazarick, and wander the world for a day. This came about from her own desires, which led to Ainz and Alucard discussing the subject. After which agreeing that perhaps keeping her pleased, and being able to act more like a living being and not a weapon could help them in the long run.

Of course, she couldn't be let out alone, and she was against having too many people with her, so in the end the role of overseeing her was given to Aureole Omega. At first not even this pleased Rubedo, but Omega with time managed to get closer to Rubedo and eventually form a kind of kinship. Something that while it did not assure control over the being, allowed Omega to be able to speak normally with Rubedo, without risk of angering her.

The meeting went on for a little while longer, getting a few details ironed out before everyone got back to their respective duties. As the meeting ended and everyone took to leave, they went past the Supreme Being giving him a final greet and a few quick words before they left.

His trade of words with Pan and Aura were rather quick, and in the case of Touka they maintained a certain distance that had formed when Brain died. This had been caused for her putting some blame on her creator for having failed to properly prepare her for the event of a death like Brain's, and even failing to avoid making her able to prevent it from happening.

Even if she was well aware Brain would have never wanted her to do so. And now? Their relationship was a bit more formal than it had been before, with Touka being the Bride Alucard got to see less often than the others, and when they did meet it was all very formal and distant. Even now, Alucard was at a loss on how to mend this divide.

In the case of Mare, as the elf lifted himself from a bow, he was stopped as Alucard placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in to whisper something into his ear.

"I'm waiting for you to fix things with Nyx."

"Y-Yes." Mare nervously remarked, as he finally rose from the bow and eventually left.

Finally, came the turn of Sarya, she being the final one to leave as she had taken most of the time spent in the meeting to finalize some of the paperwork. As she walked towards Alucard, the air coming in from the open door, coupled with his senses, picked up on a familiar smell coming from the elf. It was the smell akin to that of strawberries and cream, mixed with strong hints of vanilla.

This was a powerful reminder of that one night that they had spent together. This was seemingly enough to momentarily break his expression, and as he noticed a reaction from Sarya, the elf's eyes were moving down, and her face turning slightly red.

"M-My Lord." She managed to say, taking a small bow.

"You smell rather nice today, Sarya."

These were the words that managed to escape Alucard's mouth, were said as calmly and dismissingly as possible, as he tried to control how it sounded. However, it seemed that even with this, she had picked up on something. As she looked up at him with a rather overwhelmed expression, before lowering her head once again, with a blush even brighter than before.

"A-As you know, I am in a relationship. So, I cannot…" She began, when the Supreme Being quickly spoke over her.

"N-No. That was not what I meant! S-Sorry… Ahem! I just couldn't help but commenting on it…" He explained in an awkward manner.

"I-I see. Am I dismissed?" She politely asked, her head still lowered.

"Of course. Continue the good work as always."

Sarya gave him another bow, beginning to walk away, before then stopping abruptly and turning to face him again. This time she had managed to raise her head towards him, with her eyes meeting his, as she gave him a rather proud and relieved smile.

"I-I am glad, that I was worth remembering."

Understanding right away what she meant, Alucard was left rather speechless as the elf quickly walked away, leaving him honestly dumbfounded.

Making her way out of the room, Sarya took a sharp turn to the right, just to be surprised when someone wrapped their arms around her, lifting her momentarily from the ground as it happened. To this she let out a small yelp, before being let down, and then turned facing the new comer.

This was in fact Ayen Ilirona, her husband. In that moment, once again it washed over her how similar he really was to the vampire. He was taller and paler than most elves, his hair was silver and long, and much like Alucard he was a rather skilled warrior. Unlike Alucard, Ayen's eyes were brown and he carried a much more soft and calm expression.

"D-Don't sneak up on me like that." Sarya exclaimed with a small frown.

"Sorry. But I was supposed to come get you when the meeting was over." Ayen pointed out, all the while looking at her face.

"I forgot. I'm sorry. I was busy with papers and the meeting, and it managed to slip my mind."

"Oh, there's no need to apologize. I get it. Still, your face is bright red. Are you alright?" He casually asked, showing some hints of sarcasm in his tone.

Before Sarya could reply his right hand went to her forehead. This was then followed by placing his hand on the side of her neck, close to the jaw.

"It's not a fever…" He began, when she spoke over him.

"It was hot in there with all of us. And you scaring me didn't help it." She remarked with an accusatory gaze.

"Haha. My bad. What if, I take you out for a nice morning meal as an apology?" Ayen argued with a chuckle, closing the distance between them.

"Oh? Perhaps…" Sarya replied with a mischievous smile.

"Just this way madam." Her husband said with a charming smile, motioning elegantly in the direction behind them.

"What a gentleman.~ Very well. Lead the way."

With that the duo began to walk away, passing through the still open door, where Sarya couldn't help but briefly look inside at Alucard, whose head was turned to the side addressing another matter.


In another area of Heaven's City, not too far from the red-light district, in one of the tables that belonged to a small yet well-known bar were four individuals. They were members of Black Hound, making up a 5-man team, with the fifth being Ayen. Among them was Alen Holaro, the elf who Lydia was responsible for training, in an attempt by her father to develop the young elf's skills as a sniper, and his daughter's ability to deal with others socially.

The two individuals who were already drunk, in a celebration of them taking part in the preliminary matches for the tournament, were a male Lizardman named Thoga Shasha, a descendant of Zaryusu Shasha and Crusch Lulu. He displayed bright, almost shining light-colored green scales, with a rather tall body, yet lean built.

The other individual was a human named Raw Raw, who came from rather humble and isolated origins in a small village. There having built most of his body from farming before deciding to join the military. He had an athletic, yet rough build, with long dark brown hair held in a ponytail, and dark green eyes. The final individual, was the only female of the group, and was a half-elf named Belli Kellynn. She was rather short, with shoulder length black hair and reddish eyes, giving her a rather intimidating look.

"Come on, Alen. You got to drink some too." Thoga growled, placing a full glass in front of the almost visibly panicking elf.

"Y-You know I don't drink. And the matches will start in a few hours. Will you guys be ok?" Alen argued, slightly flustered.

"Sure. I got us some potions to handle the hangover." Raw replied with a grin.

"I got you the potions. You wouldn't know which potions to get even if they hit you in the face." Belli mumbled mockingly.

"And I am grateful for that." He remarked, tilting towards her.

"Come on, enjoys yourselves. I'm going to win this whole thing after all." Thoga declared with a cheerful growl.

"Feh! As if! If anyone is taking the prize home, it's me." Raw confidently argued.

"Huh. We'll see. That being said, let's finish up here. I want to go get me some ladies in the red-light district." Thoga informed, to which Raw nodded in approval.

"Count me out." Belli informed, leaning back on her chair.

"M-Me too." Alen said in agreement.

"Not you too, kid! You have to come with us. We already let Ayen go. We can't let you go without enjoying some fine women." Thoga informed.

"B-But, I…" Alen went to say, when Raw interrupted him.

"Thoga, you idiot. Don't you remember our friend Alen only has eyes for one lady?"

Both human and Lizardman looked at each other for a moment, all the while Alen's face turned bright red, before both started laughing hysterically.

"Please don't mock." Alen said in a low, almost desparate tone.

"Hahaha! Not at all. Honestly, we should be respecting you for your choices." Raw cheerfully informed.

"Heh! Well, if he got anywhere with it, then I would respect him for it even more." Thoga pointed out.

"That sounds better. After all, everyone can have a crush, but no one can say they have actually been with Lydia Briefs."

"Especially, such a skinny kid like you." Thoga remarked with a toothy grin.

"I'm not skinny!" Alen quickly pointed out.

"You look like it." The Lizardman argued with a deadpan tone.

"Still, I can't go. I've already told you that I…"

As Alen began to explain, he stopped when the faces of his comrades turned pale, which quickly prompted him to turn around, coming face to face with a newly opened [Gate], and the object of his affection finishing emerging from it.

"L-Lady Lydia!" All quickly greeted, kneeling before her as best they could.

"So, this is where you were." Lydia remarked, looking at the area that surrounded them.

"M-My apologies. I got distracted and did not take notice of the time passing." Alen quickly informed.

For a moment the group was under the examination of her keen and cold eyes. A look that many could have mistaken for her looking upon them as if they were simply a waste of her time. That is, if they didn't know any better.

"Then let's not waste anymore time. Follow me."

"As you wish."

Getting back to his feet Alen followed his superior through the portal, until he found himself in one of the many beautiful parks that were located near the edge of the city.

"I got us a portion of the park for the duration of the tournament. It will work as our training grounds during that time." Lydia informed, walking over to a nearby tree where some gear was resting.

"An entire part of the park!?" Alen gasped in surprise.

"Correct." Lydia replied matter-of-factly.

"Still… This place is really nice. I-Is that why we chose it?" The elf asked, his face reddening slightly.

Upon listening to his words, Lydia simply looked around for a moment. As if she had yet to properly look at her surroundings in order to appreciate its beauty. Having done this she finally spoke.

"No. It is simply a good replacement for what we have near the capital."

"I see…"

"Now, let's begin. First we will need to rectify your misbehavior." Lydia announced, beginning to approach him.

"I-I apologize for being late. B-But it wasn't my fault. They…" He tried to argue, but she was quick to silence him with a cold voice.

"I will not listen to any excuses. Especially when they are as weak as that one."

With that, Alen knew that the only thing he could do was take whatever punishment she had prepared for him. Which he suspected to be harsh training.


Having gotten a few words from Alucard, Mare had called upon Nyx via [Message], so that he was now meeting her within one of the gardens of the city. The couple was now staring each other down, both looking a bit unsure of what to say, until it was Nyx whom finally spoke up.

"I-I'm sorry I acted like I did."

"I-I'm s-sorry, for… being like I am…" Mare quickly added, with a lowered head.

"I take it that you finally want to speak with me, about our current situation." Nyx mumbled.

"Y-Yes. I…"

Mare paused unsure of how he should word his thoughts, this causing Nyx to almost immediately drop her hopeful expression, as this had happened before. With the other times, they ended up postponing the conversation, but this time Mare had decided not to let that happen. Looking around rather nervously, he rushed to some nearby bushes, dropping his staff in the process. Gathering the prettiest looking flowers he could get his hands on, as fast as he could, he returned to Nyx's side with an impromptu bouquet, going to his knees as he did so.

"W-What are you doing? Your going to get yourself all dirty." She pointed out in surprise.

"I-I'm sorry." Mare quickly said, extending the flowers to her.

"I see." Nyx remarked with a much calmer tone, taking the bouquet.

"I-I know I looked at o-other women, b-but they m-mean nothing to me. I-I look because I can't h-help it. I'm weak, but in the end… You are the only one for me!" Mare shouted, before his usual quiet nature took over once more.

Nyx sighed, looking at the flowers in her arms. She took a moment to take them in, and they were rather beautiful. Not her favorites but that didn't really matter right now. That being said, she freed her arms of them, allowing them to fall to the floor as she approached the kneeling elf and placed her arms around his neck.

"You really are hopeless." She said whilst looking into his eyes.

"It's like you haven't changed at all. Still the same nervous boy you were so long ago. But... I don't mind. That being said, there was no need for you to put on such a display. I simply wanted to know if you are alright with me. If I am still enough for you, w-with this unageing body of mine."

Mare suddenly became even redder in the face, as he understood the implications of her words. It was almost as if after all the time they spent together, the topic was still enough to fluster him.

"Y-You are enough, a-as you are. I-I wouldn't have it a-any other way." Mare said in his usual stuttering tone.

"I…" Nyx went to speak, when Mare interrupted her.

"I-I love you."

This finally managed to cause Nyx to stop and take a few steps back away from him. Her expression went to one of self-ridicule, as she let out a weak chuckle.

"Hahehe. It seems I have really been worrying for nothing." She said as she then sighed, to which Mare was silent.

"You meant what you said?" She asked, getting a vigorous and nervous nod in reply.

"Of course, you do."

Having mumbled this, she once again embraced him, her right hand going through his hair as their foreheads made contact.

"Let's go. We have some catching up to do." Nyx said, getting back so he could return to his feet.

"A-Agreed."

Mare followed this with an act that somewhat surprised Nyx, as he picked her up bridal-style, so now he was standing with the small vampire in his arms.

"W-Where too?" He asked.

"You can't speak like that. Not after having picked me up like this. But since you asked, forwards!"


As the day went on, and as more people filled the streets, two individuals stuck out for their presence, clothing, and beauty. The first, the taller and slightly older looking of the two, was dressed in the traditional attire of a miko, which included a pair of red hakama, or long, divided, loose fitting trousers, and a white haori, which is like a kimono jacket. She had a rather ageless look, with shoulder length black hair, that was partially tied in a white and red ribbon. She was the Immortal Human, Aureole Omega.

To her right, was the reason of her being here. Standing slightly shorter than her was an automaton shaped in the look of a girl in her late teens. She had creamy white skin, fiery orange eyes, and long, straight, black hair. Her petite body was covered in what one could only describe as a school-girl uniform, with a white shirt, red ribbon, a medium sized black skirt, white stockings, and black shoes. Her name was Rubedo. The youngest sister to Albedo and Nigredo of Nazarick.

"So, what do you think of Ainz deciding Pandora's Actor was good enough to do your work as you enjoy some time with me?" Rubedo asked, all the while looking at everything around her.

"I think nothing of it. If Ainz-sama sees him as the best replacement, I wish him the best of luck in fulfilling my duty." Aureole replied in a calm, almost serene tone.

"Really?" Her companion asked with a raised eyebrow.

"As I said…" The immortal went to reply, but Rubedo decided to speak over her.

"Fine. Let me reformulate the question. What do you think of Pandora's Actor doing your job?"

Aureole tilted her head slightly forwards, in the place of a sigh, as she knew exactly what Rubedo wanted to hear. She knew that the automaton enjoyed it very much when people agreed with her and her assumptions, even if at times they could be wrong.

"If you insist. Pandora's Actor is a very talented individual, and yes he can do my job for me, but he simply lacks the cultivated experience I have. But that being said, there really isn't anyone that can do what I do, as well as I do."

"So, you are saying Ainz is wrong?" Rubedo asked with a fake gasp.

"Not at all. I am saying that Ainz-sama made the best choice possible." Aureole replied, earning her a large grin from Rubedo.

"What are you looking at?" She added, since Rubedo had yet to stop looking at their surroundings.

"Something new, or different. Everything looks the same."

As she was saying this, the duo was stopped in their tracks, when a trio emerged from a nearby street. Two of them seemed to be nobles, a husband and a wife, while the other was a half-elf. He was wearing a suit, with blue eyes, and curly blonde hair. His name was Folwin Tagliaferro, and he had had the honor of meeting Rubedo and Aureole, during the tournament 10 years ago to the day.

"You take a turn over there on the left, go straight ahead and you will find it." Folwin said in a helpful manner.

"I see. Thank you, very much." The noble said, giving the half-elf a few coins before leaving.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you." Folwin said with a charming smile as they walked away.

"I didn't know you were a guide." Rubedo remarked, as he turned to meet her.

"Who said I was?" The half-elf asked back, pocketing the coins.

"Fair enough."

Folwin walked past her, so he could properly greet Aureole, by taking her hand, bowing slightly and kissing her hand, causing the maid to chuckle slightly.

"What a gentleman you are.~"

"What do you want?" Rubedo growled, not pleased at the lack of focus on her.

"You are rather irritable for an automaton." He pointed out with a slight smile.

Rubedo raised an eyebrow at him, as it still surprised her how he knew this. They had meet about 10 years ago, when in a similar walk, he had approached them and tested her patience with some random annoying questions. After which, he declared she was some kind of artificial human, had she had her way she would have him pay for his rudeness, but Aureole said that perhaps getting to understand how he knew would be better. Which she agreed to, since it could probably be a good way to kill her boredom.

"Has that brain of yours gone bad, after 10 years? I am built out of the best materials. Including a component just for my emotions." She informed, sounding rather proud of herself.

"And I know you are very proud of this. But as we have established, it is not the best component." He mumbled, almost in contemplation.

"What did you say?" Rubedo hissed in annoyance.

" Oh, simply that no one is perfect. That aside, you were bored?"

"And how is that any of your business?"

"Come on. There's no need to be so cold. Here, what about an apology gift?"

Folwin said, presenting her with a golden pocket watch from one of his jacket pockets, presenting it to Rubedo who was quick to take it from him. Following this by looking at it as one would do a simple trinket.

"Where did a street performer get this?"

"Is that really important?" The half-elf argued with a teasing smile.

"Did you steal it?" Aureole asked, with a disapproving tone.

"Well…" He went to answer, when Rubedo spoke over him.

"It's fine. Still, is that all you have? A small trinket?" She asked, throwing the watch into the air before catching it as it fell.

"Be careful now. That is rather valuable for some of us." Folwin pointed out.

"You didn't answer my question."

"And that bothers you doesn't it?" Folwin asked with a knowing smile.

"I don't know. You tell me?" Rubedo growled as she narrowed her vision on the half-elf.

"Now, you are just making things easier for me. But I agree that we won't get anything done here. Now, let me ask you this. Is there something you want to do?" He asked in curiosity.

"Hm? Not really." She replied nonchalantly.

"Lie. Now, where is this something that you want?"

"I told you I didn't want anything."

"Lie. And now I will take you there. Just follow me." Folwin declared with a confident smile as he took the lead.

"If you insist."

The trio began to walk in some direction, Folwin looking back at Rubedo from time to time, making sure his reading of the automaton was still correct. While he had no skills in combat or magic, he was an expert at reading others. Which helped him a great deal in reading the "fake" emotions of Rubedo. Which even if near perfect, still seemed to have something lacking, as if her emotions were a perfect act, instead of a natural thing.

Eventually they turned a corner into a small area where several stands were placed with all kinds of sweets and other goods. Lucky for Folwin that these stands are always here at the time of the tournament. If not, his reading of her could have led them nowhere.

"And here we are." He declared triumphantly.

"This proves nothing." Rubedo informed in an unimpressed manner.

"I would say this proves a lot. I can read you like a book." Folwin affirmed.

"So you say."

"Is that a challenge?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, to which she gave a defiant smirk.

"Very well." Folwin said, taking a deep breath before speaking.

"You present yourself as detached and superior to those around you. You like to feel validated by others and be the center of attention in a situation. While you say you don't like it when people, like me, try to get the 'better' of you. However, deep down you do yearn for some kind of challenge. You also yearn for some kind of normality in your life, accompanied by interacting with others openly. Yet, you can't seem to help yourself when it comes to rubbing things in people's faces when you get the option, which is natural given how you view others and your boredom." Folwin said, pausing when he pointed at Rubedo's companion.

"In addition, deep down you enjoy being with her much more then you let on. And, it eats away at you, that even if she also enjoys being with you, this all began as a way to keep you in check. Not to mention the fact, that behind her composure, she is secretly terrified of angering you."

"T-That's a lie." Aureole argued.

"I should also mention, that most people working here in the city, know who you are and are made to act as pleasingly as possible if they happen to come in contact with you." Folwin plainly added.

"D-Don't listen to him, Rubedo…" The maid went to say, when the Automaton spoke over her in a firm tone.

"Silence."

Aureole immediately froze as the air around Rubedo began to heat up. Rubedo wasn't happy with someone seeing so clearly through her. It was true. Everything he said, one way or the other was true. She was bored out of her mind. Especially when she had to put up with spending most of her time underground in what was a glorified stasis chamber, because she was too "dangerous".

Even when she was awake she had nothing to do outside of standing around, looking at the same things that surrounded her for 100 years. There also was no suitable way for her to have a decent sparring match. She had a few matches with Alucard, and some of the Guardians, but none of them ever made her try her hardest. She even took out some of them with her hands literally behind her back. Just for the fun of it.

Also, to know she was being so carefully overseen, further showing her how little faith they had in her, made her want to reduce the entire city to ashes. That was if Folwin didn't speak up as soon as he did.

"H-Hold on a moment. Let's not get heated. You can do what you are thinking of doing. Or..." Folwin paused as he emphasized his last word with a raised index finger.

"You can behave and prove them all wrong."

"Cheh! Fine. I'll behave." Rubedo replied in a sarcastic tone.

"Then…" Aureole went to say, just to be silenced yet again.

"I'll prove you, and the 'Supreme Beings' wrong." Rubedo declared triumphantly, which was something that left Aureole in a rather nervous, yet proud state.

"Great! Now, let's get something to eat." Folwin suggested.

During the rest of the day the trio, headed by Folwin, were led all over the city, giving Rubedo all the chances she could have asked for to enjoy all those sweet snacks she seemed to enjoy. All the while getting to see Folwin do more of his work, and win in games of chance. The money they would end up spending during the rest of the day.

So much so that in the end of the day, when Rubedo and Aureole vanished via [Gate], the automaton was wearing a newly bought light blue dress, and finishing up a bag of popcorn. While the maid was carrying bags with other things Folwin had convinced Rubedo to buy. It was also this day where they caught a glimpse of something very few ever got to see: Rubedo with a genuinely pleased smile.


During this day the 12 participants of the tournament were also decided. These being Lyla Alvein Dale Aindra, Crawl, Jethro Brandt Dale Raeven, Berenice Rockbruise, Sariel Ibutan Omega, Lyra Aecan, Thoga Shasha, Raw Raw, Khuar Diomea a Centaur from the Great Centaur Empire, Clanea a female Arachne, Josep Bret a werewolf from the Capitoline Kingdom and Zarm a male hobgoblin. With the final participants chosen, the tournament proper could finally begin, with all eyes now firmly placed on the upcoming events.