In the north of the city, Garden Estate, with its clusters of palms, brimmed with the air of spring. Pleasantly fragrant flowers and plants surrounded its distinctively designed courtyards, and several maids moved carefully among the flower beds, pruning and watering the sweet-smelling plants.
On a soft lawn, First Prince Charles sat with narrowed eyes, talking to a burly man with coarse features and two crisscrossing scars on his neck. The man stood about 1.75 meters tall, but his hands and feet were large and his build immensely sturdy. His eyes gleamed with the ferocity of a wild beast.
"Mr. Lio, you shouldn't have challenged three Great Swordmasters as soon as you arrived in Osen City. You came from the Bart Trade Alliance, after all, and our country is extremely hostile to outsiders. If my father learns that you're one of my men, it may affect his opinion of me." First Prince Charles frowned in displeasure, deeply annoyed by Lio Kane's unauthorized actions.
Lio Kane grinned and gave a chuckle, then said arrogantly, "First Prince, although I came to the Lancelot Empire to join you, that doesn't mean I have to follow your instructions in everything. First and foremost, I'm a swordsman. Since I've come to the Lancelot Empire, it's only my habit to exchange blows with the local experts. How else can my sword technique improve?"
Damn it, what a brute. If you've got the guts, go challenge Sword Saint Carola Ascot. Let's see how you die! Charles cursed inwardly, his expression growing uglier. He told Lio Kane, "We'll leave this matter at that. I hope you'll tell me before you do anything next time. Do you remember the Brian I told you about last time-the man I wanted you to help me kill?"
Lio Kane paused, thought for