The news of something happening to Simmons soon reached Didia's ears.

At the Nasser Manor, Didia was gathered with a group of noble youths, having a feast in honor of his duel tomorrow. In truth, it wasn't necessary, because everyone knew that not even two Simmonses were a match for Didia. It wasn't just about looking down on Simmons; in the entire Hedan, there were only a handful of people who dared to disregard Simmons, and by coincidence, Didia was one of them, the most formidable of all.

Anthony's execution caused panic in noble circles, especially among the more rebellious younger generation. It's always tough to be the first, and with the first execution by guillotine, any subsequent offenses are not taken lightly. Of course, they dared not question the King, but there were widespread rumors that this matter was connected to the old immortal of the George family—an age-old being who seemed on the brink of death seven or eight years ago but looks the same even now.

Didia didn't usually have that many friends, but the duel with Simmons suddenly gained him quite a few allies with shared enmity. In just one month, he rose rapidly, seemingly becoming the leader among the Eight Barons.

Didia didn't seem particularly happy. When Anthony was around, he would outright refuse such social engagements; his family didn't require him to do such things. But with Anthony dead, he had no choice but to cope. Despite knowing he had a duel tomorrow, the enthusiasm of these people didn't wane a bit. Their praise was mixed, some were pathetic, and others were quite high-level, but Didia wasn't interested. He also knew he couldn't give them the cold shoulder. Somehow, he had to get through today—fortunately, mostly he just needed to listen with a smile on his face.

Every now and then, someone would relay news of Simmons's side to him. Most of these young nobles were idlers, but when it came to gathering information, nothing could escape their keen eyes and ears. Simmons had been training hard for the past few days, which did pique Didia's interest a bit. Although he couldn't refute Anthony's case, he must defend his and his family's honor through a knight's duel. This was a Moncalleta tradition, and he didn't want his opponent to be a coward.

"Didia, Simmons was taken to the hospital. I heard even Metropolitan Werner went, and they say it was an Abyss invasion. It's karma!"

"I think it's fake, too coincidental. Tomorrow, he's probably going to shirk the battle."

"The George family is full of despicable people, only using underhanded tricks from the shadows. This cannot go unpunished!"

"Didia, if he dares to back out tomorrow, rest assured, we will unite and ensure the George family will not raise their heads again!"

...... In a moment, the crowd was fervent, truly repulsed by Simmons and the George family. Especially that Hex Bird Report from the George family, their reports on the Hunting Enjoyment Club directly threatened the dissolution of this pinnacle of indulgence, causing all its members to keep a low profile, with some even having been warned by their families.

Not too long ago, during an entertainment event organized by the club, someone meddled and caused significant injuries. One person's younger brother was crushed, and the bishop from the Church Court couldn't restore him; now, he opens his eyes and starts crying.

To others, this was a joke. But the problem was that the city guards merely went through the motions, seriously failing to investigate the culprit!

Such a severe assault on the nobility, yet nobody cared. In the past, such an event would feel like the sky was falling.

Due to the King's judgment that even princes should be punished the same as commoners, no one knew how serious things were anymore. It seemed everyone awaited someone to test the waters, eager to try yet unwilling to be the first.

Relying solely on the Anthony case to completely change the atmosphere was obviously impossible. All these people viewed the duel between Didia and Simmons as a starting point and a fuse. As long as Didia won tomorrow, they would commence a grand celebration "event."

Didia knew nothing of these matters and cared even less, as he wasn't part of the Hunting Enjoyment Club.

"Whether he fights or not, we'll know tomorrow. Gentlemen, the George family excels in strategy; this might be part of their plan. I too need to prepare, so enjoy yourselves freely, Salamey, treat everyone well."

"Yes, young master," replied the butler Salamey with a bow.

While not interested in entertainment himself, others in the Nasser Clan are, and Anthony was particularly outstanding among them. Salamey certainly knows how to satisfy these young masters and misses, with the ladies from the Enjoyment Club playing even more extravagantly.

Didia returned alone to his room, gradually shutting out all those voices that disturbed his mind. The duel had been arranged, yet he hadn't found the peace he anticipated, only more chaos, which he forcefully avoided dwelling on. He just wanted to be a genuine knight.

On the other side, after the doctors had treated the three, they were discharged. With the intervention of Lord Metropolitan, the doctors were just going through the motions. Celestia felt only a bit weak, experiencing no other discomfort. Her nature was optimistic and positive, indifferent to any potential after-effects—she preferred to react to troubles as they came, believing there was no need to worry about things that hadn't happened yet.

A carriage took Li Xin back to the inn. Simmons had invited him to stay at his place, but Li Xin declined, preferring the familiarity of Liyu Dragon. Simply put, Simmons was Simmons, and the George Family was the George Family.

In the carriage, Celestia observed Simmons, who appeared calm. "You don't seem worried," she noted.

"Worried? What's the use? It is what it is," Simmons replied. "Stop with the questions; the priest told us to rest."

Celestia eyed him suspiciously. "Are you hiding something from me?"

"Yeah, I am. I miss women, okay? If I die tomorrow, having no girlfriend wouldn't that be a loss?"

"Realizing this now is a bit late. What were you doing when my friends came by?"

"What friends?"

"I mean the ones I wanted to introduce you to before, the gatherings you skipped. How many chances have you missed!"

"If I survive this, I'll change," Simmons said, tilting his head to look out the window, only for his pupils to constrict as he plunged into memories.

After falling into the mist, though he couldn't move, he was aware. He thought he was done for, and he unexpectedly dragged Li Xin down with him, as Li Xin could have easily let go. However, he too got pulled into the mist with him. In the records he knew, nobody survived falling into the mist, nobody.

Yet here he was, alive and sitting in the carriage.

Even though he couldn't see or hear, and couldn't move his body, he sensed three powerful forces, all at the level of gods. One came from under the Moon God's seat, another was Abyssal Power, and a third, unknown force emanated from Li Xin.

He didn't know what Li Xin aimed to do in Hedan, and it didn't matter now.

When in despair, he didn't let go.

On Monday, a day long awaited by many, Saint Grace Canon Law School had been bustling with people since early morning. Yet, aside from students, entry to the law school was restricted. Today's duel would also see the presence of Prince Achilles; hence, no idlers would be allowed near. Still, nothing dampened the excitement, with more and more people gathering as time went by.

Meanwhile, Li Xin, in his big shorts, slept soundly. Although aided by Lord Metropolitan's healing powers, the ordeal had been taxing, leaving him feeling drained. He returned and fell asleep immediately, even ignoring the Dragon Mother's calls. Hungry in the middle of the night, he sneaked into the kitchen. After all, it was a place where he had once toiled, familiar and routine, allowing himself a small feast before returning to sleep again.

Within the Canon Law School base, Didia had already arrived. Many had requested to witness together, but Didia refused. Prince Achilles didn't enjoy crowds watching for fun, so the curious ones had to wait outside the base, though they could enter the law school.

Of Moncalleta's Eight Barons, Hedan encompassed four, yet the other three did not attend. Neither victory nor defeat would benefit them, as it involved siding, and it seemed like just lifting Didia up. Residing in the Royal City, these four barons, representing old-established noble families, were in their prime, intensely competing while supporting each other.

As the local host, Simmons arrived early. Last night, returning home with Celestia, they hadn't seen his grandfather. Simmons understood that it was a judgment for him to make by himself.

By now, Simmons was dressed in the standard noble dueling attire, with the George family's eagle embroidered on his chest and sleeves. If the Dragon Mother were here, she'd surely drool; already handsome, Simmons in this neat noble attire appeared model-like.

Celestia stood by, awaiting to see if Prince Achilles would permit her to watch.

With the rise of commotion outside, Simmons knew Didia had arrived. Saint Grace Canon Law School students voiced intense boos—a sound grating to Didia's ears, unfounded and unchallenged. Yet, those backing Didia from the Knight Academy loudly rebuked the Canon Law School, though the latter didn't care as, under the monarch's protection, they had a formidable umbrella.

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