Gon's Harem System
Chapter 37: The duke’s speech

Chapter 37: The duke’s speech

When his gaze met Gon’s, the man winked. It was a quick motion, like a spark of light that flickered and disappeared, but it sent a shiver down Gon’s spine.

"BUT BEFORE WE CAN GET INTO THE JUICY FIGHTS WE ALL CAME HERE FOR, OUR DUKE HAS A LITTLE SPEECH FOR US".

The announcers’s voice rang.

The Duke rose slowly from his intricately carved chair.

As he straightened to his full height, the rich fabric of his deep crimson cloak, lined with golden embroidery, caught the light, accentuating the regal aura he exuded.

He placed one gloved hand on the polished wooden armrest, steadying himself, before clearing his throat—a sound that resonated through the grand hall, commanding immediate attention.

The faint murmur of the gathered crowd fell silent, their eyes drawn to him, awaiting his next words with a mixture of anticipation and unease.

"Today is a good day," he began, his deep, resonant voice filling the vast hall. Each word carried with it a sense of gravity, drawing the attention of everyone present. "It marks the beginning of our tournament." His eyes swept over the gathered crowd, a sea of eager faces ranging from seasoned warrior to young contenders.

The crowd erupted into a thunderous cheer, their voices echoing across the arena like a crashing wave.

The Duke, ever composed, allowed a faint smile to grace his lips—a subtle acknowledgment of the moment’s grandeur.

"I want everybody to be at their best," he continued, his voice firm yet resonant, carrying through the crowd like a ripple across still water.

"I want every single mage here to give it their all—not just for the thrill of victory or the sting of defeat, but for something far greater."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle into the hearts of those before him, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathering as if to ensure each individual truly listened.

"Being a mage is not just about winning or losing," he declared, his tone softening yet brimming with conviction. "It is about the manner in which you do so—the honor you carry in battle, the respect you extend to your opponent, and the resilience you summon when faced with adversity. It is about embodying the very essence of your craft, about standing as a beacon of discipline and mastery for all to see. Victory without honor is hollow, and defeat without grace is shameful."

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, his passion igniting a spark of reflection in the crowd.

"Today, I challenge each of you to rise above yourselves, to show the world not only the strength of your magic but the strength of your character. Let your actions speak for who you are—not just as mages, but as people."

"Did you give up at the smallest adversity?" he asked, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade. "Or did you fight until your muscles refused to obey, until your body betrayed your will, leaving you with no choice but to stop?"

His piercing gaze swept over the crowd, daring each person to confront the truth within themselves.

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken reflections, as his words dug deep into the hearts of all who listened.

Then, with measured intent, he continued, his voice steady but commanding. "It is in those moments, when the odds are stacked against you, that your true nature is revealed.

Do you crumble beneath the weight of failure, or do you rise again, learning, growing, and proving your resilience?

The path of a mage is not one of ease or comfort—it is a trial of spirit as much as of skill. Remember this: strength is not simply the power to overcome; it is the courage to face what seems insurmountable."

"And I expect the spectators, too, to be at their best," he continued, his voice sharp and unyielding as he turned his gaze to the restless crowd. "This arena is not only a place for battles of skill and courage but also a place of respect and discipline. Do not break the order."

He allowed his words to settle for a moment, the air growing tense under the weight of his stern demeanor. "Every time you do something that disrupts the arena—every shout, every movement, every careless act—you risk distracting the mages who have put their heart and soul into this moment. And if they falter, if they lose because of your recklessness, their defeat will be on your head, not theirs."

His words struck like a hammer, the crowd quieting in response. "Understand this: your role is just as vital as theirs. You are here to bear witness, to honor their efforts, and to uphold the sanctity of this competition.

Anything less is a disservice to the mages and to yourselves. So I ask, no—I demand—that you rise to the occasion, just as they have."

"With that all said," he concluded, his tone softening but still firm, "have a wonderful tournament."

He raised his hands in a sweeping gesture, a symbol of both command and encouragement, his presence radiating authority.

The crowd erupted once more, their cheers a deafening roar of approval and excitement, shaking the very air with their fervor.

The stands seemed alive with energy, a sea of voices united in anticipation for the spectacle about to unfold.

As the Duke lowered his hands, a satisfied yet composed expression lingered on his face, his gaze sweeping over the arena one final time before he stepped back, allowing the tournament to begin.

"WONDERFUL WORDS, TRULY WONDERFUL!" the announcer boomed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he stepped forward. "EVERYONE, APPLAUD OUR DUKE!"

The crowd obeyed with vigor, their cheers and applause swelling even louder, a roaring tide of admiration that filled the arena.

The energy was infectious, a wave of unity that rippled through every corner, as hands clapped and voices shouted their praise.

The Duke stood tall, his expression calm yet proud, offering the crowd a faint nod in acknowledgment of their fervor.

The sound echoed on and on, rolling like thunder, until at last, it began to fade.