They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 173 - 173 Confrontation 2

Chapter 173: Confrontation 2 Chapter 173: Confrontation 2 “You dare—?” “Oh, I dare,” king Seungho cut him off, his lips curling in a smirk.

“You honestly expect us to believe that your people are more skilled than mine after that race?

Please.” King Altan’s hands clenched into fists.

His fury was barely contained.

“Oh?

So you want to see the true might of my kingdom, is that it?” His voice dropped, laced with unspoken threats.

“It seems you’ve forgotten how we dealt with your people during the war years ago.

Even my ancestors knew that you were weak.” King Seungho “…” Others “…” Silence fell.

A thick, suffocating silence.

Then “Enough.” King Ikechukwu’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

It wasn’t loud, but the weight of it cut through the rising storm like a blade.

Everyone turned toward him.

His expression was unreadable, but the warning in his gaze was clear.

“You all are here to compete, not start another war,” he said coldly.

“Unless you would rather settle this off the battlefield?” But the king Seungho didn’t want to let this chance go given his cunny nature.

He smirked, clearly enjoying how his words had struck a nerve.

Even though his Kingdom was just insulted, he calmed down in a few minutes.

The insult meant that his taunts were working.

He leaned back in his seat, his confidence radiating as he continued, “All your kingdom does is breed horses and ride them.

Tell me, how will that help you on the battlefield?” His voice carried over the gathered nobles, loud and taunting.

“My kingdom produces the finest archers in the four major kingdoms, the best.

And you think you can compare to us?” He scoffed.

“All you can do is run as fast as you can and escape.” Laughter erupted from the crowd, rippling through the stands.

Even some of the other royals struggled to suppress their amusement.

After all, there was truth to his words.

Roxurun was known for its speed and horsemanship, but in direct combat?

Against Dixan’s legendary archers?

The comparison was almost laughable.

King Altan clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening around the armrest of his seat.

The sting of humiliation burned through him.

Bringing up the topic of superiority had been a mistake.

Not only had it worsened his son’s disgrace, but now, his entire kingdom was being mocked.

He could see it in the subtle smirks and the sidelong glances, in the way even those who didn’t laugh were trying to hide their amusement.

But he was a king.

And a king did not back down so easily.

Straightening, he turned to the audience, addressing both his allies and the ones ridiculing him.

“Since the king of Dixan enjoys boasting so much,” he said, voice dangerously calm, “I’m glad that the next competition is archery.” The murmurs in the crowd quieted as he continued, his pride forcing him to push forward.

“Once the minor kingdoms are finished with their matches, we will show you all that Roxurun is not to be trifled with.” King Altan’s eyes burned with intensity as he continued, refusing to let Dixan’s insults go unanswered.

“Yes, Roxurun is known for breeding the best horses and training the finest riders.

But do not mistake our excellence in one art for weakness in another,” he declared, his voice carrying over the arena.

His gaze swept across the nobles, his tone turning sharper.

“Only a kingdom with limited talent would rely solely on archery as their defining skill.

A true kingdom is multifaceted.

Our warriors are skilled in more than just one craft.

Our riders, our warriors, even our musicians—” he gestured grandly, “—as you saw yesterday, are unmatched.” A murmur ran through the crowd.

Many nodded in agreement.

It was true, Roxurun had displayed great skill in various areas.

But did King Altan truly believe his kingdom could stand against Dixan in archery?

The thought itself seemed absurd.

People exchanged skeptical glances.

Could Roxurun’s archers really challenge the very kingdom that lived for archery?

That had spent centuries perfecting the craft?

Even now, there were whispers that something had felt off about Roxurun’s loss to Dixan in horse riding.

A kingdom built on speed and riding, losing to an archer’s domain?

It didn’t sit right.

But without evidence, what could be done?

The results had been accepted.

And now, Roxurun was stepping forward to challenge Dixan in their domain?

Many doubted them.

But no one could deny, this was going to be interesting.

The idea that Roxurun could defeat Dixan in archery was beyond bold, it was outright ridiculous.

No one in their right mind believed it.

The very thought had people shaking their heads in amusement.

“They must be planning to rely on a miracle,” some nobles whispered among themselves.

After all, one impossible outcome had already happened, Roxurun had defeated them in horse riding.

Who was to say another absurd twist of fate wouldn’t follow?

Still, the skepticism remained thick in the air.

Confidence was one thing.

Overconfidence?

That was something else entirely.

And Roxurun’s king seemed to have a bit too much of it.

While the minor kingdoms finished their archery rounds, something else was happening behind the scenes.

—— King Ikechukwu silently left his royal seat, his movements deliberate but unhurried.

A servant was quickly sent to fetch Nnenna.

Without much notice from the spectators, the entire royal family of Lionara discreetly left the arena, making their way into one of the secure chambers within the palace.

Once the doors closed behind them, the king turned to his daughter.

“Nnenna,” he began, his voice even but firm, “you have proven yourself more than worthy of a princess of Lionara.” He paused, as if weighing his next words.

“Your courage is like that of a lion, and your skills…” He trailed off briefly, exhaling in something close to disbelief.

“Surprisingly excellent.” There was a beat of silence.

King Ikechukwu himself could hardly believe it.

And he wasn’t the only one.

Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on Nnenna, brimming with the same burning curiosity.

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