Professor Thorne let out a sigh of relief as the battle came to an end. Kathrine stood victorious, her chest heaving with exhaustion. "Are you okay?" Kathrine asked, her voice reassuring and calm, as she gently patted the little girl's head with a warm smile.
"We're fine, thanks to you," Professor Thorne replied, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Kathrine's expression turned serious. "I'm glad. However, the battle is far from over." She stood up, her movements fluid and deliberate, as she prepared to face the next challenge.
Meanwhile, Benedict Lè Bonderée clashed with Princess Zuria in a distant corridor. He swung his lasso wildly, its range unpredictable, as he tried to ensnare her. "Dammit, why won't you stay still!" he exclaimed, his anger echoing through the halls.
Zuria dodged and weaved, her movements lightning-fast, as she avoided Benedict's attacks. "Still don't gonna tell me Einar's whereabouts?" she asked, her eyes locked on him with a fierce intensity.
Benedict's grip on the lasso tightened, his eyes blazing with fury. He infused the lasso with his flame magic, and Zuria's eyes widened in awe and fear. A grin formed on his face as he attacked relentlessly, leaving no room for movement.
Benedict burst into uncontrollable laughter, his eyes fixed on Zuria. But as he laughed, a sudden realization struck him. Why was he doing this? Was it to gain his father's approval? No. Was it to prove he was just as good a son as Maxwell? No. And then, it hit him – it was Zuria, the princess.
For as long as he could remember, he had been obsessed with her. Her rich onyx black hair, her emerald green eyes that sparkled with life – she was perfection.
Lost in thought, Benedict felt a sharp pain in his left arm. He quickly snapped back to reality, assuming a defensive pose. "You seem lost in thought," Zuria said, her eyes fixed on his.
Benedict gritted his teeth, his anger and frustration boiling over. He tried to swing his lasso, but Zuria had vanished. He looked around, trying to catch a glimpse of her in the empty halls.
Instantly, he was barraged with numerous attacks. He stumbled, his body weakened, and his temper flared. "Dammit!" he cried out.
Just as Zuria was about to deliver the final blow, Benedict reached for his pocket, hoping to grab a pill or two. But Zuria disarmed him, and he was knocked off balance. "Damn you!" he exclaimed, as Zuria stood over him, her blade staring him directly in the eye.
"Where is he?" she asked, her voice steady.
Benedict's grin returned, and he expected his defeat. "Tell me something, princess... what does he have that I don't? What exactly about him do you find so admirable that even nobles don't amaze you?"
Zuria stared him down, her eyes piercing. Then, she withdrew her blade and spared his life. Benedict felt a mix of gratitude and insult.
"Aren't you going to answer me!" he cried out, as Zuria turned to leave.
She stopped and turned her gaze towards him once more. "Simple," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He has a heart."