Chapter 19: Annual sparing section

“Oh? Why do you say that?” Hazel asked, genuinely curious.

“H…he is debauched and promiscuous. He visits the brothel on a regular basis and changes women frequently.” While saying this, even Matilda who always never had any exaggerated expression on her features frowned in displeasure.

Hazel was surprised.

Hanna had said the same thing about this man, but Hazel had not been so sure. But hearing the same thing from Matilda, she frowned.

“Then why didn’t your lord dispose of him?” Hazel asked, confused.

Matilda shook her head, “Disposing him will make the council restless. So, the Alpha king had to ignore him for now until he is ready to uproot the problem directly from its source.”

Hazel could tell the implication in Matilda’s statement.

But she was slightly surprised that someone like that monster would also have difficult times. It seems that the pack was not as peaceful as it seems, he might also be facing a lot of pressure than he was letting on.

Hazel could not help but recall the day she had perceived blood on him, she can’t help but wonder how he got injured that day.

As her thoughts reached this point, Hazel quickly shook her head to dispel the thoughts.

“What about the fourth beta?” Hazel finally recalled and asked.

“The fourth beta was the Alpha’s childhood friend. He was the only person closest to the Alpha after the death of his parents. They were almost like brothers.” Matilda said, sighing.

“So where is he now?”

“He died in battlefield several years ago. He had been ambushed by a spy from the rival pack. Although the spy was killed instantly, the rival pack is still standing until now and the Alpha’s hatred towards them has not dwindled but increased instead.”

Hazel nodded slowly, understanding some things, but not understanding at the same time.

Was it really possible for someone like him to be willing to avenge someone?

To Hazel, he was a selfish, greedy and cruel monster.

What if he wasn’t targeting that rival pack because of his beta’s death but for something that would benefit him?

Hazel sneered inwardly, but said nothing more.

After the bath, she was helped out of the bath tube.

“The next chamber had been cleaned. You might be staying there from now on because the Alpha does not like to have his space invaded. It still came as surprise to me that he would allow you into his private chambers.” Matilda commented as she helped dry Hazel’s hair.

Hazel said nothing and merely hummed.

After dressing up, Matilda hesitated briefly before asking, “Do you want to take a stroll?”

Hazel’s eyes lit up quickly.

And Matilda hurriedly added, “But we won’t stay for too long lest the Alpha needs your presence.”

Hazel agreed readily, relieved that she could finally stretch her bones and won’t remain cooped up inside like some kept animal.

As they left the chamber, Matilda asked Hazel gently, “Do you have a place in mind?”

“No. Let’s just walk.”

As they passed through corridors and wings, Hazel took note of everything in her heart.

When they climbed down the stairs to emerge at the entrance of the massive mansion, Hazel paused.

For some reason, the people were rushing towards a direction in clusters, their faces filled with excitement and eagerness. Both male and female.

They discussed as they hurried away, but Hazel could not understand what they were saying. If it had just been a few people running in that same direction, Hazel would not have bothered.

But there were quite a number of people.

“What is going on? Where are they all rushing to?” Hazel turned to Matilda to ask.

Matilda furrowed her brows, seemingly pondering about the issue. Then realization dawned on her and she replied quickly. “It seems today is the annual sparring activities for the pack’s female warriors. This people are going there to watch the show.”

Hazel's frown deepened, “What is special about it? Isn’t it just a normal sparing session?” She asked, baffled.

Matilda shook her head, “The Alpha always attends the session. Also, the ones who performs well will be given the chance to join the pack’s royal warriors, a chance several people were vying for.”

Hazel was slightly surprised.

This tactic was actually a good way of motivating the warriors and having them perform better, surpassing their usual limits.

“Let’s go there,” Hazel quickly made up her mind and Matilda nodded, having no objections.

In no time, they arrived at the training grounds which was already full with people cheering loudly. Their voices almost piercing through Hazel’a eardrums.

She was rendered speechless at the number of people, her eyes unable to see the end of the crowd.

“Some or one of the warriors for this month probably had quite a number of fans. Moreover, being promoted into a royal guard is not an easy feat, it is definitely worth witnessing. Come, the front is better to get a closer view.” Matilda said while walking.

Hazel watched how she casually pushed through the excited crowd, and was slightly surprised at the enormity of her strength.

Pushing through such an excited crowd might seem easy, but it was not.

Surely, Matilda wasn’t so simple.

They finally found a better spot in the front and Hazel could clearly see the sparring grounds where a tall, and slightly muscular woman stood, facing off against another woman of almost the same build.

The first woman made the final strike, her kick, as fast as a gale, hitting her opponents chest squarely before she could react or even remember to dodge and she was thrown off her feet.

The opponent’s body flew a few distances away before coming to a stop. The woman spurted out mouthfuls of blood, unable to continue the fight anymore.

The crowd’s cheers reached at an even higher pitch as the female warrior emerged victorious. The woman raised her head and grinned proudly.

The referee, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and aura, walked forward and turned to the crowd, “Who wants to challenge her next?”

His voice wasn’t so loud, but for some reason, it pierced through the air, ringing at every corner.

Hazel frowned, then scoffed, “She is good, but I don’t see anything special about her. She only performs well with her lower body, her upper body is weaker. A warrior having a flaw can never be a real warrior.”

Hazel was only speaking to Matilda, but never expected the eyes that turned to her at that moment.

“What did you just say?”