Chapter 7

Adela gazed out the window from the VIP room, recalling the moment her eyes met Braden’s.

He definitely smiled at her.

That was why, on impulse, she told him she would pray for his victory and safety.

She simply wanted to talk to him.

She thought he would ignore her words, but unexpectedly, he replied.

“Even without your prayers, I always win.”

It was an exceedingly arrogant voice.

That was when she realized—he had already won.

Having received a rejection letter from Duke Shutal, Adela came to Lasve without any plan.

According to information, he regularly visited the Colosseum. Adela checked into the hotel where the Duke always stayed.

Not even a few days passed before Shutal arrived. Only yesterday did Adela finally meet him, and once more expressed her desire to become Braden’s patron.

The reason she came to the arena today was to see Braden beforehand, just once before facing him.

She used a bribe to get a spot near the entrance where he would come out, hoping to see him up close, even a little.

The first thing that caught her eye was sunlight reflected on platinum hair, forming a halo around his head.

Platinum hair was rare. Perhaps it could be seen in a small neighboring country adjacent to the Sovaro Empire in the west of Edel Kingdom, said to share ancestors with the old empire?

His good looks were secondary; he exuded a noble aura unbefitting a slave.

The light was so strong that she couldn’t discern the color of his eyes. Yet, the deep shadow in his gaze carried the pressure of a wild beast.

It was instantly clear why he was the best gladiator.

‘Is every gladiator like that?’

Such talent was wasted. If only his status were free, he could have reached the highest rank as a knight.

Perhaps he was a noble from a defeated country absorbed by the Sovaro Empire.

Could she persuade him with money?

Sensing he would be a difficult opponent, Adela steeled herself.

How should she persuade him?

What tone should she use, what attitude should she show?

Forceful? Or gentle?

Just like preparing to negotiate at a diplomatic table with envoys from another nation, Adela’s mind raced.

She had too little information. She regretted not investigating thoroughly before coming.

Regret came too late. She’d underestimated him simply because he was a gladiator.

But how could she have guessed? Who would expect a mere gladiator to possess such formidable presence?

While Adela was deep in thought, Alexa was babbling on, still excited.

“Did you see when he struck with his long legs and then immediately knocked his opponent down with a knee?”

“Of course, I saw it.”

“Wow, when he threw away his sword at the start, I wondered why, given the size difference, but he’s really something.”

Alexa, still riding the excitement of the fight, kept shifting in her seat as she spoke.

“What’s the big deal? Did you see those solid arms and sturdy thighs? Absolutely amazing. How can someone be so s*xy? The illustrations in the gossip magazines don’t do him justice.”

Joy’s eyes sparkled with hearts.

But Logan’s expression was dark. He approached Adela.

“Your Highness!”

Logan’s voice snapped Adela out of her deep thoughts. She turned to look at him.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to find another way, even now?”

“The matter is already settled.”

Adela’s expression was stern.

“But this really isn’t right. It’s bad enough to lose your honor by becoming a gladiator’s lady, but not even as your own gladiator—having to wait here to ask him to make you his lady?”

Logan poured out all his built-up frustration.

“I’m the one at a disadvantage.”

“I can’t tolerate this humiliation. Is there any need to go this far just to become his lady?”

He’d resolved to help the Princess complete her great task and move toward freedom. But seeing the gladiator’s disrespectful behavior, Logan was deeply indignant and upset.

How dare he treat the Princess this way?

Adela gazed at Logan quietly. She was grateful and felt sorry for him, seeing how much he cared for her.

She shifted her gaze from Logan to Alexa and Joy, who were still chatting animatedly about the gladiator.

Adela’s lips softened, her expression gentle.

If not for them, Adela would have been mentally and physically ruined by now.

Just as the late Queen had done, Adela had poured everything into the Kingdom.

She learned by watching her mother.

It was these people who cared for her. If she didn’t eat, they brought her food; if she didn’t sleep, they led her to bed.

That’s why she pitied them.

She herself didn’t care about losing honor or being ignored. But they would be more hurt by it than she would. They would suffer.

“Logan, I know your loyalty well. But you must get used to it from now on—the looks and whispers directed at me, who has lost my honor. This waiting is only the beginning of the humiliation.”

Adela gave her loyal servant a gentle smile, like a spring breeze. Her soft voice was filled with trust.

Logan clenched his fist.

The Princess is so beautiful and warm-hearted.

His loyalty made this situation unbearably difficult. He couldn’t stand seeing the noble Princess’s honor tarnished.

Yet he had to obey. The conflict between duty and emotion swirled within him.

Then there was a knock at the door. Joy hurried over and opened it, and Duke Shutal stood outside.

“Oh! Your Grace.”

Joy hesitated and looked back at Adela.

“Please, show him in.”

Adela left the window and walked to the center of the living room.

“I greet the Princess.”

Shutal greeted her with proper etiquette.

Just as the first time, Shutal was once again struck by Adela’s beauty.

Even in Lasve, where beauties abound, her face was captivating, but her aura was something different.

Elegance and nobility coexisted. She was a rare beauty.

“I did not expect you to come in person, Your Grace.”

Adela also greeted Shutal with courtesy.

“It is only proper etiquette for you, Princess. I will escort you myself.”

“Personally?”

“He’s a slave that’s difficult even for me to handle. Since the slave lacks manners, at least the master should be polite. Please be generous with my ill-mannered slave, for my sake.”

Shutal looked troubled.

“Even a popular slave is hard for his master to handle, it seems.”

Adela smiled softly.

“My apologies.”

“I didn’t mean it as criticism. I thought I’d have to visit several more times, but I’m grateful you agreed to meet today.”

Her manner was gentle yet dignified.

How can she be so flawless in every word and action?

She was a textbook example of royalty.

Shutal wasn’t mistaken. She was not the type to drag men into her bed for sleep.

Why would such a Princess want to become the lady of a gladiator slave?

Shutal’s regret grew stronger.

“Princess, must you meet my gladiator slave?”

Despite his handsome appearance, Braden’s rough words and actions would surely not respect this perfect Princess.

She was a foreign Princess he’d only met yesterday, but Shutal felt upset that she would be treated so poorly.

Meeting her in person, he realized all the praise did not fully reflect her true self.

She was different from the cold-blooded Emperor of the Sovaro Empire, who forced loyalty through power. She possessed the strength to inspire respect from the heart.

That was why he wanted to stop Adela from this reckless act. If it was mere curiosity, it was even more regrettable.

This one mistake would bring enormous repercussions.

“Please reconsider, Princess.”

But despite Shutal’s dissuasion, Adela’s voice was firm.

“Let’s go.”

***

Adela and Shutal entered Braden’s room.

No one was there.

“He must be washing up. He’ll be out soon.”

Shutal said.

“I’ll wait. Could you leave us for a moment?”

If she was going to make a contract with Braden, Shutal would have to know, but it was awkward to discuss the terms of the scandalous contract in his presence.

“Are you sure?”

His worried expression resembled Logan’s, and Adela couldn’t help but smile.

“Of course.”

“Then, take your time talking.”

Shutal left the room, and Adela removed her robe’s hood and slowly looked around.

The room was spacious. The bedroom and sitting room were in one space, and the furniture, though simple in design, was clearly made of luxurious materials for those with a keen eye.

It seemed the treatment of gladiators was not bad.

Just then, the bathroom door swung open.