The field nestled between the buildings was filled with people. Percy watched Hugo carefully. He didn't expect the man to try anything here, but he shifted away just in case.

"Why the vague answer? Are they planning to attack us or not?"

Hugo shrugged, spreading his arms a bit farther apart.

"I don't know. When you rule a rich land like this people want to take it from you. So the Count could have many enemies. One of them is probably you."

It wouldn't be the first time the Count had attacked Dema. The city had come under siege by the Count's forces years ago when Viscount Sion desired more freedom. Percy didn't know the details of it, but he bet it was more than just freedom.

The city walls around Dema were strong, and they were manned by skilled soldiers. He didn't know how powerful the Margrave's forces were. Stormsword was the heir of the Dyrakis Margrave.

"You do know something, but you're holding your mouth." Percy glared at the back of the man's head. "Maybe I should be a bit more forceful, or call my dad."

"Never thought I would be scared of a kid saying that," Hugo chuckled. "I hope your dad isn't going to Yarol to participate in the tournament."

He hadn't even thought about that. Thalos was easily the strongest fighter he knew, probably not the strongest, but he had yet to meet anyone that could beat his father. If Thalos participated in the tournament it could be an easy win.

"Can we focus on more important things? Like the literal war you were just talking about."

"Well, winning the tournament is my first step towards finding new work, so it's pretty important," Hugo said carefully. The grey-haired man made a worried gesture with his hand. "And I can't just tell you everything I know. Finding information was my most coveted skill."

"Wait, you said you worked for Duke Amphene. What happened to this employment? Mister I've got valuable skills."

"Well, after the fiasco with your mother, I was fired." Hugo sighed. "Duke Amphene was rather cross with me. I was allowed to live because I had done much for the family."

What in the mafia family is all this? Failure is death type of situation.

Percy put aside the strange methods of House Amphene.

"So how much are you selling this information? And keep in mind I'm a Viscount's kid, I have some money, not a lot."

Hugo waved his hand dismissively. There wasn't much the kid could offer him, but he was happy to meet Hecate's son. He turned slightly to study his pale face and half black, half white hair.

"You look just like your mother."

Percy frowned, a bit confused by the sudden words.

"Keep your sentimental stuff. Are you going to tell me how much you want?"

"I don't want anything," Hugo answered, grinning at the surprised look on his face. "Beat me in a foot race and I'll consider it."

Percy remained silent for a moment, stunned by the strange man. What was this guy's plan?

"Is this like a plan? You get me to race you to some secluded location then you kidnap me?"

"You're really paranoid, huh?"

"Just the right amount."

"Fine then," Hugo sighed. "We can have Thalos officiate. I just want to have some fun. I got money already, but I've been bored these last few days. I'm happy to meet you."

This had to be a joke somewhere. But Percy could understand the man, he also came to town for some excitement. He was interested in how someone got a name as cool as "Stormsword," and he wanted to try some local cuisine.

"Alright. I'll race you. When I win, you tell me who the Count of Yarol is building an army against."

Hugo nodded, a flash of excitement in his eyes.

"And when I win, you'll hop around on one foot and sing Happy Charm."

"The fuck is wrong with you man?" Percy asked, thoroughly shocked. "What kind of humiliation ritual is this?"

"You sound like an adult too much, you need to enjoy your childhood years. One day you'll be old and unemployed like me."

"That's a stretch, old man. Wait, are you even old? Why's your hair grey but you look young?"

Hugo rose to his feet, dusting off his cloak and hands with a smile. He held out a hand and offered him a weird, dramatic look.

"Are we doing this?"

"We are." Percy nodded. "But I'm not shaking your hand. Walk in front of me, we're going to meet Thalos."

○———○

"You really hate boredom don't you," Thalos asked Percy. "You just went out and found the Duke's deadliest shadow in the wild."

Percy took a look around the open field. A crowd surrounded the open track, where three half-naked men ran a long-distance race of a couple laps, kicking up dust with each powerful step.

"I don't know, this place doesn't seem like the wild."

"You know what I mean."

"Well I did go meet him by myself," he explained, "And he hasn't tried anything yet…"

Hugo stared at the two of them, with a nonchalant face.

"It's nice to see you too, Thalos. Not really, but I'll just say so."

Thalos turned towards the man with a flabbergasted face.

"Don't talk to me. Also what did I do to you? I've only seen you at a distance. The only reason I know who you were was because Hecate warned me."

"We did fight once. The ambush in the hallway of the Celeste castle," Hugo pointed out. "Rudest awakening of my life. Lost a couple friends in that massacre."

Thalos frowned, putting the memories together.

"That was you. Well, I hope you don't hold a grudge."

"Nope. It's fair game. What I do hold, is a deep desire to never have to fight you again. I hope I can keep that."

"That's nice and all but why are you racing my son!" Thalos exclaimed. "Don't you think that's a bit unfair? I remember you being quite quick… when you were running away."

Hugo rolled his eyes.

"Well we can make it more fair. I'll give him a head start. And I won't kick him while I try to overtake."

Percy almost glossed over that last part. He did a double take.

"When did it become fair to do that?"

"Those terms do sound fair," Thalos said, cradling his jaw as he thought. Percy stared at him in confusion, was he the only one that heard that last part? "Okay, Hugo. You're lucky I don't feel like fighting today. We'll take your deal."

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