Chapter 15: Making an Albino Fight Me in the Arena?

I’ve Met Many Geniuses, But They All Call Me a Genius

"Why are so many people missing this time?"

"I heard the rebels have a mage now. That mage unleashed several terrifying spells that our soldiers couldn't withstand?"

"Then... what was the outcome? Did Lord Holdo successfully suppress the rebellion?"

"Not at all. The lord had to retreat to prevent further casualties."

"Oh no... does that mean those rebels might attack us? And with a mage..."

"That's hard to say."

After Holdo returned to his territory, many people learned about the situation and began discussing it.

At Thunderkeep, the physicians had received Holdo's orders to treat the wounded soldiers. During the treatment, one physician directly informed Holdo about Jonas bringing an Albino as a retainer and treating her sister's Black Toxin disease.

Upon hearing this, Holdo's already foul mood turned explosive.

"What? Jonas took an Albino as his retainer? And is treating her sister's Black Toxin disease? This is outrageous! He's gone too far this time - playing around outside is one thing, but bringing them back?"

He immediately ordered a nearby soldier: "Go summon Jonas! This disgraceful behavior tarnishes our Regin Family's reputation!"

Before the soldier could move, Jonas appeared. "No need to summon me, Father. I'm here."

Jonas' confident demeanor was unlike his usual dispirited self, which slightly puzzled Holdo. But puzzlement aside, Holdo demanded: "How dare you show your face? Have you considered the consequences of bringing an Albino here to treat Black Toxin disease?"

Jonas smiled faintly and countered: "Have you considered what times we're living in, Father?"

"What times? What nonsense are you spouting?"

"The Empire's situation is something you understand better than I do. With war looming, small territories like ours could be wiped out at any moment under large-scale conflicts."

Holdo studied Jonas with surprise, as if seeing his son for the first time. Since his son had shown such incompetence years ago, Holdo had barely interacted with him, focusing instead on nurturing Slynda. Hearing these words from Jonas now was startling.

"So? What's your point?"

Instead of answering directly, Jonas asked: "Do you know why this suppression campaign went so badly?"

Holdo replied: "Because those damned rebels had a mage."

Jonas shook his head. "Not entirely. The Empire is declining, yet its people remain arrogant, strengthening autonomy while facing external threats and internal troubles. That mage who defeated you was probably from a race you despise, wasn't he? What if next time they have two mages?"

Holdo retorted: "So that justifies you recruiting an Albino retainer?"

"Yes. In these turbulent times, we should recruit all talents to strengthen ourselves. Only then can we survive the chaos, even expand our territory. Not cling to racial prejudice and isolate ourselves. Holding onto this small territory of a few thousand - one major war could destroy us."

Holdo fell silent, reassessing his son. Perhaps he hadn't been as incompetent as believed.

Seeing his father waver, Jonas pressed on: "Besides, aren't labels of 'inferior' or 'cursed' races just written by the victors? Had another race unified the empire a millennium ago, wouldn't Imperial people be called the inferior ones? With war imminent, strength and talent will decide the future."

He'd need to gradually change his father's mindset to recruit talents from other races.

"You..." Holdo frowned. Though blunt, Jonas' words held truth.

"Even so, what use is one Albino?"

Jonas stated plainly: "Sister is hailed as this region's sword prodigy. But the Albino Olivia's sword talent surpasses hers by several levels."

"What? Impossible!"

"Nothing's impossible. If you doubt it, let them duel in the arena."

At that moment, Slynda entered clad in armor, looking valiant. She scoffed: "You want an Albino to fight me in the arena? This is insulting! Hah... though I will say, Jonas, you've grown bolder with your words."

The formerly timid Jonas now spoke with confidence. He produced the prepared Frostclear sword and declared: "Then dear sister, shall we make a wager? If you defeat my Albino, this sword is yours. If you lose, you'll keep quiet about this matter and transfer one of your squads to me."

Slynda coveted the Frostclear - as a sword fanatic, fine blades entranced her. But pride made her retort: "Why should I wager with you?"

Jonas smirked. "Tsk... as an Imperial, you won't even face an Albino in the arena?"

The obvious provocation worked perfectly. Slynda's brow furrowed sharply. "What did you say?"

"You heard me."

"Fine! I'll fight your Albino. But don't go back on your word, and don't expect mercy! Pray your so-called retainer doesn't end up crippled! Useless fool!"

Jonas shrugged indifferently, then asked Holdo: "Father, your thoughts?"

"Proceed. Afterwards, abandon this foolish notion. Albinos are fit only as slaves, not retainers. And should anything... unfortunate occur today, she won't even remain a slave." Clearly, he expected no mercy from Slynda.

Meanwhile at the arena...

Olivia stood calmly with her iron sword. Nearby, her sister Phil watched anxiously in her dress. "Be careful, sis!"

"Don't worry."

Under her master's guidance, she'd transformed. Never had she imagined her master would prove both the strongest fighter and best teacher. Remembering their training sessions made Olivia's cheeks flush pink.

Soon Jonas' group arrived at the arena, drawing a crowd.

"An Albino challenging Lady Slynda?"

"Isn't that suicide? How could such inferior beings challenge our lady?"

"Heard Jonas took her as a retainer too. An Albino? A noble's retainer? Hah... ridiculous. Why does Young Master Jonas keep causing such scandals?"

"Let's go watch!"