Just before the tournament, the Emperor made his decree opening the tournament. While his wife was there, he had ordered that I recuperate alone in my home until the big match with Consort Mao. In the days leading up to it, Jing had come to see them privately. He was shocked and a bit nervous when he saw them unwrapped. "You can not be serious! I can't present these two to the people as my children!" he snapped at me. "Yes. That is why I told you not to make them the crown prince. However, you have already claimed them. I expect you understand what that means." He looked at me blankly. I rolled my eyes. "It means that you are responsible for them, my lord." I told him. He sighed and said "I guess... if we can... keep them wrapped up... we can keep it a secret." I nodded. "In the meantime, will you take them out to see the tournament, or not?" I asked. He balked and said "The children will stay here with you." That made sense. "Take Bao out with you. I promised that she would attend you next if she kept quiet." He frowned, but nodded at me anyway. He was being obedient.
The next day, Bao came to me as I was looking at the children. She looked happy. "Emperor Wang Jing allowed me to attend to him." I nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. He is a very generous kid deep down." She nodded and I smirked at her. "You're welcome." I said. She looked at me in awe before leaving the room. Analim came in soon after and spent time cooing at the children. "Dabriel, since we entered the harem, my wings have actually been getting lighter." It made sense. Analim was waited on hand and foot and therefore had all day to do nothing but create art and be patient. Since that was his original virtue, Analim was actually recovering. The art itself was kept in their room. The humility probably helped as well. "I'm glad to hear it. Stay humble and patient. As long as you stay hidden, you will be safe." Analim nodded. I did have a question for him. "Speaking of, are you going to go participate in the tournament? If it was the sword tournament, you might win." Analim shook their head. "I was never the best at it. You know it was you giving up that allowed me to take the rank I did." they said.
On the day of the tournament, I took my male form and checked out my weapons. My man was equipped with the three Glass arrow quivers, a bow and an Ebony jian as well for close contact. I then snuck out my window and ran around until I left the harem quarters. I walked through the city and found the place where the participants were signing up. I signed my angel name on the paper and got ready. The preliminary round of the sword tournament was going on at the moment. I was given several opponents at once to determine who would be in the tournament. All of the matches of the tournament were to the death to discourage weaklings from getting in. I just sighed as I quickly dispatched them in quick order. They were no match for me. I was able to get in the tournament easily. The first rounds were short as I near instantly cut down the men that were place against me. There was no way I could lose. That was the end of the first day. I made it back to the house and transformed back. I got back into my room and checked on the children again. I would have to do it again tomorrow.
