The crowd gasped again, louder this time, their murmurs turning to shocked whispers. Lee didn't hesitate, he swung back, his fist arcing toward Han's stomach, powered by his boosted Strength and Speed. Han dodged, stepping back with a startled grunt, his eyes wide with disbelief. Lee was holding his own, and Han knew it.
The crowd's energy shifted, their whispers turning to excited chatter. "Did you see that?" someone hissed. "Lee almost hit him!" Han's face darkened, his smirk gone, replaced by a scowl. He hadn't expected this, Lee, the useless prince, keeping up with him. The realization was sinking in, and it was pissing him off. He rushed forward, his fists a blur, trying to end the fight fast, to reassert his dominance before the crowd started rethinking their bets.
But Lee's Perception was like a cheat code, reading every move, Han's slight lean to the left, the way his foot planted for a hook. Lee dodged again, weaving to the side, his body moving smoother than it ever had, his Agility keeping him just out of reach.
He saw his opening, Han's guard dropping as he overcommitted to a wild swing. Lee's muscles tensed, his fist coiling back, aimed straight for Han's stomach, every ounce of his Strength and Speed poured into the punch. The crowd held its breath, the air electric with anticipation, as Lee's fist shot forward, a blur of motion heading for its target.
Lee's fist crashed into Han's stomach, but instead of the satisfying thud he'd hoped for, a sharp jolt of pain shot through his knuckles, like he'd punched a brick wall. Han had cheated, coating his body in a shimmering layer of solidified mana, his smirk widening as Lee yelped, stumbling back and clutching his hand. The crowd's murmurs spiked, their eyes glinting with excitement at the turn. Han didn't let up, closing the gap with two lightning-fast punches to Lee's gut, his mana still hardened, each blow landing like a sledgehammer.
Lee doubled over, gasping, the air driven from his lungs, his vision swimming as pain radiated through his core. The crowd dispersed, their whispers fading into the academy's cobblestone courtyard, leaving only the sting of defeat and the ache in Lee's body.
Lara rushed to his side, her armor clinking as she knelt, her dark curls framing her concerned face. "Lee, you okay?" she asked, her voice sharp with worry. But when she saw his face, she froze. Despite the blood trickling from his lips, Lee was smiling, his teeth stained red but his eyes gleaming with a strange triumph. "See," he rasped, his voice rough but smug, "he used aura. I made him use aura." Before Lara could respond, his legs gave out, and he collapsed in a heap, the world fading to black.
****
That evening, Lee stirred in his bedroom, the familiar silk sheets soft against his bruised body. The room was bathed in the warm glow of candles, their flickering light casting shadows on the stone walls and velvet curtains. His head throbbed, his gut ached like he'd been hit by a truck, but he was alive.
As his eyes adjusted, he noticed the maid sitting on the edge of his bed, her soft brown eyes wide with concern, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her simple uniform hugged her frame, and her braid was slightly frayed, like she'd been there a while, watching over him.
When she saw him stir, she jumped to her feet, her cheeks flushing pink. "Your Highness!" she gasped, her voice trembling with apology. "I-I'm so sorry for sitting on your bed. I shouldn't have…" She bowed her head, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her apron, clearly mortified.
Lee managed a weak chuckle, wincing as pain shot through his ribs. "Chill, it's fine," he said, his voice hoarse but warm. "No need to apologize. How long you been sitting there, anyway?"
She hesitated, her blush deepening as she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "Almost an hour, Your Highness," she said shyly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was worried… after what happened at the academy."
Lee's chest warmed at her words, a flicker of pride cutting through the pain. An hour? That was dedication. "That's really sweet of you," he said, propping himself up on his elbows, ignoring the ache. "I appreciate it, for real." Her face lit up, her cheeks turning a brighter shade of pink, and Lee caught the way her eyes sparkled, like she wasn't used to being noticed.
"What's your name?" he asked, his tone gentle, curious. He leaned forward slightly, his white hair falling into his eyes.
"Zelda," she said, her voice soft but clear, her gaze flicking up to meet his before dropping again, shy and nervous.
"Zelda," he repeated, testing the name, liking how it sounded. "That's pretty. Hey, come sit back down." He patted the bed beside him, his smile easy despite the bruises. Zelda hesitated, her fingers twisting her apron, but when he nodded encouragingly, she perched on the edge of the bed, her posture stiff but her eyes warm.
Lee took a breath, his heart picking up speed. Zelda's shy glances, the way she'd lingered by his bed, screamed potential. "I know you like me," he said, keeping his voice low, teasing but kind. Zelda gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, her face turning scarlet. "It's okay," he added quickly, his grin widening. "I'm not mad or anything."
She swallowed, her voice barely audible. "I… I've liked you since I started working at the palace," she admitted, her eyes fixed on her lap. "But you never noticed me before."
"Well, I notice you now," Lee said, his voice softening. "And you're beautiful, Zelda. Seriously." Her head snapped up, her eyes wide with joy, her blush spreading to her ears. The sight made Lee's chest tighten, a mix of warmth and opportunity.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Would you mind if I kissed you?"
Zelda's breath hitched, her eyes shimmering. "I… I'd love that," she said, her voice trembling with excitement. Lee leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a gentle, tentative kiss, her warmth sending a jolt through him. Her lips were soft, her breath sweet, and when he pulled back, her face was radiant, her blush glowing in the candlelight.
A system panel flickered to life: