Chapter 142: The Wager
Damiyala’s expression stiffened, but since Tyr had mentioned that he would invite her later, it didn’t appear rude. However, being subtly rejected after making herself so available was undoubtedly uncomfortable for anyone, especially for someone like Damiyala, who attracted attention wherever she went.
Tyr nodded apologetically to Damiyala, who sighed inwardly afterward and remained silent.
The surrounding nobles were already speechless at this person named 123. Truly, each generation seemed to surpass the last in eccentricity. Nowadays, even when a beautiful woman offered herself as a dance partner, she was rejected, and yet this person still aimed for higher challenges. What’s more, he confidently insisted on raising the stakes.
“Let’s get back to the point. My bet is simple. It’s obvious to anyone that inviting Miss Yuehai to dance is quite challenging. So, without further ado, let’s bet on whether I, 123, can invite Miss Yuehai to dance!”
“Heh heh.” Someone in the crowd sneered, but no one paid attention. Dimidar’s expression turned odd. He felt like something was amiss, but under the watchful eyes of everyone, he couldn’t back down. With confidence, he replied, “Alright!”
“Then it’s time to set the terms. If I lose, I’ll abide by any one thing that Lord Dimidar decides. But if I win, Lord Dimidar will have to do the same for me. How about it?”
“Any one thing.” The stakes were quite high, and Dimidar squinted slightly, showing some hesitation. It was like two businessmen gambling over a single gold coin, where they would laugh it off regardless of the outcome. However, if the stakes were raised to ten thousand gold coins, they would become cautious and suspicious, even if the result seemed obvious.
“Alright! I agree!” Dimidar had traversed numerous political circles and knew that many people liked to bluff. Obviously, the other party’s unreasonable gamble was meant to make him back down. But Dimidar, of all people, wouldn’t fear a mere commoner.
Tyr’s smile widened, and he said calmly, “Then let’s begin the divine oath!”
Divine oath! It seemed this madman was serious. Dimidar’s expression stiffened, but having come this far, he couldn’t suddenly back down. After all, it was his own idea, and retracting now because of a few words from the other party would invite relentless mockery from his noble friends. That was something he couldn’t accept. So, steeling himself, Dimidar accepted Tyr’s divine oath.
After the divine oath was complete, the gazes of everyone present changed once again. From initial mockery, their expressions turned into ones of keen interest. Regardless of the outcome, it promised to be quite entertaining for them.
Damiyala sighed inwardly nearby, wondering if this Mr. 123 had a penchant for divine oaths. It seemed he couldn’t stand arguing with someone without resorting to a divine oath.
Obviously, Tyr was also developing this tendency. Divine oaths were indeed quite effective; they could place you on equal footing with nobles or even those of higher status.
“Alright, since Lord Dimidar is so quick-witted, I won’t hesitate!” Tyr smiled as he was about to stride towards Yuehai and the others. However, Diaz intercepted him, shaking his head slightly.
“Let me go first.”
“……..” Tyr felt a chill down his spine. He thought, “What’s the meaning of this dramatic expression, Lord Diaz? Do you think I’m willing to make a glorious sacrifice?”
Dimidar chuckled and added, “Yes, Mr. 123 should naturally go last, let Mr. Diaz and me go first to find out more.”
“Check things out!” Tyr cursed silently. “I’ll deal with you later.”
Under the gaze of most onlookers, Diaz and Dimidar walked side by side.
One headed towards Jinlisi, and the other towards Leia.
Leia, though usually by Lord Claude’s side addressing him as ‘Your Excellency,’ hailed from a long line of military generals who had safeguarded the Cyril Principality for generations. Her family had contributed countless merits to the principality. Now, among the three semi-gods known within the principality, one was a venerable ancestor from Leia’s family.
Diaz was naturally unaware, but Leia’s noble and spirited demeanor caught his eye. He thought she must be someone of significance.
Diaz was the first to arrive. Disregarding the gazes of others, he bowed slightly to Leia and extended his right hand. With an elegant demeanor, he flashed a charming smile and softly asked, “Would the beautiful lady honor me with a dance?”
Leia was slightly taken aback. She hadn’t expected someone to invite her to dance, and this person seemed somewhat familiar. The numerous holes in Diaz’s clothing puzzled her. However, out of politeness, she found it difficult to refuse. After all, this was her Duke’s birthday celebration, and she couldn’t let him be embarrassed.
Leia smiled and nodded, glancing at Yuehai. After receiving Yuehai’s confirmation, Leia took Diaz’s hand and walked towards the dance floor.
Yuehai nodded slightly. Well done, Lord Diaz still has some charm. Leading our Leia sister away makes him a bit of a hero. Then she turned her head, and on the other side, Dimidar also extended an invitation to Jinlisi.
However, the other party clearly had no intention of accepting. She smiled and shook her head, making Dimidar’s face turn beet red in embarrassment. His expression was so comical that Yuehai almost burst out laughing.
Disappointed, Dimidar returned to the crowd, where everyone seemed to take pleasure in his misfortune. However, Tyr lightly patted Dimidar on the back and said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll go ask Miss Yuehai for a dance now.”