EREN ENTERS THE TOURNAMENT FOR MARRIAGE

The silence in the grand hall of the Nileges Empire was so absolute you could hear a pin drop. The high-ranking nobles looked as if they had just swallowed rocks. A slum-born brat, dressed in foul-looking, ragged clothes, had not only shown the divine power of the War God Alexus, but he was now actively demanding a princess's hand in marriage."Insolent brat!" the fat noble from before screamed, his face turning an angry shade of purple. "Guards! Execute him where he stands! He dares insult the royal bloodline!""Hold your weapons," King Alden commanded, his voice vibrating with absolute authority. The royal guards, who had taken two steps forward, instantly froze.The King stared down at Eren. He looked at the boy's spiky, vibrant blonde hair, his sharp golden eyes, and the sheer confidence radiating from his posture. Eren wasn't shaking. In fact, he was smirking, standing casually as if he owned the entire throne room."You have a bold tongue, Eren," King Alden said, leaning back into his throne, his eyes narrowing. "You speak of a marriage alliance as if you are a king yourself. A Magic Swordsman is a profound job, yes. But a job without achievements is just a title. Why should the Nileges Empire give you a princess when you have yet to shed blood for this country?""Because your army is losing," Eren replied bluntly, not pulling a single punch.The court gasped. Marine, standing to the side, felt her heart race. No one spoke to the King this way."The Demon King's blockade is starving the country," Eren continued, crossing his arms. The gold chains around his neck clinked together. "You want to leash me, put me on the front lines, and take the credit while my village continues to eat dirt. I'm not interested in being your shield. I'm going to destroy the Demon King. But if I'm risking my life on a cosmic scale, I want a real stake in this world. I want the royal bloodline."The Duke, Marine's father, stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of anger and calculating political intrigue. "Your Majesty... perhaps we can use this arrogance to our advantage. The boy wants a prize? Let him earn it through the traditional laws of the Empire."King Alden's lips curved into a harsh smile. "Very well. Eren of the slums. The Nileges Empire does not give away its royalty to unproven men. If you want a princess, you must prove your Magic Swordsman capabilities can back up your words."The King stood up, throwing his royal mantle back. "Three days from now, the Imperial Adventurer Selection begins in the capital arena. The strongest noble heirs and elite prodigies of the Empire will compete. Your trial is simple: Win the tournament. Defeat every challenger, secure the champion's title, and prove your strength to the world."The King paused, looking directly at Lady Marine, then back to Eren. "Do that, and I will grant you a betrothal to a daughter of high nobility, anchoring you to the crown. Fail... and you will be executed for high treason."Eren's smirk only grew wider. A tournament? Competing against arrogant noble kids? This was exactly like the PvP matches he used to dominate back in Skills Matters."It's a deal, King," Eren said, turning his back on the throne without even bowing. "Make sure the princess starts picking out her wedding dress. I'll see you in three days."As Eren walked out of the silent, stunned courtroom, Lady Marine watched his retreating back, her mind racing. A slum boy with blonde hair and the mark of a God was about to turn the entire Empire upside down.