DEMON HUNT

Chapter 7: Ocean eyes I

On arriving home, Mario asked a lot of questions. He never mentioned the race, probably because of his loss. At midnight, Mario got up to train. Mari eventually woke up and began to watch him, without Mario's knowledge. When Mario eventually finishes, Mari applauds him.

Mari: You've got some clean sword moves.

Mario: You've been spying.

Mari: Spying? Nah. I'd rather call it "watching". I had my suspicions, but now I know who you really are.

Mario: What are you blabbing about?

Mari: Mario Cadel. You're a Daline.

Mario becomes shocked but keeps his composure.

Mario: Where'd you hear that?

Mari: I have my ways.

Mario: Did Toro tell you?

Mari: No, no. Toro wouldn't tell me something like that.

Mario: Well, you figured it out a bit too late, because I'm not a Daline anymore.

Mari: I know. Stupid "lesser twin" issue. I told them it was dumb.

Mario: Told who? What are you even talking about?

Mari: You good at keeping secrets?

Mario: It's not like I have anyone to tell.

Mari: I'm from a house that knows the rules of all the other houses. I'm a Real.

Mario looks at him in disbelief.

Mari: I'm Mari Gransbelle of house Real.

Mario: But that would mean...

Mari cuts in.

Mari: I'm currently third in line to the throne. At least I was, up until the day I walked away from it all.

Mario: You walked away from your identity as a member of the most important house in Malvay?

Mari laughs.

Mari: Yup. Before you ask a lot of questions, let me tell you this. I don't know the confidential stuff, so, don't go asking about your father and brother's death. If there is one person that hates the royal family, it's me. But now, I'm a hunter, and hunters don't bear the name of their houses. So, we're pretty much all the same as you. A lot of people do not know you're the late lord Mato's son. That's understandable, judging from the fact that you were pretty much never shown to the world. No offence. Remember though, no one can know about this.

Mario: Tch. I heard you before. But just keeping your secret for you seems too dull. How about a duel? If I win then the whole world gets to know who you really are, but if you win, things will stay the way they are.

Mari laughs at Mario.

Mari: A junior hunter challenging a CIT to a duel? There are a thousand and one others who would stand a better chance. I'll agree though, simply to satisfy your desire.

Mario: That's more like it. Winner will be decided by last man standing rules.

Mari: I'm not doing that. It's too dangerous.

Mario: Guess the world is about to find out the Prince is here.

Mari: Fine...but I'm gonna stop the moment your back hits the floor.

Mario: Optimistic much, but I don't think I'm going to lose this one.

Mari: So, your sword against my fists. That's fair enough. Actually, it's far from fair, since you're going to lose woefully, but let's just call it "fair".