Winner Takes All

The news of the erection of a new statue at the City square raged for three days and spread across the thirteen cities of the Kingdom. There were even Huns who blasphemed and doubted the King's decision to erect this monument.

As the uproar started to elevate within the thirteen cities, even some of the royal advisors began to speak up against the King on his decision. It was only through the determination of King Hun that continued to heavily suppress any opposition to his decision.

It was the fourth day and the night was dark. The blizzard that night was particularly intense. However, it did not affect the Hun citizens who gathered in the capital city.

After three days of white-hot public speculations, it was time for King Hun to reveal the truth. In these three days, some even tried to use their influence to find out the identity of the eighth hero. However, under the strong oppression of the King, he managed to suppress all the demands and protect the identity.

All the workers of the statue and the guards had been sworn to secrecy personally by the King with the threat of their lives should they leak out the identity of the eighth national hero. That was why in these three days, no information leaked out about the identity of the new statue.

The capital city was brightly lit even in the dark of the night. After three days of public debate, now the citizens gathered in the capital city and there was a festive mood in the air.

The southern gates to the city opened and Joseph, Charley and the rest entered the city along with the Huns. They were initially worried about how they should enter the city but now King Hun greatly relaxed the security to facilitate the celebrations. Very soon, all of them entered the city without any hindrance.

The crowd dispersed after entering the city and it was no longer that crowded.

Charley stretched himself and then joked, "I thought that we would be questioned and searched but we simply entered with the citizens."

"The news had festered and caused too much of an uproar. Now the citizens are all restless for the truth."

Joseph was solemn and calmly said, "This is of great importance to the Huns. The King is trying to establish a character of reverence in the hearts of the Huns. However, the secretive manner in which he is doing this has caused much restlessness amongst the citizens."

After rubbing his hands, he joked again, "After all, we can't have them worship our ancestors, right?" Charley and the rest exchanged looks and grinned.

After looking around, Joseph calmly said, "Let's look for a place to wait for the rest to gather. Then we'll assign the tasks accordingly."

The few of them quickly looked for a spot near the south gate and waited patiently for the rest to arrive. Very soon, there was a familiar face that appeared amid the crowd.

At the same moment inside Cynthia's bedroom in the palace.

There was a lingering fragrance and anticipation in the atmosphere.

Jack was standing in front of a huge mirror and was in good spirits although he still looked slightly pale. Cynthia was beside him with another servant who dressed Jack up while Amanda looked happily and remarked, "You're so handsome, Sir!"

Jack grinned as he looked at himself

in the mirror and his mind started to drift. This was perhaps the first time that he looked at himself in detail after he had lost his memories. Jack had chiseled good looks, his eyes looked fierce while his expression was stern and unlike a man of his age. His hair had grown and was trimmed by Cynthia and neatly combed.

His posture was statesman-like and looked magnificent in the Huns military uniform which was carefully prepared by Cynthia. Even Cynthia could not help but look eagerly at Jack. She was initially attracted to Jack because of his military prowess. But now she noticed how handsome and dashing Jack was which made her emotions stir within her. Unknowingly, Cynthia's heart

yel

began to race and she could see herself looking sheepishly at him. She began to blush in

embarrassment.

"Cynthia, why are you blushing?" Amanda asked curiously.

Cynthia froze just as she put on the cumber band for Jack and was about to do a final check on his uniform when she stammered embarrassingly, "What? What? No... I'm not!" Cynthia denied vigorously. However, she was unconvincing as she stammered guiltily. Jack turned and looked towards the flustering Cynthia and grinned. As soon as Cynthia saw Jack's grin, she became more flustered and blushed

even more.

"Sir, look, Cynthia's face is redder now!" Amanda looked with her eyes wide open as she pointed out to Jack. Though Amanda was more matured than her peers, she was still a naive child.

"Amanda..." Cynthia dashed towards

Amanda and covered her mouth

with her hand. She then stroked Amanda's nose and then said, "Stop it kid, or I will get angry." Amanda looked on with her eyes wide open and then quickly shook her head.

When Jack noticed Cynthia's actions of stroking Amanda's nose, his smile waned and his thoughts began to wander. That familiar gesture evoked a strong emotion once again.

'Why was this gesture so familiar? Who was it?' Jack wondered.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Cynthia noticed Jack's daze and quickly reacted as she smiled, "Okay now, don't try to recall otherwise you'll get the severe headaches again. Remember, today's your moment of glory. You must not be distracted!"

"I know." Jack came to his senses and nodded as he relaxed his clenched fists.

Cynthia walked slowly towards Jack and carefully straightened and adjusted Jack's uniform. Her gentle and detailed actions were graceful and made her look even more beautiful. Jack looked at her and was mesmerized by her.

"In the entire history of the Huns, never was one person bestowed with three of the highest honors. Only my man could do it!" Cynthia said proudly.

Jack was pleased when he heard it.

"Top Warrior of the Huns, General of the South, Eighth Hero of the Huns. These are the honor bestowed by King Hun. Today all the Huns will bask in your glory and will look up to the hero that will bring forth their glorious future!"

Thereafter, Cynthia tiptoed and whispered into Jack's ears. Her warm breath caused his ears to instantly blush in red. Then, she whispered affectionately, "Can you promise me something? Tonight, I want you to be my man."

Jack's eyes lit up and then calmly replied, "Okay."