They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 504: A Lack of a Head Start

Nnenna, sensing the growing storm, quickly shot Carl a pleading look, Stop. Please stop. Her eyes begged him to stop pushing Arthur’s buttons.

But before Carl could read her signals, Arthur cut in.

"Let’s begin," he said stiffly, like he was done trying to reason and had chosen to endure the circus.

Nnenna blinked, caught off guard by how quickly he changed direction. But when she saw him adjust his stance again, still that same casual pose like she posed no threat, she shook it off and moved to mirror him.

But of course, Carl wasn’t done.

"Wait, wait, wait." His voice rang out again, louder this time. "Begin what?"

Arthur didn’t answer.

Carl leaned forward, suspicion growing in his voice. "Don’t tell me... you want her to fight you?"

"Problem?" Arthur asked flatly, eyes still locked on Nnenna like Carl hadn’t just spoken. He didn’t expect an answer, didn’t care for one either. He was already waiting for Nnenna to make her move.

He knew what he was doing. He didn’t need validation. Not from Carl. Not from anyone.

But of course, Carl wasn’t done.

"Yes, actually. I do have a problem," Carl said, unfazed. He crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in his chair, every word dipped in sarcasm. "You’ve got, what? More than two decades of experience? And she’s only trained for a year. One year."

His voice was light, but the glare in his eyes was anything but.

"This fight isn’t fair!"

Tell me about it, Nnenna groaned inwardly, her eyes flicking from Carl to Arthur. Finally, someone said it out loud.

But no way was she voicing that. Not with Arthur standing right there like a mountain waiting to fall on her.

firm nod

The veins at his temple were beginning to show. His patience

the best way to test her," he said tightly. "I’ve already

controlled, but the

with disapproval. "I didn’t come here to watch

That was it.

tried. Truly,

there like they ran the place, like their opinions ruled over

two are clueless," he

across the training ground

"Her opponents? They’re powerful. The best of their level. The strongest among them

gave them both a sharp look, daring

up with elite instructors. Trained since childhood. They’ve had

turned slightly, gaze falling on Nnenna now, but his

from a kingdom where martial arts isn’t even part of the school curriculum. She may be a princess, yes, but your parents," he pointed directly at Somto, "gave her zero foundation. No tutors.

silence after

lowered, but

at least ten or twelve years of nonstop training.

They couldn’t.

unwavering. "She’s already at a disadvantage. If I don’t push her now,

held no trace of apology, only

Somto both

turned to Carl, a flicker of guilt crossed his eyes. Arthur wasn’t just being harsh,

A painfully good point.

taught the basics of martial arts from a young age. It wasn’t advanced training, sure, but it was something. A head

none of

not speak up, to not ruin his own carefully laid plans. To

Rose, Nnenna would still be

Arthur was right.