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He looked at the bracelets that were on his wrists and cursed, being damned in these shackles and not being able to break free. The weight of the chains reminded him of his powerlessness, amplifying his frustration and anger. Jaegar had searched for ways and asked around the arena among the slaves, but he couldn\'t get any answers, not that he hoped he would get any.

He just tried his luck to see if he could get anyone who would have heard about such bracelets.

Among the slaves, there were a variety of people present, and it made him want to ask around. But still, he couldn\'t get the answer he was looking for. He took his anger out in the arena.

Though, when he was out of the arena, he couldn\'t even touch a fly. These noble bastards were getting on his nerves, and all he wanted for them was to burn, and he wanted to be the one to do that.

Up in the mansion, Kaeso and Drasus engaged in a conversation about Jaegar\'s future.

Seated in the hall, with women dressed in transparent clothing serving them drinks, Kaeso spoke confidently, his gaze fixed on the visibly angered Drasus. "I\'ve invested in him, and he\'s a capable gladiator," Kaeso stated matter-of-factly.

Kaeso caught a woman\'s hand who was standing by his side, made her sit on his lap, looked Drasus in the eye, and continued, "We all indulge in such affairs while our wives remain oblivious. I suggest you do the same and move on with your wife. It\'s for the best in your married life, if you wish to continue."

Drasus brows flinched at the way Kaeso was speaking to him. Status-wise, they both held equal positions; if we have to say, Kaeso had more than Drasus. But Drasus had the backing of Kimon, Alatara\'s father.

Drasus, grappling with his emotions, listened to Kaeso\'s words. He knew the truth about them, as he had his own share of extramarital affairs. Kaeso continued, "I want that young man alive. If he\'s dead, I lose a great asset. So, I advise you to keep your anger in check and leave."

Drasus, realizing the weight of Kaeso\'s words, finally spoke. "Kaeso, I\'ve only heard of you until now. Talking to you, I can tell you\'re a shrewd man."

Kaeso countered, "If I\'m shrewd, then what does that make you, Lord Drasus? Don\'t be narrow-minded. We should all think beyond and do what\'s best for us."

As the conversation unfolded in the dimly lit hall of the mansion, Kaeso aimed to exploit Drasus\'s vulnerabilities and ensure Jaegar\'s survival. He saw this as an opportunity to poke Drasus and gain another favour from Alatara.

Drasus was known for his pride and military merits in the kingdom. He had been a successful knight-commander, having a regiment under him.

With an air of calculated diplomacy, Kaeso leaned forward and spoke in a measured tone, "Lord Drasus, I understand your anger and your sense of betrayal. But let us not allow this singular incident to unravel the threads of our understanding. You see, I value our relationship, as allies and noblemen. Jaegar, though a formidable gladiator, is but a pawn in our larger game."

Drasus, torn between rage and the rationality presented by Kaeso, furrowed his brow. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the expressions that played across his face. Kaeso, ever perceptive, seized the moment to press further.

"I assure you, my lord, that disposing of Jaegar would be a loss on my part. Think about it - his prowess in the arena brings glory to the houses. An esteemed gladiator, a symbol of our power and influence. Killing him would be a rash decision, one that would echo beyond the walls of this mansion," Kaeso explained, his words a delicate dance of persuasion.

Drasus cursed inwardly, \'Not my house but yours, you greedy pig.\'

But he didn\'t show it on his face, he continued, sensing the weight of Kaeso\'s reasoning, and reluctantly conceded, "You make a point, Kaeso. But I cannot simply ignore this transgression."

Kaeso nodded sagely, "Of course, my lord. We must address the issue at hand. I propose a compromise that will serve our mutual interests. Spare Jaegar\'s life and I will take it upon myself to handle the repercussions within our circles. In return, you can be assured that your marital affairs remain confidential, protected by the discretion of our longstanding alliance."

The cunning lord\'s proposal hung in the air, a delicate balance of diplomacy and intrigue. Drasus, contemplating the potential fallout, considered the offer carefully. Kaeso continued to weave his web, knowing that the key to success lay in Drasus\'s fear of scandal.

"Imagine the consequences, Lord Drasus, if word were to spread of a feud between our houses. The prestige we\'ve cultivated, the alliances we\'ve forged – all jeopardized by a single act of vengeance," Kaeso cautioned, his voice low and persuasive.

Drasus, haunted by the implications, nodded reluctantly. "Very well, Kaeso. Spare Jaegar\'s life, but ensure that he understands the gravity of his actions. As for my wife, I trust your discretion."

Kaeso, triumphant in his manipulation, extended a hand in agreement. "A wise decision, my lord. You have my word that Jaegar will be dealt with appropriately, and the matter will be resolved without tarnishing the reputation of our esteemed houses."

With that, the deal was struck, and Kaeso had achieved his objective – securing Jaegar\'s survival and maintaining the delicate balance of power and reputation. As the two noblemen concluded their discussions, Jaegar remained imprisoned in the dungeon, unaware of the intricate negotiations transpiring on his behalf.

*

In the following days, Kaeso visited the dungeon to see Jaegar, and the heavy chains that bound him now serve as a testament to the consequences of his actions. The gladiator, brought before Kaeso, awaited his fate.

"Jaegar," Kaeso began, his tone measured, "you stand at a crossroads. Your recent actions have jeopardised not only your life but the delicate equilibrium between our houses. However, I am a fair man, and I believe in second chances."

Jaegar, uncertain of what lay ahead, kept his gaze fixed on Kaeso.

"I have negotiated on your behalf, convincing Lord Drasus to spare your life," Kaeso announced with a calculated air as he paced around Jaegar, who remained on his knees. The dungeon\'s cold stone walls echoed with the weight of the conversation, a clandestine dance beneath the surface of noble machinations.

As Kaeso circled Jaegar, he continued, "Jaegar, now that I\'ve secured your existence, perhaps you can enlighten me. Where did you come from? What is your true identity?" Kaeso\'s motivation went beyond mere benevolence – the mysterious bracelets adorned on Jaegar\'s wrists fueled his curiosity. He believed that someone with such ancient relics must be more than a common gladiator. Your next read is at m v|l-e\'-NovelBin.net

Jaegar, bound in chains, raised an incredulous eyebrow. "You call this help?" he retorted, his disdain evident in the defiance of his gaze.

Kaeso chuckled, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Well, I saved your life."

He pointed at the chains, "A small inconvenience, don\'t you think? What were you expecting?"

Jaegar, unyielding in his resistance, spat on the cold dungeon floor, a symbolic gesture of defiance.

Kaeso, seemingly amused, stepped aside, making way for an elderly woman adorned in white and gold attire. Her presence commanded respect, the weight of years etched onto her face through a tapestry of wrinkles. Ornate jewellery adorned her neck, ears, and head, signifying her elevated status.

The old woman, her gaze carrying a mystical wisdom, approached Jaegar with deliberate steps. She halted before him, the clinking of her jewellery echoing in the stillness of the dungeon. Her eyes, deep and penetrating, studied Jaegar as if peering into the depths of his very soul.

"Speak, young one," she commanded, her voice resonating with authority and ancient knowledge. "Who are you, and what secrets do the enchanted bracelets conceal?"

Jaegar, though defiant, felt an inexplicable connection with the old woman. Her aura exuded a mystique that transcended the confines of the dungeon. But he remained silent, staring at her.

The elderly woman, shrouded in an air of ancient wisdom, knelt before Jaegar, her eyes fixated on the mysterious bracelets adorning his wrists. With a deliberate touch, she reached out, and at the contact, her eyes turned an eerie white, while a subtle, purple glow enveloped the enchanted artefacts.

In response, Jaegar felt an immediate and excruciating tightening of the grip on his wrists. His arms convulsed, veins darkening with a sinister shade of black and red. The pain surged through him, prompting involuntary groans as he writhed against the torment.

The sudden reaction startled the old woman, causing her to be forcefully pushed back. Guards rushed to her aid, and Kaeso, equally concerned, hurried to her side, "Are you all right?"

Still reeling from the shock, the woman murmured, "Y-you, who are you?" She stuttered as she stared at him in bewilderment.