I got transmigrated with Incubus system-Chapter 19: The Trial 1

The hallway to the Trial arena was packed with all kinds of people—nobles pushing to get better spots, guards keeping everyone in line, and servants rushing around with last-minute prep.

You could feel the excitement in the air, like everyone was holding their breath for what was about to happen.

Arthur and Elliot walked through the crowd, and people actually moved out of their way.

Unlike before when Arthur would go pretty much unnoticed at tournaments, today people stopped talking mid-sentence to stare at him. Some looked curious, others seemed suddenly respectful.

"Something's different," Elliot said quietly, noticing how people were reacting. "They're looking at you in a new way."

"Good," Arthur said. "Let them wonder about it."

The hallway opened into a big waiting area where different groups had gathered before entering the main arena.

Arthur could easily spot who was who—Ironwood supporters wearing red armbands were hanging out near the east entrance, talking loudly and confidently about how Gareth was definitely going to win; Blackrose agents with small black rose pins on their collars were strategically placed around the room, watching everything carefully; and regular people who got lucky with lottery tickets or knew someone important were just excited to see the show, no matter who won.

Near the servants' entrance, Arthur saw Lily with a group of palace maids. While her friends were chatting excitedly, she just stood there quietly, hands clasped in front of her, scanning the crowd. When she spotted Arthur, she immediately perked up, blushing.

Arthur gave her a small nod—a quiet acknowledgment of their special connection—and she automatically touched her heart in response.

```

[Harem Bond: Lily]

[Status: Stable 98%]

[Emotional State: Worry 45%, Devotion 100%]

[Special Ability: Precision Focus Submission Strike Available]

```

Seeing how loyal she was centered him, reminding Arthur of the power their connection gave him.

Lily had been his first in this world, and she was still completely devoted to him—a solid foundation for everything else he was building.

Over in the nobles' section, Valentina was drawing attention without trying. Her deep burgundy dress showed just enough to catch the eye without breaking court rules, hugging her curves before flowing elegantly to the floor.

Unlike other nobles who brought entourages, she stood alone, which only emphasized her unique position at court.

When they made eye contact, Valentina made a subtle signal with her fan—tapping it against her palm three quick times before closing it.

This was their pre-arranged signal confirming that Bainbridge's assistant had been taken care of, so there wouldn't be any surprise changes to the Trial setup.

Arthur kept scanning the crowd and spotted Beatrice among the Academy students. Unlike before when she'd greet him super enthusiastically, today she stood with her arms crossed, looking both hurt and fascinated.

When she noticed him looking at her, she quickly glanced away before looking back, clearly torn between curiosity and disappointment.

```

[Potential Harem Member: Beatrice]

[Bond Progress: 60% (stalled)]

[Emotional State: Disappointment 75%, Curiosity 85%, Desire 45%]

[Status: Requires attention post-Trial]

```

"The Academy students seem really interested in today's outcome," Arthur commented to Elliot. "Maybe I should do a special lecture for them after I win."

Elliot followed Arthur's gaze to Beatrice and frowned slightly. "My sister has been really dedicated to her studies, my lord."

"And I plan to reward that dedication," Arthur replied, leaving Elliot looking both concerned and confused.

Before they could keep talking, a final trumpet blast echoed through the waiting area.

The huge doors to the arena swung open, revealing the sunny space beyond. Guards started directing spectators to their seats, clearing the path for the royal participants.

"It's time, my lord," Elliot said, giving a formal bow. "I need to join the other squires now."

"Thanks, Elliot," Arthur replied. "Watch carefully today. You'll see things you never thought were possible."

As Elliot left, Arthur stood alone at the entrance to the arena, getting ready for the moment that would change everything.

The Royal Trial Arena stretched out in front of Arthur like a massive stone bowl, easily holding thousands of spectators in the rising rows of seats.

Originally built hundreds of years ago for actual fights to the death, the arena had been repurposed for Tournament events and fancy magic displays. Today, it was getting back to something closer to its original purpose.

Magic barriers shimmered between the arena floor and the audience—see-through walls of energy to protect spectators from wild magic.

The floor itself had been specially prepared, with detailed runes carved into the stone to boost elemental abilities.

Arthur noticed how the patterns favored fire magic, with salamander symbols prominently featured throughout the design.

On a raised platform at the north end sat King Roderick and Queen Isolde on matching thrones. The king looked tired, his once-powerful body weakened by illness and age.

Beside him, Queen Isolde still looked striking despite getting older—her beauty preserved by either great genes or subtle magic, depending on which court rumors you believed.

Arthur was surprised to notice the queen watching him with unusual intensity, looking thoughtful rather than dismissive.

Unlike previous court events where she had barely acknowledged his existence, today her eyes followed him with clear interest.

```

[Potential Target Detected: Queen Isolde]

[Initial Analysis: Neglect 85%, Curiosity 70%, Loneliness 90%]

[Vulnerability: High]

```

The system's assessment surprised him but was interesting. Queen Isolde—Gareth's mother and traditionally his biggest supporter—might not be as committed to her son's succession as everyone thought.

Arthur filed this away for later. If he survived today, the queen's potential vulnerability could be useful.

A roar erupted from the eastern side of the arena as Gareth made his entrance. His brother had always understood showmanship, and today was no exception.

Gareth walked through the arched gateway surrounded by spiraling flames that grew higher with each step, his bright red cloak dramatically billowing behind him.

The Ironwood supporters stomped and cheered as the fire formed a massive lion's head above him, roaring silently before dissolving into sparks.

The display was impressive—clearly designed to intimidate and show off the power that most people expected would win the day. Spectators gasped and applauded, exactly as Gareth wanted.

Arthur chose a different approach. As he stepped through the western entrance, he projected quiet confidence instead of flashy power.

He wore no cloak that might get in the way, his clothes practical despite being formal. The sunlight caught his auburn hair and lit up his face, where a slight smile played across his lips.

Though he didn't use any obvious magic, people nearest the entrance might notice the subtle golden gleam in his eyes—a brief flash that most would think was just reflected sunlight rather than power.

The contrast between the brothers couldn't have been more obvious—Gareth with his dramatic fire and obvious strength, Arthur with his measured steps and mysterious composure.

The crowd's reaction to Arthur was more subdued but still significant—whispers of surprise and speculation rather than cheers.

As he approached the center of the arena, Arthur studied his brother more carefully.

Behind the confident smile and elaborate fire display, Arthur noticed something concerning—red veins visible at Gareth's neck, pulsing beneath the skin, and his eyes burned too bright, almost feverish in their intensity.

```

[Anomaly Detected: Prince Gareth]

[Analysis: Possible magical enhancement/stimulant]

[Threat Level: Increased]

[Warning: Unpredictable magical discharge possible]

```

Arthur's suspicions grew. Had Gareth taken something to boost his abilities? Such things existed—magical stimulants that temporarily increased power at the cost of control and long-term health.

If Gareth had resorted to that, it showed both his desperation and unpredictability.

The brothers took their positions on opposite sides of the central circle, facing each other across twenty paces of rune-carved stone.

Gareth's smile had nothing brotherly about it—just the pleasure of a predator about to make a kill.

"You should have backed out when you had the chance, brother," Gareth called out, his voice carrying across the arena. "It would have been less embarrassing."

Arthur kept his calm expression. "And deprive everyone of such an eye-opening demonstration? I wouldn't dream of it."

Gareth's smile faltered slightly at Arthur's confidence, the flames around his fingers flaring higher as he got irritated.