Chapter 79

　　Walking through the city streets, Kal could feel the spectator`s eyes following him. Wearing his black bodysuit, he was helmetless, allowing everyone to see his face.

　　Violence was forbidden in the arena`s host city, meaning everyone there would automatically be switched from bodysuits or combat uniforms to civilian clothing. Kal thought it was a not-so-subtle attempt to have people purchase cosmetics with real-world credits since no one wanted to be seen in plain tops and nondescript pants.

　　Kal`s height, handsome face, perfectly proportioned noble`s body, and the fact that he was one of the few Pilots allowed to retain their suit, a privilege granted to the preliminary winners, meant he drew attention.

　　Ignoring the stares, Kal followed the waypoint leading him to Ty and his former companions. He had told him that he would meet and catch up for an hour or two. He didn`t have many friends outside the handful he had left on Caledon, and it would be nice to interact with people who didn`t see him as a Noble Baron that ruled their planet.

　　As he walked, a shorter woman came out of the crowd, pushing her way through the throng and stopping in front of him. Wearing jeans and a shirt with the Mechtech Battlewarrior` logo on the front, Staff` was written prominently on the chest.

　　"Merit! My name is Christina, and I represent the tournament organizers. I need a moment-" Kal cut her off before she could continue.

　　"I apologize, but no, I`m not interested," Kal stated, not slowing down.

　　"But it`s in your contract!" Christina shouted, her words causing Kal to stop and turn toward her.

　　"Contract?" Kal asked, frowning. He didn`t recall signing any contract with the organizers.

　　"It`s implied after you accepted the invitation. We have a right to sell products using your image and that of your Mech as long as a portion of the credits is transferred to you." Christina rushed out her words as she came closer to him.

　　"You want to sell merchandise with my image?" Kal laughed at the absurdity.

　　He was notorious for being the son of the Duke responsible for one of the largest rebellions in Imperial history. Didn`t they know who they were promoting? It was likely they hadn`t looked too deeply into his background. When he made the account, he hadn`t provided many details.

　　"Yes, we would do all the designs. You would only need to approve the final products." She replied. Kal thought about it for a moment before nodding.

　　"Fine, but the proceeds will go to a charity of my choice. As for approval, you can contact Miranda Atkinson or Merrick Tan. They are my staff on Caledon. They will work with you and give approval. They will also want to review the contract before agreeing to anything." Kal explained.

　　Christina frowned at the statement, wondering why a rookie Pilot would have staff, but ignored it in her excitement over his agreement. The man was hard to reach, blocking or ignoring every attempt to contact him. Agreeing to reach out to them after he provided their contact information, she left with a smile on her face.

　　Kal shook his head, putting the thought of merchandise with his face on it out of his mind. People would be either disappointed or upset once they found out exactly who they supported. But at least some good would come out of it.

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　　Ty and his friends were sitting around a table, an arrangement of snacks and drinks in front of them, when they spotted Merit. He was easy to see, with his height, handsome appearance, and black Pilot bodysuit. He looked like an immortal, deigning to descend to the mortal plane and play.Stolen novel; please report.

　　The crowd around them fell silent at the sight of him as if it were natural to do in his presence. If Merit was annoyed by it, he didn`t show it at all. An easygoing smile lit his face as he saw them, and he quickened his pace to join their group.

　　"Hello, it`s good to see you all." Merit said, nodding at his former teammates. John stood up as he approached. The large man was shorter than Merit but stockier.

　　"Congratulations on the win. First place is an incredible achievement." John said, holding out his hand. Merit grabbed it instantly, giving the man a firm handshake.

　　"To you as well." Merit replied, recognizing that John had also made the top 500 by wearing a Navy-blue bodysuit. He had been too busy to review the scoreboard, leaving the storage room to join them right after a short rest.

　　Turning away from John, Merit greeted Ty, whom he remembered. After spotting Cid`s pink hair, and cheerful demeanour, the rush of memories returned to him. He recalled the bubbly, infectiously happy woman from the world event.

　　Looking at the last person, Merit was at a complete loss regarding his identity.

　　Knowing he didn`t know him, Micah stood up, shaking Merit`s hand while introducing himself.

　　"Micah, you filled in for me as vanguard on Beluth. Don`t worry. You haven`t forgotten me!" Micah joked, and Merit smiled in relief at the statement. Sitting in an empty chair, Merit was about to speak when a voice interrupted him.

　　"I thought you had the decency not to show your face anymore, Merit.` What happened, couldn`t keep away any longer?" Mare spoke from behind them, her tone ice cold. Turning away from the others, Merit observed the young woman who held such animosity towards him.

　　Mare wore a white blouse, black pants, and a matching black jacket. Her long black hair was loose, billowing slightly in the artificial wind. Merit had to admit she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, despite the look of disdain and coldness on her face.

　　Looking at her standing there, Merit wondered how everyone didn`t know that she was a Noble. She was nearly as tall as him and so perfect that it was inconceivable that such a person could genuinely exist.

　　Whatever her feelings were towards him, Merit was indifferent to it. Smiling broadly at the noblewoman, he waved his hand at her nonchalantly.

　　"Good to see you again as well, Mare. Unfortunately, my absence was due to an injury. But don`t worry too much. I`m finally on the mend." Merit replied.

　　"That`s why you didn`t respond to our messages? It must have been pretty serious if it took you away from the game for two years." Ty asked before Cid dug her elbow into his ribs.

　　"That isn`t a polite thing to ask!" She hissed. Merit laughed, shaking his head at the comment.

　　"No, no, it`s perfectly fine. It was touch and go for a little while, but the worst part is over. I was released from the hospital a few months ago." Merit explained. Mare frowned at him, thinking over his words.

　　"Really? I hadn`t heard anything about it on the Imperial Net." Mare stated.

　　"Why would you hear about it on the Net?" Micah asked, confused at the comment. Mare was about to respond when Merit spoke first.

　　"It`s because of my status. Usually, any injuries involving a Noble would be newsworthy. Thankfully, the details of my circumstances were kept quiet."

　　"Noble!?" Cid asked, her eyes widening. She was so surprised by the comment that she dropped the handful of popcorn she was gripping. The others all focused on Merit, silently urging him to explain.

　　"You didn`t know? I thought it would be obvious, and it wasn`t as if I spent much time hiding it." Merit stated with amusement.

　　"Really? That`s great! Do you have any openings in your house guard?" Micah exclaimed, leaning forward over the table. Merit laughed, shaking his head.

　　"Before you start fawning over him, you should know who Merit really is," Mare stated, walking over to the group and facing Merit. The others felt the chill coming from her.

　　"He`s Kalen Caledon!" Mare declared, waiting for the others to react.

　　To her dismay, they looked at each other for a moment. Micah shook his head at Ty, who merely shrugged his shoulders. Cid looked as if she had no idea what Mare was talking about. Only John`s eyes widened at the statement.

　　"Baron Caledon," John said, looking over at Merit with a mixture of respect and wariness. Despite Merit`s kind nature, he was still a representative of the Emperor and should be treated as such. There was also his background, although he didn`t believe Kalen Caledon should be held responsible for his father`s actions.

　　"I thought Caledon had a Duke?" Micah asked, causing Cid to nod. Mare held a hand over her eyes, her frustration at their lack of awareness plain to see. Clearly, the trio hadn`t much interest in history.

　　While Mare explained to the group the importance of the revelation and who Merit really was, the man leaned over the table to grab a handful of snacks, his smile never wavering.