Noah stood frozen like a statue in front of the door where the two voices were coming from.

“Do you not intend to tell Noah that you were Ferica?”

It was the Duke’s voice. Noah’s shoulders flinched as his heart pounded heavily in his chest. But the casual reply that followed made his racing heart stop cold.

“Why would I?”

“……”

“There’s no need to tell him. It would be pointless.”

“I see.”

No further conversation followed.

Noah, who had been standing in a daze, took a few steps backward before leaving the spot altogether.

* * *

Lynen listened to the small footsteps retreating from the doorway—footsteps heavy with confusion and disappointment.

‘Of course he’d be confused.’

After all, the friend he knew as Ferica was actually Calliphe. He must also feel betrayed by Calliphe’s deception.

Having received such an emotional shock, Noah would likely be shaken during the upcoming finals. Despite this, Lynen made no effort to follow and comfort him. A few words now wouldn’t sort things out, and he didn’t want to push Noah to focus on the match either. Besides, someone else needed Lynen’s help more urgently at the moment.

“Seriously, what is this madness… why are there so many strings on the back? I can’t reach them!”

Calliphe was struggling to fasten the strings of her dress.

“Do you need help?”

“No.”

“Really?”

“…Just a little help.”

Lynen turned around and approached Calliphe, who had positioned herself with her back to him for easier access. The dress had a deeply cut back with complex, interwoven strings crossing it.

“I thought these were just decorative. I had no idea each one needed to be tightened,” Calliphe grumbled defensively.

Lynen silently took hold of the strings, fixing the knots and tightening them one by one. His trained hands, somewhat rough and firm, slowly traced down the strings. With each movement, his fingers brushed against her exposed pale skin.

“……”

Calliphe’s body stiffened slightly. Not knowing where to put her hands, she clutched the decorative curtain in front of her. Lynen’s hands paused briefly before continuing their work.

Suddenly, the room felt too quiet. Calliphe even slowed her breathing, afraid that the sound would be too loud. The sensation of his fingers grazing her bare skin like leaves brushing against her felt unusually intense.

‘Is… is he not done yet?’ Just as she hesitated, about to hurry him along—

“Here.”

Lynen’s thumb caressed the nape of Calliphe’s neck, causing her shoulders to jump in surprise.

“Huh? What…?”

“It’s swollen. Is this where you were stung by the Flameli?”

“Oh, y-yes, I think so. They didn’t give me any medicine there.”

“……”

His silence somehow felt disapproving.

Curious about his expression, Calliphe turned her head. Sure enough, Lynen looked slightly displeased, though he was trying to hide it.

Calliphe couldn’t help but grin. She poked his cheeks playfully. “Oh, are you worried? That a lady’s body has been marred by an insect bite?”

“……”

He immediately shot her a glare in response to her teasing.

Enjoying his reaction even more, Calliphe grabbed his chin and turned it this way and that.

“But why does your face look so worn out? You look like someone who hasn’t slept for two days. Even a Sword Master can’t escape insomnia?”

“…Let go.”

“Why? Your jawline is perfect for holding.”

“I’ll retaliate.”

“Can’t I play around a little?”

“Fine. Then continue.”

In that moment, the hand caressing Lynen’s jaw was caught, and he bit the soft area between Calliphe’s thumb and index finger.

“…!”

Gray-blue eyes with a hint of amusement met her widened ones.

“I’ll play with this instead.”

“Wait… ugh.”

His even teeth left marks on her palm as they bit down. Soft lips covered those marks repeatedly. His straight nose bridge traced up her startled, curled fingers before gently nibbling at their tips.

From that point, an electric current seemed to run through her body. Her captured hand trembled delicately as her breathing became irregular.

“Lynen.”

“……”

“L-Lynen, stop.”

His heated movements ceased immediately. Hot breath lingered over her fingers before disappearing, leaving her skin cool. For a moment, Calliphe felt a strong sense of regret.

But right now, more than anything else, she couldn’t help but ask: “…Is this also because of your mana deficiency?”

Lynen gave a faint smile, looking somewhat incredulous. “If I said yes, would you permit it?”

“……”

“Think whatever you want. If that’s what you prefer.”

Lynen rested his cheek against Calliphe’s palm, almost like a child seeking comfort.

“I’ve lost.”

“What…?”

“I mean that if I wait for you to cross the line, I might suffocate first.”

“……”

Calliphe was too surprised to speak. She had been ignoring his advances all this time, assuming they were due to his mana deficiency.

‘If he puts it that way…’

She couldn’t use the patient excuse anymore.

* * *

The commotion caused by the explosion was quickly settled. The arena regained its liveliness, the incident seemingly forgotten.

—Finally, the ultimate battle of the Youth Division Martial Tournament is about to unfold! First, the two-time consecutive Youth Division champion and this year’s strong favorite, contestant Dillen!

Dillen, with his robust build, stepped onto the arena with a confident expression.

“Woooah! Dillen! Dillen!”

The crowd cheered enthusiastically for Dillen, who casually raised his hand in acknowledgment.

—And facing him— the youngest participant who has been growing with fierce momentum, the small dark horse, contestant Noah!

“Uwaaaaaaah!”

“Noah! Noah! Noah!”

Noah’s supporters raised their voices, determined not to be outdone by Dillen’s fans. Allen quickly pulled Mihail back down after he had jumped up on his chair.

“Noah! Beat that guy! If you’re going to lose, cheat! It’s okay because my grandfather is the High Cardinal!”

“Mihail, please.”

“So embarrassing…”

But the surrounding commotion didn’t reach Noah’s ears. Dillen’s eyes gleamed as he observed Noah’s gloomy, rigid demeanor.

“Why the long face? Afraid you’re going to lose now?”

“……”

“Doesn’t matter to me.”

Dillen’s eyes blazed with hatred.

TWEET!

The moment the starting signal sounded, Dillen charged forward. Gripping his sword with both hands, he brought it down with his full weight behind it.

“I’ll completely destroy you, so prepare yourself!”

CLANG!

Noah blocked Dillen’s sword with some difficulty. The two boys glared at each other across their locked blades. However, Noah’s gaze seemed to be looking past Dillen toward something else.

‘Why did Lady Calliphe…’

Noah’s sword was wavering.