When Juben saw Yan Yi enter, his brow furrowed slightly—he’d almost mistaken him for Luris’s boyfriend. But before his thoughts could stray further, Luris spoke.
Hearing her final words, Juben’s heart trembled. This was the closest she’d ever come to agreeing. Compared to her usual vague refusals or outright rejections, this was a miracle—especially since she hadn’t cursed at him or kicked him out. His voice shook with barely contained excitement.
“R-Really?! Luris!”
As for Yan Yi, Juben barely registered him. Few peers could defeat him now, and none of those rivals were at Central Academy. Even against them, he was confident he could win through sheer, reckless sacrifice.
“Of course,” Luris replied with a smile that revealed nothing amiss.
Juben struggled to control his emotions. To steady himself, he took a deep breath.
“Then I’ll head to the training ground first.”
He strode out of the parlor without lingering. He needed to cool his head—and fetch his sword. He didn’t believe Yan Yi could beat him, but he’d never allow complacency to sink him. He wasn’t that kind of fighter.
After Juben left, silence settled over the room. Luris appeared calm, but turmoil churned within. Yan Yi watched her, expressionless. Sensing something off, Luris finally broke the quiet.
“Strange, Yan Yi. Why so calm? Weren’t you supposed to flatly refuse this? I even prepared money to bribe you.”
Her teasing tone mirrored her school persona—the same girl who’d drag Interle into pranking him. Normally, Yan Yi would snap back or haggle terms.
But his unnatural composure made him seem like a stranger. No jokes. No infuriating remarks. Just a cold, unwavering stare.
Luris felt a flicker of guilt. *Interle’s plan failed?* Then Yan Yi’s next words froze her smile.
“Young Miss. Do you want him to win… or lose?”
Her heart wrenched. Memories flashed—*win or lose? Obviously…*
Seeing her struggle, Yan Yi waited silently.
After a moment, Luris composed herself, smile intact.
“Lose, of course. Then he’ll stop bothering me.”
*Liar. I clearly…*
Yan Yi’s gaze pierced through her facade. He sighed softly.
“As you wish. I’ll make him lose.”
He turned toward the door. Hand on the knob, he paused.
“Young Miss… you wouldn’t trick someone like Interle does—”
He corrected himself.
“*Use* them? No… *scheme* against them? Forget it. Just… don’t deceive yourself. Interle lies to others, but never to her true self. You can’t do that.”
He sensed her tension before continuing.
“I’ll win. As you truly asked. What you feel, what you want—I can’t fix that. You… ah. Regret tastes far more bitter than it sounds.”
The door clicked shut behind him. No hesitation. No looking back.
Luris stood alone, back to the door. She walked to the window and sighed.
*I’m not right for him. Not in spirit… not in strength…*
…
Outside, Yan Yi’s cool facade shattered. *Damn, that exit was smooth—even I’m impressed.* But—
*Where’s the training ground?!*
He couldn’t ask Luris now. That’d ruin the whole vibe. He scanned the hallway frantically. The maid who’d guided him earlier had vanished.
“*Fuck.* Gotta tone down the theatrics next time.”
He sighed, hoping Luris would face her feelings. He could only fulfill her request: defeat Juben.
“Luris… this isn’t like you at all, Young Miss.”
He headed toward the butler’s quarters. If he met someone en route, he’d ask. If not… well, Juben could wait.
…
Juben cycled through euphoria, forced calm, and near-meltdown in minutes.
Back in his guest room, he slapped his own cheeks to quell his racing heart. *Luris cares. She’s just hiding it—Interle said she’s tsundere!*
Sadly, he was half-right. The “random person” she’d chosen? Problematic.
At the training ground, Juben centered himself with mana, reaching peak focus. He’d never felt so powerful.
Then impatience flared. Yan Yi was late.
*If we don’t fight, I can’t win! How will I keep my promise?! That bastard’s cheating!*
Just as Juben was about to storm off searching, Yan Yi arrived—with the white-haired butler. Yan Yi carried a Great Sword. They’d clearly taken a detour.
Seeing the flame-haired butler in uniform, Juben felt genuine unease. *He timed this perfectly—right when I’d snap.* Only Interle had ever unnerved him like this. She was the sole lower-ranked fighter who threatened him. Pressure mounted. *Yan Yi’s dangerous. Stay sharp.*
Yan Yi hadn’t wanted the delay. Maids fled the moment they saw him, denying him any chance to ask directions. When he finally found the butler, the man had eyed him with pity—*for being ignored by maids*—deepening Yan Yi’s despair.
The butler warned that Juben wielded a sword and suggested Yan Yi arm himself. After a blind grab in the armory, Yan Yi emerged with the Great Sword.
Facing Juben now, Yan Yi apologized for the delay.
Juben waved it off, but his caution deepened. Yan Yi radiated no mana—utterly unreadable.
The butler naturally assumed referee duty. Their gathering drew servants, maids, and even Luris’s mother. Luris herself approached after regaining her composure.
“I’ll intervene if needed. Fight freely. Begin!”
The butler’s words triggered Juben. He drew his longsword in one fluid motion—a blade the color of emerald forests, matching his hair. Wind swirled around a gem embedded near its ornate hilt.
*Fine weapon,* Yan Yi noted. *No mere decoration. It’s tasted blood.*
Juben charged. No magic—just blinding speed. Ten meters closed in a heartbeat. His sword swept horizontally toward Yan Yi’s neck.
Yan Yi didn’t flinch. He stood motionless, eyes locked on Juben. The butler tensed to intervene—
—but Juben halted the blade a hair’s breadth from Yan Yi’s throat.
*What’s he doing?! I almost took his head off!*
Before Juben could shout, icy dread pierced his bones. It radiated from Yan Yi’s eyes—freezing his body, his soul.
Juben recoiled instinctively. Yan Yi’s voice cut through the silence, colder than his gaze:
“Attack with killing intent. Or you stand no chance at all.”
