“Waaah… just bury me already.”
The crowd that had gathered nearby had already dispersed. As the emotional tide receded, Tidelys—realizing how boldly she’d acted—was now too shy to lift her head.
“No way! Little Ti was totally cool just now.”
“…Really?”
“It’ll be true if you win this match.”
“Then please, find a corner and bury me!”
Tidris hugged the black-haired girl with an utterly hopeless expression. Just as she tried to bury her face in the girl’s ample chest, a familiar voice called out nearby.
“Yo! That bold declaration of yours earlier? Pretty impressive.”
Simon, who should’ve been minding his shop, had somehow arrived. Unlike yesterday’s casual store attire, he now wore a crisp white shirt beneath a tailored black overcoat—lethargy gone, radiating sharp competence.
Truth was, he’d arrived earlier, worried Tidris might falter. But she’d held her ground, backed by reliable friends. So he stayed silent during the clash.
“Ah! Shopkeeper, you’re here!”
Spotting Simon, Tidris released the black-haired girl and skipped between them.
“Shopkeeper, meet my dorm neighbor and childhood friend: Verona Rhode, second daughter of Earl Rhode. Oh, and Nana’s a top contender for year’s best!”
“Nana, this is the shopkeeper who helped me plan last ni—”
Tidris froze. *Wait… I never even asked his name?!*
Amid the awkward silence, Simon bowed first. Hand over heart, left foot forward, eyes locked on Verona:
“Good day, Miss Rhode. I am Simon Drait. The honor is mine.”
As he dipped, his gaze flickered—*Stop staring, you idiot!*—but… *wow*.
Verona gathered her gown’s hem and curtsied gracefully.
“Good day, Mr. Simon. Verona is fine.”
Her voice carried honeyed intellect—calculated? Or innate?
*So this is who’s advising Little Ti…*
Beneath flawless manners lay quiet scrutiny. *She was Little Ti’s only anchor here. Now this Cardmaker appears…*
*Where’s he from?*
Viana had navigated Royal Capital nobility since childhood—yet Simon’s polished bow screamed noble blood she’d never seen. *Borderlands? A mysterious youth…?*
After greetings, Verona said nothing, her silent gaze fixed on Simon’s back.
Simon, chatting with Tidris, suddenly shivered. He glanced around—nothing.
“Shopkeeper, what’s wrong?”
“N-nothing…”
His wandering eyes caught Lei Norflin already on the dueling platform. He patted Tidelys’s shoulder.
“Time to go up. Stick to the plan. You *can* win.”
“O-okay…”
“Go on.”
“Do your best, Little Ti,” Verona whispered, arms wrapping Tidris from behind.
“Ah! Nana, tickles—let go!” Tidris giggled, swatting playfully as stray strands brushed her nose.
Simon watched the two vivid beauties cuddle.
After the lighthearted scuffle, the silver-haired girl stepped onto the platform.
Referee Atris stood impassive—no greeting, no warmth. Tidelys’s nerves tightened instantly.
“First practical duel: Tidelys Ursula versus Lei Norflin. The platform’s barrier replaces life shields. External sound will be blocked upon start. Both begin with 10 life points. Questions? If none—declare readiness and begin.”
Lei turned sideways, voice glacial:
“You missed your last chance to keep your dignity, Tidris Ursula.”
“I don’t need it.”
Even airheaded Tidelys’s tone chilled after his repeated arrogance. Cornered? Yes. But not broken.
“Lei Norflin—before we duel, someone asked me to say this.”
Tidris stood straighter, shedding her usual timidity. She paused, recalling Simon’s stance from last night—then flicked her arm, finger pointed, voice ringing clear:
“Lei Norflin! Bullying classmates with tools *given by adults*? How utterly despicable!”
“SHUT UP!” Lei flinched—startling onlookers. The ever-aloof noble’s composure shattered.
“You understand *nothing*!”
*Whoa… Shopkeeper was right—he’s cracking!*
Tidris’s heart raced, but her face stayed cool, voice steady:
“Then enlighten me… in the duel.”
She drew her deck from her thigh—a flash of light.
“Fine!” Lei snarled, raising his own deck. “I’ll crush you in an instant!”
“Duel!” ×2
