The music drifted through the hall. Laughter rose above the clinking of crystal glasses, purple uniforms from Luceria Grand Academy mingling with the familiar blue of Valor. The air shimmered faintly with magic, chandeliers glowing brighter as the night deepened.

Noel sat back in his chair, a cup of wine untouched before him. Elyra and Elena flanked him, their gazes sweeping over the lively scene with calm detachment. It almost felt like a festival—if not for the sudden, unmistakable swagger of Roberto sliding away from their table.

"Where's he going?" Elena asked softly, though the hint of amusement in her tone betrayed her.

Elyra tilted her head, already smiling. "To his doom, I imagine."

Noel sighed. He didn't even need to follow Roberto's path to know. "Actually, straight to the Luceria girls."

Sure enough, Roberto was already moving toward a group of them near the long buffet table, posture tall, chest puffed out, the very picture of overconfidence. He adjusted his collar with a flourish, flashing a grin that could probably be seen across the room.

"I'm calling it now," Elyra murmured, lifting her glass to her lips. "He'll last less than five minutes."

Noel shook his head, though a faint smirk betrayed him. "You're being generous."

Roberto reached the group, bowing with exaggerated charm. The Luceria girls paused mid-laughter, some raising brows, others giggling behind their hands.

From where they sat, Noel could only see his broad gestures and animated expression, but it was enough to make him pinch the bridge of his nose.

'This is going to be painful to watch…'

Elyra leaned forward, eyes glinting mischievously. "Let's play a game."

Noel glanced at her warily. "A game?"

"Lip reading." She gestured toward Roberto, who was already gesturing wildly with his hands as if telling a grand tale. "We guess what he's saying."

Elena gave a soft laugh. "That's cruel."

"It's entertaining," Elyra corrected. "You first."

Elena squinted toward the group, watching Roberto puff out his chest and tap his own arm like he was flexing. "He said… he's the strongest in the academy."

Noel exhaled through his nose. 'Close enough.'

"My turn," Elyra said, covering her smile behind the rim of her glass. "He just told them he's a noble from a distinguished family."

Roberto spread his arms wide, mimicking the pose of a hero. Noel groaned. "No, he's definitely saying he fought a dragon once. With one hand tied behind his back."

Both girls laughed, trying—and failing—to keep quiet.

Meanwhile, Roberto leaned closer to one of the Luceria girls, tilting his head with a smirk that probably looked more like a wolf about to bite. She blinked, clearly unsure whether to laugh or recoil.

Elyra whispered, "This is it. Watch."

Roberto made a final flourish, lowering his voice to deliver what had to be his "killing blow." He winked.

Smack!

The sound cracked through the hall. Half the room turned their heads. Roberto froze, his cheek glowing bright red, while the Luceria girl stood with her hand still raised.

Elena covered her mouth with both hands, shoulders shaking. Elyra set her glass down, face flushed with laughter. Noel buried his face in his hand, muttering, "Called it."

Roberto marched back toward their table, shoulders squared as if nothing had happened. The bright red handprint across his cheek betrayed him, though the grin plastered on his face screamed denial.

Elyra arched an eyebrow, her lips twitching. "That went… well."

Elena leaned close to Noel, whispering just loud enough. "Better than I expected. She didn't throw her drink."

Noel stared flatly at Roberto as he dropped into the empty chair across from them. "Do I even want to know what you said?"

Roberto waved dismissively, pouring himself a generous drink as if to wash away the embarrassment. "Misunderstanding. That's all. These things happen. Cultural differences, you know?"

Elyra let out a laugh, elegant and sharp. "Yes, I'm sure winking like a tavern rogue is highly respectable in Luceria."

Roberto shot her a wounded look. "I was being charming."

Noel leaned back, smirking faintly. "If that's charm, I don't want to see your definition of failure."

Elena tried to keep a straight face, but her shoulders trembled with suppressed laughter. At last she gave up, covering her mouth as she giggled.

Roberto drank deeply from his cup, grimacing at the taste before slamming it back onto the table. "Mock all you want. At least I tried. That's more than some people here." His eyes flicked pointedly at Noel.

Noel raised an eyebrow. "I'm not the one nursing a slap mark."

Roberto opened his mouth for a retort—then stopped mid-sentence. His eyes locked on something across the hall. Slowly, his grin returned, more confident than ever.

"Round two," he declared, already pushing back his chair.

Elyra shook her head. "He doesn't learn."

Noel sighed. 'This is going to be worse than the first one…'

Roberto strode across the hall again, determination burning in his eyes. The sting on his cheek seemed forgotten, replaced by a hunter's focus. Noel, Elyra, and Elena followed his steps, curiosity pulling their gazes toward his new target.

This time, it wasn't just any Luceria girl. A small figure stood near the balcony rail, crimson eyes gleaming under the lantern light. Her short red hair framed a face both youthful and sharp, the kind of presence that made the crowd unconsciously give her space.

Elyra's voice lowered. "Anastasia de Ravienne."

Elena blinked. "The prodigy of Luceria?"

Noel frowned. 'So he's aiming for her now?'

Roberto swept in front of Anastasia with a flourish, bowing dramatically. His words didn't reach Noel's table, but his exaggerated gestures told the story: confident, rehearsed, dripping with bravado.

Anastasia simply stared at him.

Roberto leaned closer, trying a different angle, gesturing toward his chest with what looked like a boast. Anastasia's expression didn't shift. She tilted her head once, then spoke a single sentence.

Whatever she said made Roberto freeze mid-motion, mouth snapping shut.

Then, without another glance, Anastasia stepped around him.

Noel straightened slightly as she approached their table, her steps calm and deliberate. Elyra set down her glass, suddenly intrigued. Elena's brows drew together, puzzled.

'Why is she coming here?' Noel thought, watching the prodigy's red eyes lock onto him.

Behind her, Roberto stood motionless, arm still raised in the middle of a failed gesture, looking like a statue carved from humiliation.

Anastasia stopped at their table. Her lips parted as if to speak—

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