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Chapter 178: Who?

The bustling streets of Andelheim were filled with the vibrant energy of the city, but Valeria's thoughts were fixed on the inn as they made their way toward it. Lucavion, walking beside her with his usual carefree stride, seemed more curious than ever, and Valeria couldn't help but wonder what he was expecting.

Soon, the familiar sight of the inn came into view—the same place where the tense confrontation between the Cloud Heavens Sect and the Silver Flame Sect had unfolded. The sign bearing the inn's name swung gently in the breeze as they approached, and Valeria could already feel the lingering tension of the previous night.

As they neared the entrance, Lucavion's eyes gleamed with interest, his usual smirk widening. "So, this is the place, huh? Doesn't look like the scene of a grand battle."

Valeria rolled her eyes. "It wasn't a grand battle. Just a lot of tension and one ruined meal."

Lucavion chuckled. "A shame about the meal. But I guess we'll see if the legend of the Iron Matron holds up."

With that, they stepped inside the inn. The atmosphere was quieter than the night before, with only a few patrons seated at tables, enjoying their meals. The warm scent of roasting meat filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of fresh bread.

Valeria scanned the room briefly, her eyes landing on the same innkeeper who had diffused the situation the night before. The Iron Matron stood behind the counter, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room as if she were silently assessing every person who entered.

Despite the relatively peaceful morning, she still carried herself with the same commanding presence that had sent shivers down Valeria's spine the previous night.

Lucavion followed her gaze and let out a low whistle. "So, that's the infamous Iron Matron, huh?"

Valeria nodded slightly. "Yes, that's her. Be respectful."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, a playful grin dancing on his lips. "I'm always respectful. But I can't wait to see if she lives up to her reputation."

As they approached the counter, the Iron Matron's eyes flicked toward them, her expression unreadable but her presence unmistakable.

"Well, well," she said, her voice steady but carrying a weight of authority. "Back again so soon? And with company this time."

Valeria straightened while looking at him with a side glance.

'Companion?'

The way how it was worded certainly bothered her to quite an extent. The fact that he was regarded in such a way as if they were close….

"That…..He is not my comp-"

Just as Valeria began to protest, Lucavion, ever the opportunist, smoothly intervened.

"Ah, she told me all about this place," he said with a grin, gesturing around the inn. "Valeria was curious, and I figured, why not come along? Thought I might see the famous Iron Matron in action myself."

His words rolled off his tongue with such ease that, for a moment, Valeria could only stand there, slightly stunned. She glared at him from the corner of her eye, but Lucavion, ignoring her frustration, turned his attention to the innkeeper with an air of casual curiosity.

The Iron Matron's sharp gaze remained fixed on Lucavion. There was no warmth in her expression as she assessed him, her eyes narrowing slightly as if to say she wasn't easily impressed. She didn't seem to be someone who enjoyed idle chatter, especially from people like him.

Without missing a beat, she spoke, her voice calm but laced with a subtle edge. "You know, it's rude to look someone directly in the eyes like that. Particularly when you're in the presence of another martial artist," she said, her words cutting through the air with authority.

Lucavion's grin didn't falter, but for a brief moment, something in his gaze shifted. It wasn't his usual playful look; it was as if he recognized something in her that few others could see. The tension between them felt different, something unspoken passing between their eyes.

"My apologies," Lucavion said, raising his hands in mock surrender again. "I suppose I got a little carried away. I didn't mean any disrespect."

The Iron Matron held his gaze for a few more seconds before letting out a small, dismissive snort. "See that you don't," she replied curtly. "This isn't the kind of place where you can afford to misstep."

"Ahahaa….I can see that."

He smiled shaking his head, but at that moment she had read his lips.

'She is just as Master had talked.'

There was no voice that reached her ears, but she still was able to get a little bit of information from those lips.

'Master?'

She asked herself.

And then, as she stood beside Lucavion, her thoughts began to wander back to the strange aura that surrounded him, so similar to the other martial prodigies she had encountered recently—Lira and Varen. There was something about Lucavion that felt… off. Not in a malicious way, but in a way that hinted at depth beyond what he let on.

His playful, laid-back demeanor was just a mask, hiding something far more dangerous and complex underneath.

She remembered their duel—the casual way he had disarmed her, the unsettling intensity that had flashed in his eyes for just a moment before he masked it again with that infuriating grin. Even though she hadn't gone all out in that duel, she couldn't shake the feeling that if it had been a real fight, she would have lost. The realization stung, but more than that, it intrigued her.

'Who is he?' Valeria wondered.

It was strange for someone so young to be so talented, so in control of his abilities while projecting such an air of carelessness. His skill with the sword was undeniable, but beyond that, there was the mystery of his origin. He had mentioned a "master" just now, but who could that be? If Lucavion's teacher was anything like him, then whoever trained him was someone remarkable.

She had been planning to do some background research on him for a while now. Even the moment they met she decided to order the men in her family to do it.

But now that she had decided to leave her knights behind and come here, that plan was naturally prolonged, and she was left here like this.

The more time she spent with him, the more suspicious she became. He was too talented, too mysterious. Even when she thought she was getting a read on him, he would do something unpredictable that threw her off balance.

'He acts like he has no responsibilities,' she thought, frowning slightly as she recalled all their interactions. 'But no one with that level of skill gets there without intense discipline. He's not a mercenary, that's for sure. So who is he really?'

That question was a mystery that needed to be answered, but it was not the time right now, as she felt like if she were to ask the question all she would get would be a bunch of teasing remarks.

As Valeria's thoughts continued to swirl around Lucavion and the growing mystery of his identity, she didn't notice the faint glow that began to emanate from his eyes. A soft, ethereal purple light flickered in his irises for a brief moment—barely noticeable, but unmistakable to anyone attuned to mana.

The change was subtle, yet sharp. The Iron Matron's eyes widened ever so slightly, her usually calm demeanor breaking for the briefest second as she caught sight of it.

Valeria, feeling the sudden shift in the air, turned her head just in time to catch the fading glow in Lucavion's eyes. She blinked in confusion, her instincts immediately sharpening. "What was that?" she asked, her voice edged with suspicion.

But Lucavion, as always, played it off with ease. His playful grin returned full force as he leaned casually toward her, clearly unfazed by what had just happened. "Oh, come now, Valeria. You're being awfully rude. You bring me to this fine establishment, and you don't even let me sit? How cold of you," he teased, his voice smooth, brushing away her suspicion with his light-hearted tone.

"What? I was not the one who brought you here, you wanted me to do so."

"So what? In the end, weren't you the one who brought me here?"

"..."

Valeria's scowl deepened, though she couldn't deny the growing sense that something was off. Before she could retort, the Iron Matron, now composed once again, straightened herself and offered them a smile—one that was far warmer than the one she had given earlier.

"Please," the Iron Matron said, gesturing to one of the empty tables near the window, her tone suddenly much more welcoming. "Feel free to sit. I'll have someone bring you a drink."

Valeria blinked in surprise, her eyes flicking between Lucavion and the Iron Matron. Something had changed, but she wasn't sure what.

Just a moment ago, the Iron Matron had been stern and authoritative, but now… it was as if she had shifted, offering them hospitality.

…..as if Lucavion were

Someone she knew?

Chapter 179: Cute?

The Iron Matron, whose true name was Mariel Farlon, had been a legend in her prime—a formidable adventurer who had traversed the most dangerous corners of the world.

Her reputation had been built on more than just her combat prowess; she was known for her sharp instincts and uncanny ability to sense danger before it struck.

Her skills had been polished through countless battles, and her expertise in navigating perilous situations had allowed her to retire safely—a rare feat for adventurers of her caliber.

Now, she ran this inn, far removed from the excitement of her adventuring days. But despite the peaceful facade of her life in Andelheim, she had never truly left behind the experiences that had shaped her.

There were things from her past that she carried with her—things she had never shared, not even with the regular patrons who frequented her establishment.

As Mariel watched the faint flicker of purple light in the young man's eyes, something deep within her stirred. It was a sight she had not seen in years, but the memory of it was burned into her soul.

That ethereal glow, soft yet commanding, was unmistakable.

Her thoughts wandered back to the past, to a time when she had been just a young adventurer, filled with the kind of ambition and recklessness that often led others to ruin.

But she hadn't been ruined. In fact, she had flourished, and much of that had to do with a guiding force she had once encountered.

A figure from her past—one she had never fully understood—had appeared in her life when she had needed it most.

A being of starlight, whose eyes had glowed with the same color as the young man's had just now. The starlight had lit her path, guiding her through a treacherous journey that had shaped her into the adventurer she eventually became.

That purple light had been more than just a trick of mana. It had been a symbol, a mark of something otherworldly, something far greater than herself. It was because of that mysterious presence that she had survived, thrived, and eventually retired from the dangerous life of an adventurer.

Now, standing behind the counter of her inn, Mariel couldn't help but wonder: who was this young man before her?

'Could be his disciple?'

Maybe?

That could be a possible case. After all, never, in all her years since had Mariel encountered anyone with that kind of mana. It had been unique, and the fact that the young man had revealed it now, in front of her, sent a shiver down her spine.

It seemed likely, considering how closely the glow of his eyes mirrored the starlight she had once known.

If that were true, there was one obvious conclusion: this young man knew about her. And the only way he could have known was if that person—the being of starlight—had mentioned her to him.

A quiet warmth bloomed in Mariel's chest, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. If that remarkable figure had remembered her enough to speak of her to a disciple, then it was an honor beyond anything she had ever expected.

She had always felt a deep respect for that being, a gratitude she could never fully express. To know that she had been remembered, even after all these years, filled her with a strange happiness.

'If possible, I would like to talk to him.'

Mariel stood quietly behind the counter, her eyes lingering on the young man, her mind swirling with thoughts of her past and the mysterious figure of starlight. The warmth in her chest grew as the idea of speaking to the young man became more appealing. If he truly is the disciple of the one who saved me, she thought, I'd love to hear more about that person… to know how he is doing.

The thought of reconnecting in some small way with the person who had changed her life filled her with a sense of nostalgia she hadn't expected. She had carried those memories alone for so long, but perhaps now she had the chance to learn more. It felt almost like fate had brought this young man into her inn.

But then, her gaze shifted to the young girl standing beside him. She seemed composed, determined even, but something was odd about their dynamic. Although they had entered the inn together, the young man had not shown any particular closeness to her. More importantly, he hadn't revealed his starlight mana to the girl at all.

Why? Mariel asked herself, her years of experience as an adventurer kicking in. It was clear that the young man was keeping something back, and with her sharp instincts, she quickly pieced it together. He doesn't want her to know, at least not yet.

Mariel had seen this kind of situation many times before—people hiding parts of themselves for various reasons. Whether it was to protect someone, to avoid drawing attention, or simply because they weren't ready to reveal everything, she knew the signs well. The young man's restraint was intentional, and the girl was none the wiser.

'It wouldn't do to reveal anything just yet,' she thought, her mind quickly adjusting. If this young man didn't want to expose his connection to the figure of starlight, then she would respect that. She would wait for the right moment, perhaps a time when they were alone. Until then, she wouldn't press.

The young girl, for her part, seemed confident and focused, though Mariel could tell she was a bit on edge—likely due to the presence of the young man and whatever unresolved tension lingered between them. Mariel didn't know their names, but in her mind, she thought of them simply as the young man and the young girl.

For now, Mariel decided she would wait. If there's a chance to speak to him privately, I'll take it, she thought. But for now, I'll respect his decision. The last thing she wanted was to cause unnecessary tension between the two. The mystery of the young man could unravel in time, and she would be patient.

With a quiet smile, she turned her attention back to the rest of the inn, her mind still lingering on the starlight that had once illuminated her life.

********

As Valeria sat down across from Lucavion, she couldn't help but observe him more closely. For once, he wasn't grinning or teasing her. Instead, he was quietly looking around the inn, his eyes calm, and a faint, serene smile rested on his lips. There was something about his expression that made him look… different, more genuine than she was used to seeing.

Her gaze drifted to the scar running across his right eye. It wasn't a fresh wound—far from it. The scar looked old as if it had been there for years. Yet Lucavion was still young, perhaps only a few years older than her.

No, not even older. From how he looked, they appeared to be around the same age, though outward appearance could be misleading.

But for some reason, maybe because of his childish actions or how he energetically did things, he looked quite young in her eyes.

That was why, it was more odd.

'How did he get that scar?' Valeria wondered. 'What kind of life has he lived to have a mark like that at his age?'

The scar felt like a mystery, much like everything else about him. It hinted at a past that didn't fit with his laid-back, carefree attitude. For all his teasing and casual demeanor, there was something more beneath the surface—something she couldn't quite figure out yet.

Lucavion, still unaware of her scrutiny, looked around the room, his smile soft but distant, as if he was lost in a memory. Finally, he turned back to her, catching her staring. However, this time his teasing face did not make its appearance immediately.

"Is there something on my face?"

He just asked, looking at her.

She narrowed her eyes. "I was just wondering how you got that scar."

"Ah…." Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his hand instinctively brushing the edge of the scar. "This?" He paused for a moment as if considering whether to answer. Then, with a playful smirk, he leaned back in his chair.

"Why so curious, Valeria?" he asked, his voice light and teasing. "Do you find it charming? I've heard some girls think scars make a guy look cool. Maybe you're one of them?"

Valeria clenched her fists under the table, irritation flaring in her chest. 'Of course, he would turn this into something like that,' she thought, trying to hold back her rising frustration. He was really good at deflecting any serious question with his ridiculous teasing.

"I don't have time for your nonsense," she snapped, turning her head sharply to avoid his gaze. "It was my own fault for even being curious in the first place."

Lucavion chuckled softly, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Ah, come on now, no need to get all worked up. I'm just having a little fun."

"Your idea of fun is infuriating," Valeria muttered, still refusing to look at him.

Lucavion shrugged, his smirk never fading. "You know, you're pretty cute when you're annoyed."

"Huh?"

And that remark….

It was a first.

Chapter 180: Cute? (2)

Valeria's mind stuttered for a moment. She had never—ever—been called "cute." In her world, she was a knight, a warrior, the heir to a noble house, and every interaction she had was framed by those expectations. She had always been judged by her skill, by her abilities as an Awakened, by her dedication to her family's legacy.

But "cute"? That was new. That was… unfamiliar.

For a split second, she didn't know how to react. Her heart fluttered unexpectedly, a strange, unfamiliar feeling creeping into her chest. Her face grew hot, though she quickly suppressed it, clenching her jaw to maintain her composure.

"W-what?" Valeria managed to stammer, the word slipping out before she could stop it. Her heart thudded in her chest, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly off-balance.

Lucavion didn't answer immediately. Instead, he simply looked at her with that same casual smile, his head tilted slightly, palm resting on his cheek, elbow propped on the table as if they were having the most ordinary conversation. But there was something in his gaze—something far less teasing than usual. His eyes were softer, studying her in a way that felt… foreign.

Why was he looking at her like that? It wasn't the mocking, infuriating grin she'd come to expect. There was something else behind his eyes, something she couldn't quite place. It made her heart flutter again, much to her frustration.

Valeria felt her breath catch. This whole situation felt wrong, unfamiliar. She was used to combat, strategy, duty. Not… whatever this was.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, her voice quieter than she intended.

Lucavion blinked, as if her question had brought him back to the present moment. His smile returned, a little softer this time. "Just thinking," he said casually, "I just remembered someone like you."

Valeria's brow furrowed. "Someone like me? What kind of person was that?"

Her question hung in the air, and for the first time in their exchange, she felt unsettled. Lucavion had a way of acting like he knew her—knew more than he let on. His carefree mask usually irritated her, but now, something deeper stirred beneath his words.

"Ah, he was..." Lucavion began, his eyes momentarily distant, as though recalling something far away. Valeria noticed the subtle shift in his voice, the way his usual teasing edge seemed to soften.

"...someone who was always under someone's expectations," Lucavion continued, his words quiet but deliberate. "He lived his life to fulfill them. Never really his own." He glanced at her, his gaze piercing in a way that made Valeria's breath catch.

For a moment, Valeria could only stare, surprised by the truth in his words. Is that... me?

It struck her deeply. She had spent her entire life being molded by duty—by the expectations of her family, her role as a knight, and the legacy she was bound to uphold. Every decision she made, every action, was calculated to align with those expectations. But her own desires, her own path? They were things she had pushed aside, locked away behind the walls of her duty.

"Why are you telling me this?" Valeria's voice was barely above a whisper, her guard lowered for a moment as she processed the weight of his words.

Lucavion gave a small, almost wistful smile. "Because," he said, leaning back slightly, "I recognize it in you. The way you carry yourself, always so serious. You remind me of him." His gaze lingered on her for a second longer than she expected, and for once, it wasn't mocking or playful—it was something else. Something more solemn.

Valeria's heart skipped a beat as she felt the odd familiarity in his words, as if he were speaking to a part of her that she had tried to ignore. She quickly straightened her posture, shaking off the momentary lapse in her composure. "I'm not like that," she said defensively, her voice firmer than before. "I chose this life. No one forced it on me."

Lucavion's smirk returned, but this time it was gentler, lacking his usual sharpness. "Maybe. But sometimes, the hardest chains to break are the ones we put on ourselves."

Valeria frowned, unsettled by how easily he seemed to see through her. How did he know? How could he speak so casually about the weight she bore, as if it were a common thing to him?

For once, she didn't have a quick retort. Instead, she looked away, her thoughts swirling with memories of her strict training, her father's unwavering expectations, and the constant pressure to live up to the Olarion name.

"Is that what happened to him?" she asked, her voice softer now. "Did he... ever break free?"

Lucavion's eyes clouded for a brief moment, a shadow of something dark passing over his features.

But then his smile returned. "Who knows?" he said, his voice light, but the weight of his earlier words still hung in the air.

Valeria couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. It was as if, once again, he was dodging her question, slipping through her grasp just when she thought she might get a straight answer. It was always like this with him—one moment, he would seem to reveal something deeper, something real, only to pull back behind that infuriating smirk. She hated how it made her feel—both intrigued and unsettled.

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the sudden shift in his mood. The way his smile had faltered, even if just for a moment, made her think there was more to his story—something he wasn't telling her. But before she could voice her thoughts, before she could press him further, the soft clinking of plates interrupted them.

The innkeeper approached, carrying their meals with a steady hand. "Here you go," she said, setting the plates down before them with practiced ease. The rich aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, momentarily distracting Valeria from the conversation.

She glanced down at the plate, her mind still lingering on Lucavion's cryptic words. The opportunity to press him on the matter had slipped through her fingers, and she felt a flicker of annoyance. For now, the moment was lost.

Lucavion, however, seemed perfectly content with the interruption. He picked up his fork, his grin widening as he looked at the food. "Ah, finally! I was beginning to think they'd forgotten about us," he said with exaggerated relief, as if nothing serious had just transpired between them.

Valeria shot him a sidelong glance, her lips pressed into a thin line. He was always like this—avoiding anything too serious, evading questions that touched too closely on things that mattered. But she wasn't going to let him off the hook so easily next time. For now, though, she resigned herself to the meal in front of her, pushing the unanswered questions to the back of her mind.

The Iron Matron stood nearby, observing them with her usual stern gaze, and Valeria felt the tension from earlier no longer existing. Perhaps it was better to focus on the meal and let the conversation drift. She had a feeling Lucavion would reveal what he wanted on his own time, and forcing it wouldn't get her anywhere.

Still, as Valeria took a slow, deliberate bite of her meal, her curiosity gnawed at her, refusing to be silenced. She chewed thoughtfully, her eyes flicking back to Lucavion, who was already halfway through his plate, eating with a casual ease that made her wonder if anything ever truly bothered him.

"Why have you joined this tournament?" she asked, her voice cutting through the quiet moment between them.

Lucavion paused, his fork hovering just above his plate. Slowly, he raised his head, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that surprised her. For a moment, there was silence between them, his gaze sharp and unreadable, as if he were weighing how much to reveal.

Then, with a smirk that almost felt rehearsed, he leaned back in his chair, eyes still locked on hers. "Why?" he repeated, as if amused by the question. "Simple. I wanted to make a name for myself. Show the world what I'm capable of."

Valeria narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing there was more beneath his flippant response.

Lucavion shrugged, twirling his fork between his fingers. "A man of my caliber—well, it would be a waste for someone like me to remain unknown, right? I've got the skills, the talent. Might as well put them to good use and let the world see what I'm made of." His tone was casual, almost boastful, but there was a flicker of something deeper behind his words.

Valeria felt herself cringe slightly at his self-aggrandizing statement. Typical Lucavion—always finding a way to turn any serious conversation into a stage for his own amusement. Yet, despite the exaggerated confidence in his tone, Valeria couldn't shake the feeling that there was another reason he was here, something he wasn't saying.

She studied him for a moment, watching the way he tried to pass off his answer with that infuriating grin. "Is that all?" she asked, her voice soft but probing.

"Yep, that is all. What else is there? Fame, fortune, glory. That's what these tournaments are about, aren't they?"

Valeria wasn't convinced. There was something in his answer that felt too... easy, too practiced, though before she could question further, he asked to her this time.

"Now that you asked your question, it is my turn. Why have you joined this tournament?"

Chapter 181: Cute? (3)

Lucavion's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he leaned forward slightly, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Now that you've asked your question, it's my turn. Why have you joined this tournament?"

Valeria hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of his gaze on her. She could sense the playful challenge behind his question as if he was daring her to be honest. But she wasn't about to let him have the upper hand so easily. Narrowing her eyes at him, she decided to turn his own tactic against him.

"Why else?" she said, mirroring his earlier tone with a touch of mockery. "Fame, fortune, glory. That's what these tournaments are about, aren't they?"

Lucavion's smirk widened, clearly amused by her attempt to mimic him. "Ah, so the great Valeria Olarion seeks fame and fortune, too? I never would've guessed," he said with an exaggerated chuckle. "How… predictable."

Valeria clenched her jaw, forcing herself not to react to his teasing. "Don't act like it's so ridiculous," she shot back, her tone sharper than she intended. "It's not wrong. I am trying to make a name for myself. To regain my family's previous glory. So, yes, fame and fortune matter." Her voice trailed off slightly at the end as if realizing she had revealed more than she meant to.

For a brief moment, Lucavion's expression shifted, his smirk fading into something more thoughtful. He didn't mock her or toss out another teasing remark. Instead, he simply studied her with an intensity that made Valeria feel exposed as if he could see through her defenses, the ones she had built so carefully over the years.

"Well," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight she hadn't expected, "at least you're honest about it."

Valeria blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. She had been prepared for him to laugh at her, to twist her words into another joke, but instead, he simply nodded, as if he understood. It unnerved her more than anything he had said before.

"Of course I'm honest," Valeria replied, quickly regaining her composure. "Why wouldn't I be? This tournament is an opportunity to prove myself—to show that the Olarion name still carries weight. It's not just for me. It's for my family." Her voice was firm, but there was an undercurrent of vulnerability that she couldn't quite mask.

For the past few days, she had been wondering now that she was traveling alone.

'What does it mean to regain my family's former glory to me?'

This was something that suddenly she asked herself.

Was her family's glory something important to her? Was she really supposed to spend all of her life chasing it?

Was that how life was supposed to be lived?

Lucavion didn't push further, but the look in his eyes told her he had noticed. "Well, then," he said with a grin that returned just as easily as it had slipped away, "I guess we'll both be making names for ourselves."

Valeria nodded, though her mind was still lost in the swirl of thoughts that had plagued her over the past few days.

Lucavion's playful voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present. "But you know," he began, leaning back in his chair with a smirk, "if you're really aiming for the top, Valeria, you'll eventually have to beat me." His grin widened, clearly enjoying the shift in the conversation. "So, tell me, are you confident you can do that? Take me down in front of all those spectators?"

Valeria shot him a sharp look, recognizing the challenge in his words. "Don't act like you're some unbeatable force," she muttered, crossing her arms. "You may have talent, but I've been training my entire life for moments like this."

Lucavion chuckled, clearly unfazed by her retort. "Ah, training your whole life, huh? Impressive. But let me remind you..." He leaned in slightly, his eyes sparkling with that infuriating confidence. "I've already beaten you once. Or have you forgotten our little duel?" His voice was light, but there was a deliberate edge to his words, one that stoked her irritation.

Valeria's jaw tightened at the memory. He had beaten her, and despite the fact that she hadn't gone all out, the defeat still lingered in her mind. "I wasn't at my best that day," she said coolly, trying to maintain her composure. "Don't get too comfortable thinking you'll have the same result."

"Oh, I'm not comfortable," Lucavion replied, his grin widening. "But confident? Absolutely. I mean, look at me." He gestured to himself with an exaggerated flourish, as if his mere presence was proof enough of his superiority. "I've got the skills, the talent, the charm. I'd say I'm pretty much the whole package."

Valeria cringed at his self-aggrandizing display, feeling a mix of irritation and secondhand embarrassment. "You're insufferable, you know that?" she muttered, rolling her eyes. "This isn't about charm or talent alone. It's about discipline and hard work."

Lucavion laughed, clearly enjoying how easily he got under her skin. "True, true. But talent makes things a lot more fun, don't you think? Besides," he added, leaning forward slightly, "I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss me. After all, you'll need more than discipline if you plan to beat me in the tournament."

Valeria narrowed her eyes at him, her competitive spirit flaring in response. "We'll see about that. I'll show you that there's more to being a warrior than swagger and showmanship."

Lucavion's grin remained, but for a brief moment, something sharper flashed in his eyes, a reminder that beneath his playful exterior, there was a dangerous skill that he rarely showed. "I look forward to it, Lady Olarion," he said, his voice softening but still carrying that same teasing edge. "But don't be surprised if I end up stealing the spotlight. It's just what I do."

For some reason, she felt like these words really contained truth.

Why did she just get chills from that statement just now? Why did her senses tingle and warn her?

'This bastard…..is he planning something?'

The thought crossed her mind briefly, but she quickly pushed it aside.

No, he's just trying to mess with me again, she told herself. This was Lucavion, after all—always teasing, always finding a way to keep her off-balance. There was no point in overanalyzing every word he said.

With a dismissive shake of her head, Valeria buried herself in her meal, determined to let the conversation fade. She focused on the taste of the roasted meat, the warmth of the bread—anything to keep her mind from wandering back to his cryptic statement.

Lucavion, to her surprise, didn't say anything else either. He simply continued eating, his earlier grin replaced by a quiet, contemplative expression. It was odd, the sudden silence between them, especially after their usual back-and-forth, but Valeria didn't question it. She wasn't in the mood to engage further, and perhaps neither was he.

The tension from earlier gradually dissipated as they ate in silence, the only sounds being the clinking of utensils and the occasional murmur of other patrons in the inn. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence—just one that felt... different.

Valeria glanced at Lucavion from the corner of her eye, half-expecting him to start up again, to break the quiet with another one of his infuriating remarks. But he remained focused on his food, his expression unreadable, and for once, she found herself thankful for the reprieve.

Eventually, they finished their meals. Valeria wiped her mouth, feeling the weight of the day beginning to settle in. She leaned back in her chair, exhaling softly as the warmth from the food spread through her, bringing a sense of calm.

Lucavion stretched lazily, the usual grin making a brief appearance again as he caught her eye. "Well," he said lightly, "I suppose I'll have to save the rest of my brilliance for another time."

Valeria rolled her eyes, though this time there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Please don't," she muttered, though without the usual sharpness.

Lucavion chuckled, standing up and tossing a few coins on the table. "Good meal. Let's hope the tournament's as satisfying."

"Heh... Arrogant bastard..." Valeria mumbled to herself, a slight smile tugging at her lips as she watched Lucavion.

"Did you say something?" Lucavion asked, turning his head slightly, a teasing glint already forming in his eyes.

"No," Valeria responded quickly, straightening her posture.

"I could've sworn I heard something…" he pressed, leaning in a little, his grin widening.

"You misheard it, then." Valeria's tone was flat, though the smile still lingered on her lips.

Lucavion shrugged, feigning innocence. "I see," he said, though it was clear from the way he chuckled that he didn't believe her for a second.

Valeria shook her head, standing up from the table and feeling lighter than before. Despite his infuriating nature, she had to admit that the banter between them—no matter how irritating—was oddly grounding. As much as Lucavion got under her skin, he also had a way of making her forget, even if just for a moment, the heavy weight of the expectations she carried.

They walked out of the inn together, the air cool and refreshing against their skin.

*******

"Hello, Madam Iron Matron."

And just as it was evening, Lucavion stood right before the Madam, this time alone.