THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

As the group rested for a moment, a tall figure with striking red hair approached Cauis. His confident strides and commanding presence turned a few heads in the crowd. He stopped before Cauis, a friendly yet determined glint in his eyes.

Cauis looked up, raising an eyebrow at the unexpected visitor. The man crossed his arms, his voice steady and direct. "Cauis, right? I've been waiting for a chance to meet you."

Dylan leaned back in his chair, intrigued. "Looks like someone's got a fan."

The man chuckled, shaking his head. "Not quite. I'm Veyron. I've heard of your skills… and I want a duel."

The air around the table shifted. Conversations in the banquet hall quieted slightly, curious eyes turning toward the scene.

Cauis stood, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "A duel, huh? Now's an odd time to pick a fight."

Veyron smirked. "Not a fight just a test of skill. No magic, just swords. Unless," his tone dropped into a teasing edge, "you're not up for it."

Before Cauis could respond, Dylan grinned and clapped him on the shoulder. "Oh, he's up for it. You might regret asking, though."

June crossed her arms, eyeing Veyron carefully. "Are you sure about this? Cauis is one of the strongest swordsman around."

Veyron's eyes glinted with confidence. "That's exactly why I want to face him."

The room buzzed with murmurs as nobles leaned in, excited at the prospect of witnessing another display of skill. The king himself raised a hand, his voice carrying across the hall. "Very well. Let the banquet have its entertainment. Clear the floor!"

Tables were swiftly pushed aside, and a wide-open space formed in the center of the hall. Veyron unsheathed a gleaming sword from his side, rolling his shoulders. "Ready when you are."

Cauis smiled, stepping forward. "No magic, just swords… sounds like fun." He drew his own blade, the steel catching the light as he settled into a relaxed stance.

The crowd held its breath as the two fighters circled each other, tension crackling in the air.

The moment hung in suspense, the clinking of glasses and murmurs fading into silence. Cauis sized up Veyron, his grip on the hilt firm but relaxed. His eyes focused, every movement calculated. Veyron was tall and broad-shouldered, his stance solid and well-practiced. This wouldn't be an easy fight.

Veyron struck first a clean, precise thrust aimed at Cauis's shoulder. Cauis sidestepped effortlessly, his sword flashing as he deflected the attack. The clash of steel rang out, followed by a quick series of strikes and counters, both fighters testing each other's limits.

Veyron pressed forward with a series of powerful swings, driving Cauis back toward the edge of the cleared space. Cauis weaved through the strikes, waiting for the perfect opening.

"Not bad," Cauis said, his voice calm despite the intensity of the exchange. "But you'll have to do better than that."

The crowd watched in awe, caught between admiration and disbelief at the sheer skill on display. Veyron's strikes grew faster and more aggressive, but Cauis met him blow for blow, his movements smooth and effortless.

Dylan leaned against a nearby column, a sly grin on his face. "I give it two more minutes before Cauis turns this around."

"You're being generous," June muttered, her eyes never leaving the duel.

As if on cue, Cauis parried a heavy strike and spun around Veyron, tapping his opponent's shoulder with the flat of his blade. "Got you," he said with a grin.

Veyron laughed, stepping back to catch his breath. "Impressive… You really are as good as they say."

"You're not so bad yourself," Cauis replied, lowering his sword. "You've got the strength, but you rely on it too much. Work on your speed, and you'll be dangerous."

The crowd erupted in applause, nobles cheering and clapping at the display of skill and sportsmanship. The king raised his goblet in approval. "A fine duel! You've both given us a worthy show."

As the crowd settled back down, Veyron extended a hand to Cauis. "I'll take that advice… and next time, I won't go easy on you."

Cauis shook his hand, smiling. "Looking forward to it."

Dylan joined him, patting Cauis on the back. "See? Told you it'd only take two minutes."

June rolled her eyes but smiled. "Come on, you two. Let's get some food before someone else challenges you."

As the banquet wound down, the grand hall grew quieter. The lively music softened, and the once-bustling crowd began to thin. Nobles exchanged their final pleasantries, slowly making their way toward the exits. The golden chandeliers overhead cast a warm glow on the marble floors, reflecting the elegance of the evening.

Dylan leaned against the wall, watching the guests leave with a tired but satisfied expression. "Finally, some peace," he muttered.

Cauis adjusted his cloak, glancing around. "That wasn't so bad… apart from the surprise duel, the dancing lessons, and the nonstop questions."

A group of servants walked by, nodding politely as they gathered leftover dishes and straightened chairs. The grand hall that had been so full of life just moments ago now felt calm, almost serene.

As the last of the nobles left, the king approached, his royal robes trailing behind him. His eyes twinkled with warmth. "You've all done well tonight. Your presence has left quite the impression."

Dylan gave a casual salute. "Glad we could liven things up."

"Indeed," the king said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

The group bowed slightly as the king left, escorted by his guards.

June stretched her arms above her head, letting out a sigh. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready to collapse."

"Agreed," Cauis said, stifling a yawn. "Let's head back before something else happens."

They made their way out of the palace, the cool night air refreshing after the heat of the banquet hall. The streets of Valthorne were quiet, the lanterns flickering softly in the dark.

For a moment, they walked in comfortable silence, the distant sound of the city settling for the night surrounding them.

Dylan glanced at the sky, his eyes thoughtful. "We've come a long way, haven't we?"

June nodded. "Yeah… and this is only the beginning."

With that, they headed back to their quarters, the weight of the evening still lingering. The banquet was over, but the real journey was far from finished.