The lunch crowd had thinned, the rich aroma of roasted monster meat and baked mana bread lingering faintly in the air.
Ron pushed his tray away and rose from his seat. "Let's go," he said casually, glancing at Lia.
She stood as well, brushing a few crumbs from her sleeve, and together they made their way toward the exam hall for the duel stage.
Halfway across the courtyard, a familiar voice rang out.
"Hey! How's it going, guys?"
Aurelian strode toward them, golden hair catching the afternoon light.
Ron grinned. "Where were you, man? Didn't see you in the medical hall."
Aurelian chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah… got caught up in some things. Didn't wanna disturb your lunch date."
Both Ron and Lia froze, faces flushing a shade deeper.
"It was not a date!" they said in unison, almost too quickly.
"Uh-huh." Aurelian gave a mock-serious nod, lips curling into a knowing smile. "Sure. Don't make such guilty expressions."
