Caspian hesitated a moment, then answered:
"I chose the Secret Gate."
"Really?" Vera raised an eyebrow.
Caspian nodded. "I wrote that I'd divide the team into two. One would go in maze while the other decodes the magic. I explained that… trust in teammates' roles was more important than taking the fastest or safest route. Because if you don't trust them, no route works."
Vera didn't speak at first.
Then he gave a dry laugh.
"As expected."
"What?"
"You trusted your team," Vera said, eyes low. "That's the part where I got it wrong."
Caspian tilted his head, curious.
Vera looked forward. Not at Caspian. Just… ahead.
"I wanted to fix that in me. The part that can't trust anyone."
"There must be a reason for that," Caspian said.
Vera smiled faintly.
"There is. That's why I wanted to duel today. Not to test you, but to… remind myself that someone can stand beside me without hurting me."
A beat of silence.
Then Vera exhaled, steadying himself.
