Although the Tour de Inferno had ended, the excitement in the crowd hadn't faded. Everyone was still cheering for Caesar.
Host Jolly Jenny quickly contacted the city's TV station and arranged a live broadcast of everything that had just happened.
Not only that, she also took the opportunity to invite Furina back on stage for another performance, further igniting the atmosphere.
Amid beautiful singing and thunderous applause, Caesar was officially crowned champion, recognized as the strongest member of the entire Motorcycle Clan.
...
By the time everyone returned to Calydon Town, it was already evening.
Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, Furina sat in the truck's cargo bed, slouched in a chair with an exhausted expression.
"That Jolly Jenny is so sly... she promised I'd only have to sing one song, and then roped me into singing seven or eight…"
What was supposed to be a short closing performance had turned into an impromptu solo concert.
Clorinde handed her a canteen. "Lady Furina, have some water. We'll be in Calydon soon."
Furina looked completely drained. "Let's just get back already—I'm starving."
She wasn't the only one. Lucy, Piper, Caesar, Billy, Nicole, Anby—all of them were worn out and eager to return to Calydon for a good meal.
In the passenger seat, Lucy yawned and nudged Piper.
"Hey, keep your eyes on the road."
Piper didn't respond.
Lucy quickly tapped her shoulder.
"Hey! Don't fall asleep on me, you idiot. If you're too tired, let me drive."
Piper yawned. "Relax. I can drive even if I'm asleep."
Lucy was speechless. "..."
To be safe, she kept an eye on her the entire ride. Every time Piper looked drowsy, she snapped her back to attention.
It wasn't until the truck finally rolled into Calydon that Lucy let out a breath of relief. She jumped off the truck, still gripping her wolf-tooth club.
As soon as she hit the ground, she rubbed her tired eyes, then glared toward Caesar and raised the club.
"Caesar, I challenge you—!"
Caesar froze. "Huh? Right now?"
Lucy snapped,
"Of course! We agreed before the race that safety came first and that no matter what, we'd both get out of the Hollows. But you broke that promise and jumped into the fire lake alone. I'm pissed—and I'm going to beat you myself and take the Sons of Calydon from you!"
That instantly got everyone's attention.
Furina, Clorinde, Nicole, Billy, Anby, Nekomata—all eyes turned to Caesar and Lucy.
Nicole looked confused. "What's going on? Why are they suddenly dueling?"
Piper yawned. "Don't worry, this is standard in Calydon. Everyone waits for this part."
Nekomata was shocked. "Meow? They duel every day?"
Piper took a deep breath. "Pretty much. Sometimes two or three times a day. Come on, let's go watch. Just don't get too close—one stray hit and you'll regret it."
She followed the others.
...
But Caesar didn't seem in the mood for a fight. She smiled.
"I've been on my feet all day—I'm exhausted. How about we do this tomorrow?"
Lucy huffed.
"No way. You need to learn your lesson and stop pulling reckless stunts like that."
Caesar sighed and spread her hands.
"Fine, let's do it. Mr. Sam Li, would you mind acting as referee?"
Sam Li wanted no part of it and quickly declined, citing exhaustion.
However...
He added, "I do have someone in mind—Mr. Venti's probably the most free person around. I nominate him as the referee."
Venti blinked. "Eh? Me? Referee?"
Caesar burst out laughing. "That's right! You're perfect. Thanks for the suggestion, Mr. Sam Li!"
Venti was about to refuse, but before he could, someone pushed him forward. He stumbled into place, unable to back out.
Naturally, the hand behind him belonged to Sam Li.
He hadn't chosen Venti to mess with him—but because he trusted Venti to ensure both fighters' safety in case something went wrong.
Of course... these kinds of duels had happened plenty of times before, and nothing serious ever came of them.
...
Ten minutes later, as expected, Caesar won—just like every other time.
Lucy, though defeated, remained defiant.
"Don't get cocky, Caesar. I'll be challenging you again."
Caesar smiled.
"Anytime. I could use a training partner."
Just then...
Gurgle—gurgle. Someone's stomach growled loudly.
Furina looked like she was at her limit.
"Are we finally done? Can we go eat now?"
Caesar grinned.
"Of course! I had someone call ahead as soon as we got back. The restaurant has a table full of dishes waiting for us. Let's go!"
Lighter sighed and rubbed his face.
"Finally."
Then he turned and saw Billy doing the same—looking just as exasperated.
Lighter: "..."
Billy: "..."
Last time they ate there, Furina had complained that the food was weird and couldn't compare to the Debord Grand Hotel.
But this time...
When Furina saw the entire table packed with delicious dishes, she swore it was the most extravagant dinner she'd ever seen.
...
Over dinner, Nicole mentioned that she and the others from Hare's House would be heading back to the city tomorrow.
Furina and Clorinde had heard the term "city" several times before. At first, they thought it referred to Liyue Harbor, but later found out it meant a place called New Eridu.
Furina was intrigued.
"Clorinde, let's go with Sam Li and the others to the city. We finally made it here—might as well see what this place's cities look like."
They'd already been to Liyue Harbor.
They weren't sure whether this "New Eridu" could compare in prosperity—but it seemed unlikely.
After all, Liyue Harbor was the capital of Liyue. They hadn't even heard of New Eridu before now.
Clorinde agreed but gently reminded her,
"Lady Furina, we've been here for two days. Lord Neuvillette must be very worried..."
Furina nodded.
"Don't worry. Once we've had a look at this New Eridu, we'll head straight back."
In the past two days, they'd learned quite a lot about the area. At least now, they'd have something to report to Neuvillette when they returned to Fontaine.
...
With everything decided, early the next morning, Sam Li, Clorinde, Furina, and the others from Hare's House set off together—back to New Eridu.