"Aaron, you came to the capital to challenge the Hidden Dragon Tower, right?"
Braveon looked at him with interest, and Blaze and Liora turned toward him as well.
"Yeah," Aaron said with a grin. "I figured I'd give it a shot. And while I'm there, I might as well take your number one spot."
Braveon laughed. "Honestly? I think you might."
"Oh, come on, we're not doing tower talk right now." Blaze threw one arm around Aaron's shoulders and the other around Braveon's, grinning like he owned the street. "I already booked us a table at the Dragon Tamer Banquet. First, we eat. Aaron finally made it to the capital, so we're giving him a proper welcome."
His grin widened. "And tonight's on me. Full spread. No holding back."
Braveon immediately pushed his arm away. "Fine. Food first."
"Great!" Liora raised both hands in agreement, looking far more enthusiastic about dinner than the Hidden Dragon Tower.
Back in the secret zone, she had been one of the first to fall for Aaron's grilled fish. In that sense, nothing had changed.
The four of them chatted and joked as they made their way to the restaurant.
...
The Dragon Tamer Banquet was a high-end restaurant with over a century of history. Eating there was not just about the food; it was a place for people with money, status, or both. Among the restaurants in the capital, it was easily one of the most famous.
By the time Aaron and the others arrived, the towering building was already glowing under the evening lights. A huge golden sign hung above the entrance, with a finely crafted dragon coiled around the words Dragon Tamer Banquet. Aaron honestly wondered if it was real gold.
"Come on," Blaze said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Stop staring at the sign. You can admire the money inside."
Aaron smiled and followed them in.
The interior was even more extravagant than the outside. Gold accents, carved pillars, polished floors, warm lighting—everything screamed old money.
The main hall was spacious and packed with guests. In the center stood a battle platform where two young Trainers were currently battling. People ate, drank, and watched the match at the same time, turning dinner into entertainment.
Aaron had to admit, it was a pretty good setup.
Blaze led them to seats near the front of the platform. Judging by the view, they were not cheap. The closer you were to the battle stage, the better the experience—and probably the more ridiculous the price.
It was basically a concert with Pokémon battles.
The moment Blaze sat down, he raised a hand toward a waitress.
"We're here. Bring out the food."
"Of course, Mr. Blaze."
The waitress smiled politely, clearly recognizing him, then went to arrange the dishes.
Aaron rubbed his nose, feeling a little awkward. "Blaze, you really didn't have to go this big."
Blaze's face immediately darkened. "Are you seriously being polite with me right now? What, did our friendship expire on the road?"
Liora rolled her eyes. "Don't worry about him, Aaron. His family has plenty of problems, but money isn't one of them."
Aaron blinked. "Wait. What does his family do?"
Braveon smiled. "You really don't know?"
"No idea."
Braveon glanced at Blaze. "His father is one of Hualis's Ten Champions. The Fire Champion, Vulcan. His family also controls the largest Fire-type secret zone in the country. Fire Stones, Enhancement Berries, Fire Ore—you name it."
Aaron slowly turned to look at Blaze.
Blaze tried to act humble, but the smugness on his face was impossible to hide. "Come on, keep it quiet. I'm a low-key guy."
Everyone stared at him.
No one believed a word.
"Holy shit," Aaron said.
Then he immediately turned toward the waitress. "Excuse me, can I see the menu?"
Everyone looked at him.
Aaron's expression turned serious. "I need to eat until this rich bastard regrets inviting me."
Blaze burst out laughing. "Now that's more like it!"
The others laughed too.
Just then, an excited voice came from behind them.
"Liora."
The moment she heard it, Liora's expression changed. Her nose wrinkled slightly.
"Oh no," she muttered. "Not him."
The smiles on Blaze and Braveon's faces faded as well.
Aaron immediately glanced over, curious despite himself. Whoever this was, the mood at the table had changed fast.
A handsome young man in a suit was walking toward them with a bright smile. He looked about twenty, polished and confident in a way that made it obvious he was used to being noticed.
The young man stopped beside their table. His gaze passed over Blaze and Braveon first, then paused briefly on Aaron. He clearly did not recognize him.
After that, his attention returned to Liora.
"Liora, you should've told me you were coming." His smile stayed warm, but his words were anything but. "I would've reserved a better table for you. This one doesn't really suit you."
Blaze's grin vanished. "Orion. What's that supposed to mean?"
Orion looked at him with innocent surprise. "What do you mean?"
Then he smiled.
"You're starting at Crown University soon, aren't you, Blaze? Consider it advice from someone who's been there longer. No need to be so sensitive."
Blaze's eyes narrowed.
Orion ignored the warning and continued, still smiling. "I simply think Liora deserves the best seat in the house."
His gaze drifted lazily toward Blaze and Braveon.
"And some people should understand where they stand. Not everyone is worth her time."
As for Aaron, Orion barely looked at him at all.
To him, Aaron was just an unfamiliar face at the table.
Aaron's eyes narrowed slightly as irritation stirred in his chest.
This guy was arrogant.
Way too arrogant.
...