---
The heat of the day had begun to soften. Sunlight streaked low across the Grand Arena as the final matches concluded.
The echoes of applause, cheers, and magical blasts still lingered faintly in the air, but the crowds had started to thin. Spectators streamed from the gates. Carriage drivers called over the clamor. Street vendors packed up hurriedly. Children chased one another through the exits, reenacting moves they had seen and shouting imaginary spells and battle cries.
Leo left with the Oni delegation, moving past exhausted fighters and jubilant spectators as they climbed into their carriages. The tension of the arena slowly loosened in his shoulders.
Iori sat across from him, her posture steady, her eyes flicking between him and the streets around them.
"Leo, you're staring," she said casually. "You're not hoping for a victory kiss, are you?"
