"Fine by me," Lux announced.

And just like that, the air shifted.

Not dramatically, no explosion, no surge of power, but something subtle snapped into place, like a board game piece finally being moved into position after too many hovering fingers.

Lux didn't move much after speaking. He didn't need to. His posture stayed relaxed, shoulders loose, one hand casually slipping into his pocket like he had just agreed to something mildly inconvenient rather than socially explosive.

'Ah… this is going to be annoying.'

Because it always was.

Competitions were never about winning. Not in places like this. Not in Envy territory. It was about perception. About who looked superior. Who felt superior. Who could make everyone else feel smaller.

And unfortunately…

'…I'm only currently pretending to be enchanted.'

Which made things ten times worse.

Across from him, the nobles reacted exactly how he expected, too fast, too eager, too loud.

One of them stepped forward immediately, eyes gleaming with the kind of excitement that only came from finally having permission to stop pretending civility. "Good," he said, voice tight with satisfaction. "At least you're not running away."

Lux tilted his head slightly, expression soft, almost idle.

'Run? From you?'

He almost smiled.

Another noble chimed in, folding his arms. "Then let's make it worth something."

There it is.

Lux's gaze flickered toward him, lazy, interested.

"What's the bet?" the noble continued, chin lifting slightly like he was already imagining victory.

Lux didn't even pause.

"Choose."

Simple.

Flat.

Open.

Which, in itself, was a statement.

Because it meant he didn't care.

And that…

Oh, that irritated them immediately.

There was a brief exchange of glances among the nobles, silent communication, ego brushing against ego, each one wanting to propose something better, something bigger, something that would make them look superior even before the competition began.

And then…

One of them smirked.

"A night with Lady Karess."

Silence.

Not long.

But just enough.

Just enough for the words to settle into the air like something heavier than they should've been.

Lux blinked once.

Inside his head?

'…I'm sorry, what?'

He kept his face neutral. Barely. Years of control locking every micro-expression into place like a trained reflex.

But internally, he screamed.

'No. No. Absolutely not. Who raised you people?'

Across from him, the others reacted instantly.

Agreement.

"That's fair."

"If we're competing, the reward should reflect it."

"Lady Karess is the center of this, after all."

Lux resisted the urge to look at Corvus, who was definitely not here and definitely would've been laughing like a dying crow if he was.

'A night,' Lux repeated internally, deadpan. 'With her? Count me out! That's a punishment, not a reward!'

He glanced at Vira.

Just for a second.

And that… that was a mistake.

Because she was blushing.

Soft.

Delicate.

Perfectly placed.

Her fingers lifted slightly, brushing against her cheek as she looked away with a small, embarrassed smile.

"Guys…" she murmured, voice light, almost flustered. "Please don't fight because of me…"

The delivery?

Flawless.

The timing?

Precise.

The effect?

Immediate.

The nobles softened, not completely, but enough. Their posture shifted, protective instincts mixing with competitive pride, each of them now not just trying to win, but trying to deserve her.

Lux stared at her for half a second longer than necessary.

And then looked away.

'Ew... Nope, nope, nope.'

Because that wasn't embarrassment.

That was performance.

Clean. Controlled. Weaponized.

And she was enjoying every second of it.

Lux exhaled slowly through his nose.

He rolled his shoulders slightly, as if settling into the situation, playing the part.

"Let's just do the competition," he said, tone casual, almost bored. "I hate people who talk too much and don't bite."

That landed.

Harder than expected.

The nobles stiffened.

One of them scoffed. "Don't worry. We'll make sure you understand your position."

Lux's lips twitched faintly.

'Position, huh.'

He didn't respond.

Because silence, again, was doing more work than words ever could.

Vira watched the exchange quietly, her eyes flicking between them, observing, measuring.

"Fine," she said lightly, clapping her hands once in a gentle, almost playful gesture. "If you're all so eager…"

She turned slightly, letting her hair shift over her shoulder again, posture elegant, effortless.

"I know a good place."

Lux's gaze followed her movement, measured, calm. 'Of course you do.'

"My training ground," she added, glancing back at them with a small smile. "Private. Controlled."

Translation?

'My territory.'

Which meant… Envy field amplification.

Lux suppressed a sigh. 'Great.'

"Follow me."

She didn't wait.

Didn't check if they agreed.

She simply turned and began walking.

They followed. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Because that's what she wanted.

Lux fell into step behind her, keeping just the right distance again. Not too close. Not too far.

Her aura brushed against him as she moved, trailing like silk.

Lux let his expression stay soft, gaze slightly unfocused, like he was still under her influence.

'Corvus,' he called calmly.

A beat.

'Still watching,' came the reply, far sharper than before. 'Cyrinne's moving faster now. Artifact resonance increasing.'

Lux's eyes flickered faintly.

'Time?'

'Not long.'

Lux exhaled quietly.

'So this little competition?'

'…You can end it quickly.'

Ahead of him, Vira slowed slightly, just enough for him to catch up to her side again.

Her fingers brushed his wrist.

Again.

Deliberate.

"You're quiet again," she murmured.

Lux glanced at her.

"I'm thinking."

"About me?"

A pause.

Lux tilted his head slightly.

"Among other things."

She smiled.

But this time… There was a hint of something else beneath it.

Not suspicion.

Not yet.

Just…

Curiosity.

Because no matter how she pulled… He wasn't leaning.

Not really.

And that made her want to try harder.

The path opened ahead of them, the garden thinning into a wider space where the lantern light grew brighter, shadows sharper, the air slightly cooler.

Training ground.

As promised.

Lux stepped forward with the others, his posture still relaxed, his expression still calm.

'Alright…' Lux thought, eyes flicking briefly toward the space ahead. 'Let's finish this fast.'