Reward

The arena of the Colosseum buzzed with excitement, the spectators seated above, enthralled by the day's gladiatorial contests. Warriors from Amanécer and the human realm clashed on the third day of the Ludi festival, their battles a spectacle of strength and skill.

Yet Aria sat distracted, her gaze drifting toward the grey-orange sky. Her thoughts wandered to Cornelius, and she sighed, only glancing at the arena when the crowd erupted in cheers for the latest victor. A stretcher carried away the body of the fallen gladiator. The bloodshed, the violence—it was something she could never fully understand.

The second day of the festival had intensified her longing for Cornelius, as the Alchemists presented their remarkable new inventions, leaving the crowd in awe. Cornelius and Octavius were absent from the games, but she recalled that Luciana also despised the brutality of these contests. Luciana couldn't bear the sight of blood, fainting at the mere glimpse of an injury.

"You seem distant, sister," Melody noted, her eyes trained on Aria. "You're usually the one excited for the battles. What's on your mind?"

"It's nothing, Mel," Aria replied dismissively, irritation creeping into her voice. Melody had teased her many times about being obvious in her feelings for Cornelius.

"Oh, look, Lord Lucerne's turn is next," Melody said, her focus shifting as the announcer declared the upcoming combatants. The crowd erupted into loud applause, welcoming the new contenders.

"This should be the last battle of the day," Melody muttered, still unmoved by the spectacle.

"Does it please you that your 'lover' is receiving all this attention?" Aria teased.

Melody responded with a nonchalant shrug. "I'm just relieved the day is ending. I need a bath and sleep."

Aria rolled her eyes. "You're impossible. Poor Lucerne tries his best to catch your attention, and you act like a lifeless doll. Can't you at least humor him?"

"It's too much effort," Melody cut her off.

"Lucerne is truly unfortunate," Aria remarked with a shake of her head. She glanced toward where her father, Helios, sat. He seemed distracted, listening intently to someone whispering in his ear. His expression grew tense, and he began tapping his finger on the armrest. A sense of unease crept over Aria. Was it about Cornelius? Or perhaps her sister? She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

The battle concluded, and Lucerne emerged victorious. Helios rose, acknowledging the triumph with pride. Aria noticed that Lucerne's gaze was fixed on where Melody sat. She joined in the applause, though her enthusiasm was more out of formality than genuine celebration.

"Aren't you going to congratulate him?" Aria asked.

"Father already honored him. Why should I?" Melody replied, indifferent.

Aria sighed. "You really don't get it, do you?"

"Am I wrong?"

"Sometimes, I think you do this on purpose. Do you hate Lucerne?"

"No. Why would I hold a grudge against someone who's done me no harm?"

Aria gave up. "Forget it." She glanced at the sky, a deep sense of anxiety gnawing at her. "The sky looks... strange."

Melody, too, noticed it. "It does."

Helios departed quickly for the palace, leaving his daughters in their aunt Aurora's care. In the lounge, Avlynn and Tiberius played under Aurora's watchful eye. Aurora disapproved of exposing children to such violent games.

"Aunt Aurora, the chariots are ready," Melody announced.

"But Rudolf hasn't returned," Aurora protested.

"He left earlier, in a hurry," Aria explained, recalling her uncle's sudden departure during the second round of battles.

Outside the lounge, Lucerne awaited them. His gaze immediately found Melody. When Aurora heard of his victory, she embraced him warmly.

"Like mother, like son," Aria chuckled, noting Lucerne's gentle nature, inherited from Aurora despite his father's imposing physicality.

Aria couldn't resist teasing and quickly slipped away, leaving Melody alone with Lucerne. She gave him a knowing wink before departing, which only deepened his embarrassment.

"I congratulate you on your victory, my lord," Melody said formally.

Lucerne, clearly flustered, managed a shy nod. His awkward demeanor, especially for a man of his stature, amused Melody.

"I apologize that I have no gift to offer you."

"Your praise is more than enough, your highness," Lucerne replied, his expression brightening. "I'm honored to have earned your recognition."

"Really? I was planning to give you something on the last day of the festival, but—"

Lucerne's face fell, realizing his mistake in turning down her gesture. "A-anything you offer would be—"

"Is there something specific you'd like from me?" Melody's silver eyes met his, and Lucerne hesitated, his nervousness palpable.

"Perhaps… would you honor me with your company at the banquet?" he finally asked.

They exited the Colosseum together, a grand chariot with four majestic Pegasus waiting for them. Lucerne worried that his request had been too bold, fearing rejection.

"That's actually a perfect way to avoid the nobles," Melody said at last, agreeing to his proposal.

His heart lightened, and they ascended the chariot, leaving the Colosseum behind.

Helios in the meantime time found Rudolf and Grandmaster of Alchemist tower waiting for him in the office.

"Your Majesty. There's an urgent news from Wahrheit!"

Helios frowned and asked Rudolf about the details.

"The demonlord is preparing for Armageddon."