“Round Two will take place on the 16th at 3 PM.”

After rinsing them with water, he dried his damp trousers thoroughly and pulled them on one leg at a time. The T-shirt was beyond saving — the hem had torn during the match, and the front was soaked through and smelled of bodily fluids. Leonardo tossed everything into the trash and burned the contents.

He threw his suede jacket over the patient gown, then carefully covered his face with a cap and mask obtained through a staff member. He still had to plug his nose with tissue, but the bleeding stage that required gauze had passed, so wearing a mask wasn’t a problem.

Normally all test matches are held in one location, but due to today’s incident there is concern participants’ identities may be exposed. Therefore on the 16th, the assembly point for some participants, including you two, has been changed to the Third Main Arena.

So I have to run with that guy again?

Sharing a venue does not guarantee you’ll be matched in the same group.

Hyung, don’t be like that— it’s good if we team up! The more allies you have before the main rounds, the better!

“Then I wonder if that bastard has allies too...”

Leonardo muttered blankly while fixing his clothes in the mirror.

Appendix.

In wartime they lived on combat rations — low fiber, constant dehydration. Every unit always had at least one soldier with appendicitis.

The military doctor used to recommend simply removing a useless organ before it caused trouble.

He drifted through the memory, then checked the clock. Deciding it was time, he tidied the now-empty lounge and left.

Click—

Quiet.

The guard waiting outside met his eyes and stepped aside at a nod.

The corridor at this late hour was nearly deserted. Apart from Council uniforms, hardly anyone passed by. Most spectators had likely already left after the opening ceremony.

Focusing on the presence beyond the walls, he felt the earlier restless energy had calmed considerably. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Reading Hugo’s note again and again, Leonardo headed alone — as quietly as possible — toward the meeting place.

***

The map led to a route usually reserved for VIPs entering and leaving the stadium. Perhaps they had already departed — the place was completely empty. Walking along the blue carpet through a breezy tunnel, he saw a large white carriage parked before a side gate under slanted moonlight.

The carriage blocked the passage leading outside, hiding everything beyond. Only then did he realize ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) the unnatural silence had been Hugo’s arrangement.

“You came.”

At the faint approaching footsteps, Hugo straightened from the carriage door and extended a hand with a smile.

Dark charcoal trousers, black shirt — no jacket or tie. He had changed clothes. The uniform was sexier, but... maybe it didn’t matter.

Despite resolving to act relaxed, Leonardo hurried forward as if afraid the offered arm might disappear.

He grabbed the hand.

“Have you been waiting?”

“No. I just got here.”

“Liar. Your hands are cold.”

“They’re always cold.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the cool fingertips warmed. The carriage door opened and pleasant warm air flowed out — the interior had clearly been heated against the chilly dawn of Agrizendro territory.

Still holding his hand like an escort, Hugo gestured inside.

“Shall we?”

The unusually formal tone sounded almost playful, yet to Leonardo it felt like the most serious invitation he’d ever heard. Embarrassed, he touched the back of his neck, then played along with a grin.

“With pleasure.”

He stepped up first into the soft carriage interior. Hugo followed, releasing his hand only at the last moment.

The coachman, who had discreetly hidden himself, appeared silently, closed the door, climbed to the driver’s seat, and guided them into the moonlit road.

***

It did not take long to reach the duke’s villa grounds from the Fifth Arena — though they had to pass through several portals. Hugo casually mentioned five temporary portal segments had been activated while Leonardo waited in the lounge.

Activating even one portal required considerable time and money. Five? Leonardo was speechless for a moment — then remembered Hugo’s wealth and let it go.

Instead, tension rose as they neared the villa. With the curtains closed for privacy, he had nowhere to look, so he clasped his hands on his thighs and pressed his nails into his skin — a habit when anxious.

Watching him, Hugo silently covered the tense hands with his own. Leonardo immediately separated them and asked instead,

“Don’t you get dizzy sitting backward?”

Rather than take the comfortable seat, Hugo had deliberately chosen the reverse-facing one. Leonardo only realized it after departure, and Hugo had stopped him from switching for safety.

“I ride carriages often.”

“But you usually sit here.”

“If Flinn gets motion sick, I switch sometimes.”

“Ah.”

Flinn.

Leonardo pictured the absent man.

So this was what Flinn must have felt, looking at his lord from this seat. How could one not respect a ruler who personally cared even for the lowest places unseen by others?

His gaze drifted to Hugo’s wrist.

“Why?” Hugo asked.

“Where’s Flinn?”

“On another assignment, by my order.”

“Hm.”

“He’d be happy to see you. He was pleased you visited the estate.”

Leonardo chuckled softly at the polite word visited, then changed the subject.

“Did you replace the watchtower guards? They were slacking before shift change.”

“I reinforced the walls and barrier instead.”

“That’s not enough.”

“They’ll be more alert now. Still — next time, visit properly. When Lion is determined, my men can’t stop him.”

Leaning on his knee, Leonardo smiled faintly.

“I’ll consider it. If today’s hospitality is good.”

Though his thoughts were complicated, he pretended ease.

Hugo calmly observed the alluring figure seated in his carriage — jacket over patient gown, mask beneath the eyes strangely fitting him. In truth, anything suited him.

He was glad he sat across from him.

“I’ll do my best.”

Relaxing back, his long leg extended slightly, the tip of his shoe brushing Leonardo’s foot.

A light tap.

Golden eyes flicked down. Not an accident — the contact remained.

Warmth seeped through the leather, tension creeping up his leg.

Leonardo slowly lifted his gaze. The man watched him expressionlessly.

The faint contact created thicker tension than eye contact ever could.

Outside, the carriage carrying the two of them glided through the villa gates.