The heat of the day had begun to soften, sunlight streaking 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 calling over the clamor, street vendors packing up hurriedly. Children chasing one another through the exits, reenacting moves they had seen, 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 loosening in his shoulders.
Iori seated 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?"
