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When Joshua exited the fifth floor, a shadow slipped out from behind the curtains. Won had persisted, in spite of Joshua’s wrath.
“Won, can I ask you something?”
“Do tell.”
“Do I lack womanly appeal to you, from a man’s perspective?”
Won blinked. Lilith was one of the most talented women in history, which is why it was so hard for her to believe what just happened. At the same time, however, she despised people who treated her differently because she was a woman.
“No one has ever reacted to me so negatively before. It makes me feel
 unpleasant and anxious. I just hope he’s willing to accept other people’s offers. What a weirdo.” She smiled and then gently placed her finger on the table. “What is the situation on the Pontier family’s side?”
“The family is still hanging on,” Won quickly replied. “It’s amazing how they’ve held on for so long; they were weak, weaker than most other noble families
 That mysterious knight has been keeping them afloat.”
“More likely, they owe it to Icarus,” Lilith stated firmly. “Even I thought Eiden Gorge was the only entry to the basin—but when Marquis Crombell bypassed their defenses by freezing the Dennis River, the Pontiers were ready. It was almost like they’d seen the future.”
The technique that Marquis Crombell used to freeze the river was one that no one had seen before. They used a high caliber of ice magic; 7th-Class, to be precise. A blizzard was cast on the river using a scroll, which would have required an 8th-Class wizard, at minimum, to create. Even Ian teon Murray, the world’s most powerful wizard, wouldn’t have been able to create that scroll despite all the training, education, and discipline it took to even dream of becoming a mage of his caliber.
In other words, there was no one on the continent who could make a scroll like that.
“To think that Marquis Crombell had one of the few surviving magic scrolls from ancient times—and to think that he would use it so carelessly.”
Lilith shook her head. “It’s not careless at all
 You know that the Cromells would ascend to the rank of duke if they succeeded, yes? On the carcass of the Pontiers, no less.”
“Was it not just a matter of time before the Pontiers fell?”
“Was it? Considering the circumstances, I think it’s safe to say that things are not going according to our expectations. We’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?” Lilith glanced out the window and smiled, basking in the streaming moonlight. “This time, Joshua Sanders, I anticipate a favorable response.”
There was a gentle tap on Joshua’s door. Joshua recognized the sound of the footsteps.
“Come in.”
“Excuse me.”
The door gently opened.
Iceline hardly looked like an “Ice Flower” at the moment. Her head drooped and her expression oozed with emotions.
“What’s the matter?”
“Not much.” Iceline’s fingers twitched slightly. “Everything was under control since our trip two days ago. Tomorrow is the Master Battle finals and I’m concerned about
 I don’t know. I think I’m worried.” She clenched her fingers. “Don’t try to carry every burden on your own.”
“What?”
“You’re only human. You know you can discuss your problems with your friends, right?” Iceline’s voice dropped threateningly. “To be honest, I have excellent listening skills.”
“Friends
” Joshua laughed. “Right.” He suddenly felt something odd and turned to find Iceline staring at him. “Why are you still here?”
“I—” She flushed bright crimson. “Uh
 Mister Akshuler didn’t want to go.”
Joshua glanced through the door and groaned. Akshuler was obviously drunk.
“Why do you always bother other people when you have your own place to stay—”
“That’s not it!”
Joshua gave Iceline a bewildered look.
“—Ugh!” She clapped her hands over her mouth. “
The Prince will have Thran cheering for him tomorrow. We thought we should stay until the match is over, so you’re not alone.”
“That’s why you’re staying? Me?” Joshua had an odd expression on his face.
“Hey
 Even if you’re an old man on the inside
 You’re still only fifteen years ol—”
“ZZZZzzzzz
 Hnrngngnghkkk
”
Joshua grimaced. He’s awake. A Master like Akshuler would have no problems flushing the alcohol from his system whenever he wanted.
“Are you sure it isn’t because there’s a gambling house next door?”
Akshuler tensed. Joshua shook his head exasperatedly.
Iceline’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit. “I
 Not me! I’m here to give you my support
” A pink blush crept up her neck. “That’s
 it,” she whispered.
Joshua silently regarded her for a moment, then smiled gently. “Thanks.”
“
Don’t mention it.” Iceline carefully avoided meeting his eyes.
“Can I discuss a concern of mine with you? As a friend?”
“Of course!” Iceline raised her head with a bright smile and nodded.
In spite of Iceline’s exaggerated reactions, her concern was genuine. She was ready to do whatever she could for him, even if it was just listening to him talk about his problems.
I always felt like I was receiving favors because we were friends. It annoyed me.
Laypone wasn’t much compared to what Joshua had done for her.
Joshua looked deeply conflicted when he finally spoke.
“Between logic and pragmatism, which one would you choose?”
“Logic and
 pragmatism?”
Joshua nodded. “Pragmatism is essential for achieving my objectives. That much is indisputable.”
“On the contrary, ignoring logic would result in substantial losses.”
“Yes.”
“Give me the specifics.”
“
It’s about my people’s chances of escaping harm.”
“Then it’s not an issue. You’re only worried because you have faith in them, don’t you?”
“Well
” If I didn’t think they could do it, I would’ve abandoned the Master Battle to help them.
Iceline’s blue eyes sparkled. “Rebuilding a wall is fine, but that’s not a reason to turn your back on it. You should decide for yourself. The Joshua Sanders I know would say the same thing.”
Joshua was taken aback for a moment, but a smirk gradually crept onto his face.
“Well, I remember hearing something like that before—”
“You’re mistaken.” Iceline spun around. “You’re too sentimental for someone who’s prepared to change the world. I’ll go now.”
“Thank you.”
Iceline paused, her lip trembling ever so slightly.
“Don’t mention it.”
A flurry of magical firecrackers cracked and popped in the sky in a truly enchanting display of color.
“The time has come! At the end of the Master Battle, only one man will stand. Are you ready to meet the next king of Reinhardt?!”
“WAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!”
Under the watchful eyes of the entire continent, Joshua stepped into the arena. To his surprise, he found his opponent watching him as well.
“I didn’t intend to win at first,” Joshua said.
“And you are now?”
“I’m motivated now.”
“I can’t help but wonder why,” Ulabis bantered back. “What changed?”
“Maybe I should be more worried about the other side now?”
Ulabis’s eyes widened. Suddenly, Joshua was surrounded by a palpable storm of momentum.
“I will do my best from the start.”
Joshua turned to meet Ulabis’s fiery eyes.