"Does Your Highness Ron have any ideas?" Wardson asked in a deep voice.
After all, Ron was the creator of Element Cards. When it came to matters related to them, everyone present was naturally willing to hear his opinion.
"Nothing much." Ron shrugged with a smile and suggested, "Playing Elemental Magic like this at the dining tables isn't a big issue, but it's not exactly formal either."
"In a few days, the Magic Battle Arena I built on Central Street of Peace Square will be opening. It will provide dedicated venues and facilities for Elemental Magic duels, along with professional referees."
"If you don't mind, I'd like to invite both of you to hold your duel there."
"At that time, everyone here will be able to clearly watch the entire match, instead of crowding around like this."
"It's rare to see two people of your level. It would be a pity if your duel just ended casually like this."
"What do you think?"
Wardson's eyes lit up. This felt very much like a public duel in a grand martial arena. "I have no problem with that. Rowell, what about you?"
Rowell spread his hands, showing that he didn't really mind.
After all, Wardson was the one who issued the challenge. Rowell himself didn't have a particularly strong desire to win.
But Leticia, standing beside him, looked even more excited than if she were the one involved. She leaned close to Rowell's ear and whispered, "If you win… I'll agree to anything… you know~."
Feeling her warm breath brush against his ear, Rowell straightened instantly, his eyes shining as he said in a low voice, "Your Highness Ron, I have no problem either. I'll be there on time!"
Ron smiled with satisfaction. "Good. I'll inform you of the time and place."
After settling the duel, Ron chatted with them briefly before excusing himself and returning to Soren.
"Something good happening?" Soren asked curiously.
Ron chuckled. "The same kind of good thing as the last time with Rowell and Wardson's fight."
As he spoke, Ron turned to Nora and instructed, "Tomorrow, have someone make a banner to hang at the entrance when we open."
"What should it say?" Nora tilted her head.
"'A Fierce Showdown Between the General's Son and the Duke's Grandson!'" Ron thought for a moment before adding, "How's that? Or you can ask Kiel—anything that grabs attention at a glance works."
Nora understood immediately and couldn't help but smile. "Boss, you're so sly—using the two of them for free promotion."
"How is it free?" Ron feigned dissatisfaction. "We're providing the venue and services, after all. Those are invisible costs!"
Soren couldn't stand it. "You're ruthless. Milking the same sheep twice—true capitalist behavior."
The two bickered a bit more before the hall lights dimmed again.
Emperor André III stepped onto the stage once more, recounting the brutality of this year's winter war and the countless soldiers who had sacrificed their lives.
After offering praise, he began reading out names, inviting one decorated soldier after another to the stage to receive honors.
Everyone stood below the stage with solemn expressions, not daring to make any small movements.
Even Soren, usually so unruly, stood upright at this moment, applauding each soldier who stepped onto the stage.
The award ceremony continued until 9:30 PM.
After it ended, the important figures began to leave, leaving behind mostly young people.
Servants entered the hall, moving the dining tables to the sides and quickly transforming the center into a massive dance floor.
A well-prepared band entered from the rear hall and began playing soft, melodic dance music.
Next came the time for the young to socialize and dance.
The lighting shifted to a dim purplish-red, swaying gently with the rhythm of the music, and a subtle atmosphere began to spread through the crowd.
The First Prince, Eil, was the first to step onto the floor, inviting a young countess to dance.
One song ended.
The next began seamlessly.
This time, more men and women paired up, holding each other as they entered the dance floor, moving gracefully.
Dancing while talking—feeling the closeness, the warmth of breath—was one of the fastest ways for feelings to grow.
Soren had already entered the dance floor early with Penny, leaving only Ron and Nora sitting in the corner.
Nora watched the elegant figures dancing with envy. Her small hand, wrapped around Ron's arm, tightened unconsciously, and a sense of inferiority crept in.
"B-Boss… I'm sorry, I don't know how to dance…"
Ron patted her hand, signaling that he didn't mind.
To be honest, he wasn't very good at dancing either.
Although the original Ron had learned noble ballroom dance as a child, he only remembered the most basic steps.
After all, over the years, no noble lady had ever invited him to dance.
At every banquet, he had always been like this—sitting quietly in a corner, eating fruit while watching others dance.
"Actually, I could teach you," Ron whispered into Nora's ear. "The basic steps are pretty easy. We don't need to do anything fancy."
A hint of longing appeared in Nora's eyes, but she held it back.
Watching the graceful figures on the dance floor, she finally said timidly, with a trace of guilt, "Boss… maybe not… could you teach me back at the shop instead?"
Ron didn't mind. He took both her hands in his, silently comforting her.
By the time the fourth song began, Ron felt the urge to use the restroom. He told Nora to wait there and hurried off.
As he walked down the corridor outside, he immediately noticed several couples in the corners, kissing each other.
Then he saw Soren, holding Penny, stepping out from another door of the hall. The two were still kissing as they moved along, eventually slipping into a restroom.
As Ron passed by the door, he could faintly hear Penny trying to suppress her voice.
"Your Highness… not there…"
"Where exactly is 'there'? If you don't say it clearly, how would I know?"
"You're so bad… always choosing places like this… mm…"
"What's wrong with places like this? Or do you prefer how it was at your house—talking to your mother through the door?"
"Ugh~ we almost got caught last time…"
Ron rubbed his forehead and walked past silently, heading to a more distant restroom to take care of his business.
That guy Soren… way bolder than anyone else, Ron thought.
Others were at most making out, but he had already dragged someone into the restroom and gone much further.
After washing his hands, Ron came out again—and inevitably passed by their door once more.
"Here, put your hands against the door."
"Mmm…"
Another muffled sound followed.
This time, being so close to the door, even though Penny tried her best to hide it, Ron could hear it clearly.
Couples in the nearby corners peeked over, staring at that restroom in surprise.
Then, one by one, they turned their gaze toward the other restrooms nearby—
as if a whole new world had just opened up to them.
Ron covered his face and hurried back to the hall.