The first day of the Magic Cup concluded smoothly at 10 PM.
Ron's main body stayed by Nora's side the entire time, occasionally helping handle some matters.
But most of the work was managed by Nora herself, so Ron didn't need to worry much.
Across the various arenas in the Magic Battle Arena, although the schedule was dense, completing ten matches within a week for individual participants was actually quite relaxed.
So most of the time, contestants wandered around, watching other matches.
Some gathered together to discuss newly emerging tactics.
Others sat alone in front of the Mimic Grass, reviewing recorded match footage.
Among these, the most popular feature was clearly the Mimic Grass "replay."
"Did you watch Andy and the others' matches this morning and afternoon?"
"Wardson and Rowell went on stage at almost the same time—I only watched Rowell's match."
"Wardson's was amazing! His opponent was also Gold rank and even used a new combo—almost took him down!"
"Damn! I missed it. Rowell's match was kinda boring…"
"You can just go to the replay wall and select it."
"…Too expensive. Ten copper coins per replay—I'd rather spend that on a good meal."
"How about we split it? Five copper coins each and watch Wardson's match?"
"?" The other person looked confused. "Didn't you already watch it?"
"That Gold-rank guy used a new move. I was too shocked to memorize it at the time, so I want to watch it again. Figured I'd split the cost with you."
Conversations like this were everywhere in the arena.
The replay walls on every floor had become the hottest spots.
Most people were freeloaders—they didn't care what they watched, just wanted something interesting.
If someone paid to replay a great match, they were more than happy to tag along for free.
As for paying 10 copper coins themselves? Not a chance.
That kind of spending? Never in this lifetime.
Those who didn't mind the cost didn't care anyway.
And if someone didn't want freeloaders, private replay rooms were available.
But the price… well, you can imagine.
From preliminaries to early rounds and even elimination matches, there were too many matches happening simultaneously for anyone to watch them all.
And before watching, who could know which match would be exciting?
But with the replay system, everything changed.
Many people became interested in Mimic Grass and even asked whether it was for sale.
Especially certain shady-looking individuals—the staff could immediately tell what they were thinking.
Nothing good, obviously.
Ron wasn't worried about Mimic Grass being stolen.
All Mimic Grass used for replays had their recording function disabled.
And since cultivating Mimic Grass required strict conditions, no one could realistically grow it themselves.
Without a proper cultivation space, they might as well dream.
Late at night, after returning to the flower shop, Nora went to take a bath.
Ron sat on the sofa, rubbing his temples and resting with his eyes closed.
The next moment, a shadow rose from the ground and formed into Yuna's mature figure.
"You used a puppet double to appear in the City of Chaos?" Yuna asked. "Prince Ron is clearly in the Royal Capital's Magic Battle Arena, yet at the same time, you were seen driving a strange metal vehicle in the City of Chaos."
"Now, quite a few people know you have a double."
As a member of the Shadow Division, Yuna received updates from the City of Chaos almost instantly via teleportation arrays.
And clearly, others with intelligence networks would know as well.
After all, Ron hadn't hidden anything—he drove the bus straight through the city gate.
With so many witnesses, anyone could tell that it was Prince Ron.
"Yeah." Ron poured two cups of syrupy resin drink and handed one to her. "Things are getting busier—I can't be everywhere at once."
"Using ordinary puppets for communication isn't enough anymore."
"So I might as well reveal it and let people speculate."
"That works too." Yuna took a sip and sat down, crossing her legs. "Your puppet double is indistinguishable from the real thing."
"Unless someone attacks to test it and realizes it's indestructible, they won't know it's a substitute."
She rolled her eyes. "Honestly, why not just go out using the puppet and keep your real body at home? Sounds pretty comfortable."
Ron laughed helplessly. "Not that extreme. Besides, I've got you, don't I?"
"Tch." Yuna clicked her tongue and looked away.
She stretched her long legs across the table, lightly poking Ron's knee.
"Hey, are you really going to get that count title?" she asked.
"Why?" Ron shook her foot off. "From what I can tell, it's basically inevitable. They're determined to push it through."
Yuna nodded thoughtfully, then said casually, "In that case, I'll resign from the Shadow Division."
"?" Ron frowned. "What does that have to do with it? And can you just resign like that?"
"If you become a territorial noble, you'll need to recruit a private army. Who do you plan to put in charge?" Yuna nudged his knee again.
"As for resigning—even without this, it wouldn't be long anyway."
"Emperor André III wouldn't keep me in the Shadow Division much longer."
"A sixth-tier assassin who's no longer loyal? There's no way he'd keep that around."
"The one beside the First Prince was similar—resigned not long after switching allegiance."
"This kind of thing is within Emperor André III's tacit approval."
After a moment of silence, Ron nodded. "Alright. I'll leave it to you. I'll have people assist you when the time comes."
"Just make sure you supply Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum for free," Yuna waved it off.
To her, this was trivial.
Ever since learning about Ron's mother's death, protecting him had become her sole priority.
He was the last trace of her sister in this world—she wouldn't allow anything to happen to him.
Even if Emperor André III hadn't assigned her, she would've come anyway.
Years hadn't diminished that bond.
"I'll have Illya make something for you," Ron said, glancing at her legs before snapping back to focus.
"A new item?" Yuna raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
The puppet had already surprised her—she didn't expect another so soon.
"It's just an idea for now," Ron smiled. "If it works, we can equip the private army with it too."
"Oh? So it's not just for me?" Yuna teased.
"…Why are you hung up on that?" Ron said, speechless.
"Assassins aren't great at ranged combat, right?"
"This should help you a lot—if it works."
After finishing her drink, Yuna shrugged.
As the bathroom door opened, she dissolved into shadows.
"I'll look forward to it."
Assassins might lack ranged strength, but in close combat, they far surpassed ordinary warriors.
Being well-rounded didn't necessarily mean being stronger.
So she wasn't particularly excited.
Unless it enhanced close combat as the puppet did—that would interest her.
"Boss, the bath is ready. Go wash up," Nora peeked out from the hallway in pink pajamas.
"Alright, you go rest first."
After a quick shower, Ron entered the bedroom.
The room was dim, lit only by soft moonlight illuminating Nora's peaceful face and delicate collarbone.
She had already fallen asleep.
Ron quietly lay down beside her.
Perhaps she felt safe here—or perhaps she was simply exhausted.
She didn't wake up.
But sensing the mattress shift, she instinctively hugged his arm.
Smelling his familiar scent, her expression softened.
Ron smiled gently and kissed her forehead.
He then cast a wood-element healing spell to ease her fatigue before entering meditation.
The days passed steadily.
The Magic Cup preliminaries remained extremely lively, with discussions spreading throughout the Royal Capital.
Everything was running smoothly.
Nora gradually adapted to the fast pace, growing more confident with Ron present.
Meanwhile, Ron expanded the event beyond the arena.
After the first day, he handed all the recorded Mimic Grass footage to Kiel to organize.
Soon, staff began showcasing matches across major public squares, spreading the appeal of Element Card battles.
The popularity surged again.
Even people who previously had no interest were hearing about it everywhere.
As a result, arena attendance exploded, causing congestion issues.
So Ron introduced a new idea—
Checkpoint "check-ins" across the Royal Capital.
Participants could visit multiple Mimic Grass exhibition spots and collect stamps.
Those who completed all check-ins could return to the arena and purchase Elementia's new skin at half price—and in advance.
This immediately eased congestion.
People in this world had never seen such a system—it was incredibly novel.
Many rushed to complete all checkpoints in a single day.
For nobles, the discount didn't matter.
What mattered was early access.
Elementia's new skin—cold and elegant, unlike her previous beach version—would only officially release after the tournament.
Getting it early meant instant bragging rights.
For commoners, even half price might be expensive—
But they could sell completed cards to nobles for quick profit.
A win-win.
Ron didn't care—as long as it achieved the goal.
Soon, "check-ins" became a trending topic across the Royal Capital.
Locations like Central Street of Peace Square and Moonview Street became hotspots.
If this were Ron's old world, it would dominate social media trends for free.
Of course, this created a problem for participants.
They still had matches and didn't have time to check in.
But smart people chose—
Why not both?
So many contestants handed their check-in cards to family members:
"I have an important mission for you!"
With this series of strategies, the Magic Cup quickly broke into mainstream attention.
Previously, people only knew it as "high prize money" or assumed it was a scam.
Now, it has truly entered public awareness.
Ron was pleased.
Once he completed the main quest, who knew—maybe the system would push Element Cards nationwide.
So expanding sales early was part of his plan.
Even without a quest, he wouldn't lose anything.
Especially with skins—
A goldmine.
For example, Elementia's limited beach skin had already reached over 20 gold coins in resale value.
If re-released at the right time…
People would rush in like crazy.
Among young nobles, owning skins and cards had already become a status symbol.
Not playing meant exclusion.
Playing without skins meant lower status.
Either way, you paid.
Ron didn't feel bad.
At least the gold would be reinvested in Tansen City.
Wealth redistribution, in a way.
As time passed, the preliminaries reached Day 6—March 28.
After over 18,000 matches, the preliminaries officially concluded.
Nora and the staff immediately began tallying results to determine who would advance.