With my heart still fluttering as I clung to my beautiful girlfriend, we finally decided to head to the arena to witness the match. For the entire time, I held onto her arm, and she was forced to walk with me weighing her down. Still, she looked far from being annoyed by that. Actually, she seemed amused, almost laughing.

  Making our way through the bustling crowd was no easy feat. Still, thankfully and luckily, as we neared the arena entrance, the lines became more organized. Eventually, we stepped inside. Our heads moved in all directions in search of Crimson's family.

  "How are we going to find them in all this chaos?" I asked her, glancing at the arena's stands, searching for familiar auras or striking hair.

  "Oh, there," she said, raising her hand to point. "That's Rubro."

  Following her finger, I spotted him, alongside Vincent, John and his wife. With careful steps, we reached for them. They even waved their hands enthusiastically as they noticed us.

  "Where's mom?" Crimson asked.

  Rubro shrugged; the others followed.

  "Maybe she's still busy," Vincent justified.

  "How much until the match starts?" I asked.

  "There's still some time," John replied, gesturing to the seats in front of him. "But please, have a seat."

  "Did you take the day off?" Crimson teased. "Shouldn't you be on duty for such a big event?"

  He laughed. "What better way to keep watch than from here?"

  Some lighthearted chatter later, Crimson and I settled into our seats. I tried to use her by draping my arm over her shoulder, but because she is slightly taller than me, that proved uncomfortable. She noticed that, and clearly decided to mock me by doing the exact same herself. I was now her support. I pouted at that. She beamed.

  Defeated, I directed my attention to the arena. Specifically, where the match would unfold. A square-shaped transparent magic barrier enclosed the combat area to shield the spectator from any harm the combatants might inflict.

  "Popcorn?"

  A vendor captured my attention, walking around people dragging along a small portable cart filled with snacks.

  "Popcorn? For you and your friend," he repeated, gesturing to Crimson.

  "My fiancée," she corrected. There she was. "And yes."

  The vendor smiled. "For you, and your fiancée."

  Honestly, that didn't feel bad at all… I just squished myself more against her.

  "For me, too," Rubro chimed in, forcing his way with his head between me and Crimson.

  With those salty delights in hand, I snacked, uncaring about the fact that the match hadn't even started yet.

  "Open your mouth."

  Her soft voice, along with her arm pulling me closer, directed my attention back to her. She was holding a piece of popcorn between her fingers, hovering her hand before my lips. Aha, I saw right away where this was going, and I wasn't going to fall for it twice.

  "I don't want to choke, so no-!"

  Ignoring my refusal completely, she attempted to shove that popcorn into my mouth regardless. Too bad I saw it coming and clamped my lips shut. She still managed to sneak it in through my struggles and wiggling.

  I spat it out.

  She dodged it and laughed. "That wasn't very ladylike of you!"

  "Can you just stop attempting to choke me with food?" I retorted angrily.

  "It wasn't my intention until you mentioned it," she murmured, amused, crossing her legs as she rested her head over her hand, elbow propped on her knee.

  "So it's my fault?"

  "Yes."

  "I'll punch you," I deadpanned.

  With a chuckle, she reached for another popcorn. "Come on, let's try again. Open your mouth."

  Staring at her for a good moment, I decided to make her happy; the mood was still good, after all. And since I didn't plan to ruin it over some snacks, unenthusiastically, I opened my mouth.

  This time, she threw it.

  It went everywhere but in my mouth.

  "Your aim sucks."

  "You flinched."

  "I didn't flinch. I tried to catch it."

  "Then you suck."

  "Say that again," I challenged.

  She met my dare head-on. "You suck."

  "... You're lucky it's not a good idea to pull out a dagger in public."

  "All bark and no bite."

  I was on the verge of biting her nose if only she hadn't leaned back.

  "Alright, third time's the charm!" she happily exclaimed. "I've got an idea. Open your mouth."

  With a sigh, I complied once more.

  "Stick out your tongue."

  "Um…" That was the plan? "Here?"

  "Here."

  "... How about no?"

  "Why not?"

  "Because… no. It's… embarrassing, in front of your family. If you want to feed me, do it normally," I said lowly.

  Unexpectedly, she still smiled at that. "Hm, I was right. Flaunting love in front of others truly puts you in a tough spot."

  "... Are you testing me or something?"

  Softly, she laughed. "Yes."

  "..."

  Alas, perfection doesn't exist. Not that it was a problem; as much as I disliked being tested, I accepted all the good and bad, questionable things that came with Crimson, just as I always accepted my mother for what she was and what she did to me back in the day, when she was still alive. After all, this is to love someone. And I love Crimson.

  Unconditionally? This, I can't say yet. But I have no doubts regarding my love for her.

  However, she was quickly catching up to my mother in terms of her level of expertise in teasing me. About this… I had doubts. A stronger Crimson meant more problems for me, and being a sadist… her teasing could've far outdone those of my mother.

  Somehow, a cold shiver ran through me at the mere thought.

  "Though…" she murmured with sweet eyes. "I'd really like it if we could surpass those limits. What do you say, Snowflake?"

  "Hm? What are you proposing?" I asked, blinking.

  "Would you stick out your tongue for me, pretty please?"

  A laugh nearly escaped me at those words spoken with such exaggerated, overly sweet eyes. My lips literally twitched. "That's it? That's how you're going to persuade me?"

  Bouncing her leg up and down, she kept staring at me with a perpetual tender smile. "It would make me really happy, you know?"

  "W-would it, now?"

  "Yes. Really, really happy."

  "Hmm…"

  Perhaps… it could've been worth it. Something quick; a small gesture to make her happy on this day...

  Pondering, I kept studying her as I made my decision; her leg would sometimes bounce, and her foot occasionally rotate. No one would even notice it, after all… it would be quick, it would be just a second, and she truly looked happy and relaxed. If I could keep her in that mood…

  "F-fine…" I mumbled.

  For a fleeting moment, she almost appeared surprised. Yet, not once did her smile falter. Offering fresh air to my lungs, I opened my mouth, and stuck out my tongue. Her smile grew, but no popcorn was reaching me.

  Now, aside from confusion and embarrassment, nervousness was enveloping me. "Well?"

  She snickered. "Sorry, you just look like an adorable puppy."

  Here, annoyance replaced every other emotion. I snatched that popcorn and turned away as I popped it into my mouth. "Forget it. You're just making fun of me."

  With nothing else to direct my attention to, I stared at my popcorn bucket while she chuckled beside me. All popcorn was mine, at least, so it wasn't a total loss, and I slowly munched on some, shifting my gaze to the fighting area and side-eyeing Crimson from time to time.

  Probably contrasting hers, now my humor was somewhat worsening. Undeterred by this fact, she extended her hand towards me, palm up as if asking for something very specific. Popcorn.

  Glancing at her, I placed a handful into her waiting palm. She accepted them, and began eating.

  I sighed, and slumped into my seat. She was happy, at the very least, though I would've rather avoided that tease.

  But regardless of my mood, at some point, the event seemed about to start. A crowd of performers dressed in white stepped into the arena, holding remarkably cool-looking canes in their hands, and began a dance with a majestic melody in the background.

  "What are those?" I questioned. "They look like lots of Carolinas."

  "Majorettes," Crimson clarified with a quiet laugh. "Those canes are called batons. They dance and perform tricks with it."

  "Oh…" I was genuinely invested in that.

  Once the performance ended, a figure approached the middle of the arena, holding what looked like a little object in hand emanating an electric aura.

  "Ladies and gentlemen," he enthusiastically began. He then heartily welcomed the crowd, introducing the event and offering all due thanks and acknowledgments to the King, who overlooked it from his royal box high above the arena. He also greeted everyone with a dignified nod; greeted in turn by a wave of applause from the crowd.

  "On today's schedule," the announcer continued excitedly. "The Amalgamated Thorny Roses against the Golden Lucenti! What teams shall take the stage, I wonder?"

  Around me, people had already begun chattering, and murmurs quickly became louder than the announcer's voice. Rubro also conversed with Vincent and John. I, naturally, turned to my girlfriend.

  "Teams?" I asked, tilting my head. "Is it not a one-on-one?"

  "Hm? Oh, right, this is your first time here, isn't it?"

  "Hmm-hm."

  "Alright, Snowflake," Crimson began, her tone suddenly smugly all-knowing. "I'll explain it to you, since you're new here. The Goldenovum's tournament is divided into two parts. When it comes to the guilds, it's a three-on-three match. The Guild Leaders, along with two of their members. After that, it's the adventurers' turn, and that's one-on-one."

  "Hm…"

  "The sound inside the magic barrier is amplified from the inside out, so we spectators can better hear what's happening. Besides that, see those little things?" She pointed at some flying little spheres around the barrier I hadn't noticed. "Those are like magic cameras; they can show us what's happening inside with moving pictures all around."

  "So we don't have to stare directly at the arena, but we can also witness it from those things?" I mused aloud, tilting my head towards her.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  She nodded. "If you care about a detailed point of view, that's it."

  "I see…"

  Finally, the announcer appeared to have concluded the introductions. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen! A big round of applause for the beautiful, wonderful, inimitable, mesmerizing leader of the Amalgamated Thorny Roses! Carolina Spinosella!"

  Exaggerating the presentation with a dramatic flourish of his right hand, the announcer gestured to Carolina, who sauntered onto the stage followed by her two members. She waved enthusiastically at the overhyped crowd as she beamed effortlessly, welcomed by screams of respect and admiration; men stood from their seats just for her, roaring her name in acclamation, each one shouting harder than the other as if trying to outdo the other, while some others outright fainted as soon as she winked and sent blown kisses to their direction.

  Wincing, I pressed my hands over my ears.

  Still, I could hear Rubro lamenting as he leaned closer. "Mom still hasn't returned."

  "She wouldn't miss Carolina," Crimson replied curtly, side-eyeing him.

  As the announcer was about to gesture to the opposing side, a man came rushing in instead, and whispered something in the announcer's ear. He nodded, and from the little thingy that Crimson mentioned, I noticed his eyes narrowing before a smirk adorned his face.

  "Well, well. It seems we have a change of plans!" he exclaimed euphorically. "Carolina won't be facing the Golden Lucenti today!"

  From hushes, perplexed murmurs rippled through the arena. Yet, the announcer took his time to continue. "Oh, but please, don't sound so discouraged." He then gestured to his left. "Instead, please, a big round of applause for the incredible figure about to step in. The burning, the greatest, the unpredictable, the legendary, one and only Fire Mistress! Former leader of the very guild to my right… Pyrolina Incendiaria!"

  Where I expected rounds of boos and disappointment, the entire arena instead exploded, met with a standing ovation and screams of pure abandonment to the pure act of acclamation shaking the ground beneath our feet. I fully shielded my ears as the sound vibrated within me.

  "Mom?!" Rubro exclaimed, completely intruding on my and Crimson's space.

  With a wide grin, Crimson scoffed. "I knew she was up to something."

  John laughed. "That's your wife, Vincent!"

  "W-was Pyrolina this famous?" I asked, raising my voice, still somewhat protecting my hearing.

  "You kidding?" John replied. "Pyrolina's a legend in Goldenovum. She's the one who brought the guild where it stands right now."

  I was not expecting that.

  "He's right," Crimson commented with a smirk, resting her face on the palm of her hand. "Mom has achieved great things for the Amalgamated Thorny Roses. She's a prominent figure. You heard the announcement, right? Because of her divine weapon, and the fact that she's a summoner, she earned the title of 'Fire Mistress'. She even has her own… group of fanatics, where she's considered the Fire Dominatrix. But, well, Carolina also has her fans…"

  "What's a dominatrix?"

  She glanced at me with sweet eyes, and leaned closer to my ear. "What I am to you," she whispered soothingly.

  I didn't quite understand what that meant. Red girls have a complex dictionary, I guess... Maybe someone important? Regardless of the meaning, I accepted it without asking further questions and redirected my attention back to the combat area. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool rather than to speak and remove all doubt.

  Returning to the main topic, Carolina's expression was neutral, contrasting with Pyrolina's proud, almost taunting grin. Finally, once at the center of the arena, Pyrolina stopped and raised her chin high. "Well, Carolina? Not welcoming your old mistress?"

  Quiet laughter rippled through the arena at that remark, and Carolina met her with a nonchalant smile. "Pyrolina, Pyrolina… retirement truly hasn't tamed your flame. But are you sure you're up for this? You might be a little rusty to fight me, you know?"

  Surprised sounds now filled the area at that provocation.

  Pyrolina chuckled. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'll let my actions speak and answer your question."

  Carolina's smile faded away. "Well, well… if you say so. But where's the rest of your team?"

  With a smirk brighter than ever, Pyrolina gripped her whip. "I have no team, I shall fight alone. But, please, don't feel forced to do the same. I'd hate to deprive you of your best chance at winning."

  Daring laughter and amused acclamation now echoed through the crowd. Carolina's lips twitched before breaking into her sassy laugh. She twirled her cane and gestured for her two members, a blondie and a young boy, to stand back. "Feeling overconfident, aren't we?" she commented. "Very well! Let's see if your actions can live up to your words."

  The arena shouted. Cheered! And I covered my ears again. As much as I enjoy fights, I really couldn't tell if this was worth it…

  But anyway, the announcer followed the crowd's eagerness, and took the lead once more. "Did you hear that, ladies and gentlemen?! Then, let's not keep these intrepid fighters waiting a moment longer!"

  Applauses followed, along with more shouts and rhythmic stamping feet, obviously… And with the announcer stepping away, Carolina and Pyrolina moved into position.

  Pyrolina held her whip steady, and as much as I despised it, Crimson flashed in my mind for a fleeting moment… I swiftly shook my head and redirected my focus to Carolina instead. She jostled her cane around her fingers with elegance.

  Both stood with mirroring smirks. Commanding fire clashing into sparkling, mesmerizing and unpredictable blue ocean, reciprocating burning ardor with joyful enthusiasm. In tandem, and wholeheartedly.

  Perhaps, just witnessing this sudden shift in the atmosphere between the two outstanding women… was worth it.

  "Fighters!" the announcer screamed.

  The crowd hushed.

  "Ready…"

  A silence that allowed to catch heartbeats.

  "... Fight!"

  "Otherworldly Genie!"

  "Whiphers."

  Along Pyrolina's whip, several small spheres of fire appeared. She whipped, and all of them redirected toward Carolina's lone armored spirit.

  Boom.

  An explosion unfolded, and smoke billowed.

  The announcer was already at it. "Carolina's strong start is instantly met with fire!"

  The arena roared.

  Carolina emerged from above the smoke, and Pyrolina regarded her with a nonchalant expression. "You haven't changed at all, Carolina. Haven't you listened when I told you to strike first?"

  Carolina smirked. "Likewise, likewise! I knew you'd done that! But don't worry…" she said, her feet finally touching the ground, gracefully as ever, ready to dash forward. "Who laughs last, laughs best!"

  Pyrolina, imperturbable and unimpressed, whipped again, more flames hurling towards Carolina.

  "Nebulosa!" she countered, shooting a pinkish bubble from her cane.

  "Snakewhip," Pyrolina replied. Masterfully controlling the whip, she whipped once more. It encircled Carolina's spell, and strangling it, it popped. The whip continued on its way toward Carolina. She leaped. The whip followed like a predator following its prey; it caught her ankle. Pyrolina tugged and whipped again; Carolina was sent crashing down, dust rising from the ground welcoming her with a hug.

  Again, the announcer went right after. "What an incredible play!"

  "Can't he shut up?!" I lamented to Crimson.

  She failed to suppress a laugh. "Well, that's his job, Snowflake."

  "He distracts me! I can see what's happening! He doesn't have to narrate every move!"

  Crimson patted my back. "You'll have to get used to it, babe."

  I sighed, and redirected my attention back to the match. Pyrolina looked pleased at the sight of her rival lying on the ground, wrapped and squeezed by a whip resembling a snake.

  Carolina, teeth clenched, was still not giving up. "Cosmic Glass."

  The crystal ball atop Carolina's cane vibrated and expanded like a bubble. Pyrolina, who had stood still until that moment, was forced to retreat as her whip unraveled from her opponent's body.

  Carolina, now encased in a shimmering bubble, swiftly leaped back. The crowd cheered along with the announcer. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems like the match has just begun!"

  Indeed, it appeared as if the two rivals had just taken their positions.

  "Hey, what's that in the sky?" someone beside me asked, pointing.

  I, along with many who murmured, raised my head. A dragon soared in circles above us. Truly, like I said… the act of flying is outside of any scheme.

  A burst of mana enveloped a figure above the dragon before plummeting down like lightning. The arena's barrier shattered instantly, and many screamed in fear.

  "They broke the barrier?!" John exclaimed, panic in his voice. Judging by his reaction, that was probably not supposed to happen.

  A girl with purple hair emerged from the dust.

  "Hey, what do you think you're doing?" Pyrolina coldly asked her, glaring, whip ready.

  Guards were already rushing in.

  The mysterious girl raised a hand and, unfazed, looked around.

  "I asked you a question!" Pyrolina threatened.

  The girl abruptly stopped. "Looks like we found the culprit…"

  "Huh?" Confused murmurs rippled through the crowd.

  Violet eyes were directed straight at me. "The one with that spiteful, anomalous mana…" she muttered harshly, raising her leg high. Casting a spell, purple flames gathered around her boots. "... Is you."