The rest of the day moved more slowly than the previous ones. Not because there was something left to resolve, but because there was nothing left to adjust. The mission had been completed effortlessly, the training had already fulfilled its purpose, and all that remained now was to wait.
Waiting, at that moment, wasn't comfortable. But it wasn't a problem either.
I returned to the room and remained silent for a while. The girls were there, each occupying their own space, but none of them were truly distracted. They all knew what was coming next.
Liriel was the first to break the silence.
"This part always feels strange."
"Which part?" I asked.
"When everything is already decided, but it still hasn't happened yet."
Lyannis answered before I could.
"The inevitable interval between preparation and execution."
"I know what it is," Liriel said, crossing her arms. "I just don't like it."
Scarlett leaned against the wall.
"No one does."
Vespera maintained her calm posture.
"But it's necessary."
Elara looked in my direction.
"Are you okay with it?"
"Yes."
Rai'kanna gave a slight nod.
"He always is."
The silence returned, but this time it was lighter.
It wasn't long before one of the servants knocked on the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and the servant gave a slight bow.
"The banquet is prepared. Your presence is requested."
"We'll be there shortly."
He nodded and left.
Liriel let out a small sigh.
"A banquet before the fight... that never changes, does it?"
"Tradition," Scarlett replied.
Lyannis added,
"A status formality."
Vespera continued,
"A symbolic conclusion to the pre-confrontation period."
"Basically," Rai'kanna said, "it's just a way of saying that tomorrow everything may change."
"Yes," I replied.
We stood and walked through the castle corridors.
The environment was more illuminated than usual. The lights reflected off the golden walls, creating a constant glow. Guards were positioned more visibly, and the movement of servants had increased.
When we arrived at the main hall, several figures were already present. Nobles, advisors, warriors. All maintaining controlled silence, speaking in low voices.
The Dragon King was already seated on the throne.
His presence was different now. More direct. More focused.
The queen sat beside him, maintaining her elegant and calm demeanor. And Kaelira stood slightly ahead, observing the room attentively.
When I entered, several gazes turned toward me.
But no one said anything.
I walked to the main table with the group.
"You came," the king said.
"Yes."
He nodded.
"As expected."
I sat down.
The girls settled nearby, maintaining their natural formation.
The banquet began shortly afterward.
The food was varied, but nothing there truly caught my attention. I ate what was necessary, without haste and without excess.
The atmosphere was controlled.
Light conversations emerged here and there, but they always returned to silence.
After a few minutes, the king spoke again.
"You trained today."
"Yes."
"I felt it."
"I imagine so."
He let out a slight smile.
"You don't hide it."
"I don't see a reason to."
The queen watched silently, but there was interest in her gaze.
Kaelira remained quiet for a while before finally speaking.
"You took a mission."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Confirmation."
She nodded.
"The result?"
"No flaws."
The king rested his arm on the throne.
"Good."
Scarlett crossed her arms.
"He doesn't make mistakes."
Lyannis added,
"Ideal condition confirmed."
Vespera spoke calmly.
"Perfect execution."
Elara simply smiled slightly.
Liriel looked away.
"I still think it's strange."
Rai'kanna looked at the king.
"But it's what you wanted, isn't it?"
The king laughed softly.
"Yes."
Silence returned for a few seconds.
Then he continued.
"Tomorrow, I won't hold back."
"I know."
"Don't expect any openings."
"I don't."
"Nor mercy."
"I don't need it."
He remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Excellent."
Kaelira looked directly at me.
"You don't show fear."
"No."
"Confidence?"
"Current status."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"You talk as if it's something technical."
"It is."
Lyannis agreed.
"Objective analysis."
Vespera added,
"No emotional interference."
Scarlett nodded.
"It works."
Elara observed.
"But it's still you."
Liriel gave a small smile.
"Yeah... it's still him."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"And that's already enough."
The banquet continued for a while longer, but nothing new was said.
Gradually, people began to leave.
The king was the last to stand.
"Tomorrow morning."
"Yes."
"In the arena."
"I know."
He nodded and left, followed by the queen.
Kaelira remained for a few seconds.
"Sleep well."
"You too."
She turned and left.
The hall became empty.
We stood up and returned to our room.
The walk back was silent.
But it wasn't a heavy silence.
It was clear.
Upon entering the room, each of us took our own place.
Liriel threw herself onto the bed.
"Finally, this part is over."
"Not yet," Scarlett said.
"You know what I meant."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"The final phase has begun."
Vespera nodded.
"No turning back."
Elara looked at me.
"Are you going to sleep?"
"Yes."
Rai'kanna gave a slight nod.
"Then rest."
I lay down.
My body responded immediately.
There was no accumulated tension.
There were no scattered thoughts.
My mind was clear.
I closed my eyes.
And this time, the silence wasn't waiting.
It was final preparation.
The last one before the arena.
And when tomorrow arrived...
Everything would be decided.