Laughter rippled again, drowning the air.
But between the noise, between the flashes of violet and gold, the two of them stood locked in the same invisible thread.
A shared smirk, a hidden plan, a game no one else could see.
Then... without a word further, the golden pulse of mana flared brighter in Eran's palm. The nobles exchanged glances, whispering and snickering, thinking how utterly foolish he was. Just because the judges had granted him a moment to act didn't mean it would amount to anything. After all, he was just a commoner.
Eran's smirk deepened. His gaze found Miyu's again as he stretched both palms outward. Instantly, a spiral of golden light sprawled across the stage, twisting and flaring as it directed itself toward her.
He knew well this wasn't enough to disrupt Miyu—far from it. The flare was meant for something else entirely. To draw eyes. To stir laughter. To make them watch.
