“A plant is not the same as a griffin,” I protest. “East can catch his own prey. All I have to do is cook it, and that’s if he gives me the chance to cook it first. He can swallow rabbits whole.”
Emilia grimaces. “I happen to like rabbits.”
“If you mean they taste good, I agree,” Kharu says, patting his stomach.
“You’re always thinking with your stomach,” Emilia grumbles, rolling her eyes. “This tournament, if anything, has only increased your appetite.”
“I heard you both earned automatic spots in the final round. I wanted to congratulate you myself,” I say, beaming. “How does it feel to be ranked as one of the top five knights in the kingdom? Exhilarating? Nerve-racking?”
Emilia and Kharu exchange a look, then shrug.
“Feels like any other day,” Emilia says.
“I already knew I was one of the best,” Kharu admits.
I deadpan. “Would it kill you two to be a little humble?”
“A bit of humility keeps you practicing; a bit of arrogance goes a long way to keeping you competitive,” Emilia says, smirking. “Your humility certainly hasn’t helped you win any of our duals, now, has it?”
“I’ve gotten better!” I protest. “You told me I should get some experience, and I did!”
“Prove it, then.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I chuckle, patting East’s head. “This little one has a protective streak when it comes to me.”
“Just wait until he gets bigger. You’ll have a formidable bodyguard,” Kharu says, arching a brow.
“I don’t need a bodyguard. I just need to get good enough to kick your butts,” I tease.
“In your dreams. That’s why you have Alessia as a bodyguard,” Emilia says. “By the way, where is she? She’s been disappearing as soon as her matches are over. I was hoping to congratulate her on making it to the final round with us.”
“She’s…not in the greatest of moods,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “I haven’t been able to get a word in without getting snapped at lately. She’s been stressed, between planning, catching up on her duties, training, competing in the tournament, and dealing with the tension between her and her sister.”
Emilia and Kharu exchange a look. “Tension?”
“Oh. That’s right, you don’t know. I trust you not to tell anyone, but just between you guys and me, Alessia and Daelia are having a big fight over this tournament.”
“Really?” Emilia gasps.
“Why would that be?” Kharu questions.
“Daelia was hell-bent on helping the missionaries in Krasta, but Alessia’s tournament roped her into staying here. She was pissed about not getting any say in the decision.”
“That’s no reason to hate her guts,” Emilia scoffs, crossing her arms. “I know I may be biased as a knight, but Daelia should be proud to display her ability to the people of Celestia. This is meant to be a celebration of Celestia’s strength; it wouldn’t be complete without her.”
“I agree. It’s an honor to get to fight the Hero of Celestia—even though I know I shall lose spectacularly,” Kharu admits.
I don’t have the heart to tell them that there’s an ulterior motive behind the tournament that’s the real issue here, but I brush it aside. In all honesty, if Daelia strongly believes her sister is in the wrong, she should confront her about it rather than sulk. Alessia’s too busy to deal with her sister acting like a child, and she isn’t wrong for wanting the best for her nation.
“Well, in any case, I look forward to seeing you two compete,” I say. “Would you like me to take you out for some drinks? It’s been far too long since we spent some real time together.”
“Hells yeah. You better be ready to pay up, rich boy!” Kharu teases, clapping me on the back.
“Um, what about East?” Lief points out, hovering over my head.
“We’ll eat outside. He’ll be fine. Won’t you, East?” I ask, cupping his face in my hands.
East rubs his face on my chest again. I’ll take that as a yes.
