Zeke and Marcus rose from their seats, bowing in unison.

“Father,” they said with practiced respect.

The maids soon entered, placing trays of steaming food onto the long dining table. Riki’s face brightened at once—he wasted no time, happily digging in.

The cheerful clatter of utensils, however, only deepened Zeke and Marcus’s scowls.
“How dare you eat so casually in Father’s presence,” Marcus snapped, his voice sharp with anger.

“Such disrespect,” Zeke added, glaring.

Aria and Ella rushed to calm them, whispering for peace. But at the head of the table, Zell Val Fire Rat only smirked, his expression cool and unbothered.
“Carefree, aren’t you?” he mused, eyes on Riki. “While the rest of you are so easily provoked. Good… very good.”

Then, with a low chuckle, he declared,
“I’ll have you face each other in a duel. Two against two. Aria, you’ll fight as well.”

The words struck the table like thunder. Aria’s breath caught, her hands trembling. Across from her, Riki nearly choked on his food, coughing in disbelief.
Tch. So the old man was plotting this all along… just to test me.

“I-I’m sorry, Master Riki,” Aria whispered nervously, bowing her head.

But Riki only reached out, gently touching her arm with a smile.
“It’s fine. I figured it would happen eventually.”

Zeke and Marcus laughed cruelly.
“Get ready, trash. We’ll crush you.”

Zell Val Fire Rat leaned back, amused, his smirk widening.
“Excellent. Let’s see what you’re made of. Be at the dueling grounds by three o’clock. Don’t be late.”

Later, as the sun lowered in the sky, the dueling arena filled with quiet anticipation.

Zell Val Fire Rat sat in the stands with Ella by his side. He drank his tea leisurely, eyes glinting.
“Let’s see if you’re a dud, child. Prove your worth.”

Ella poured him another cup, offering a faint smile.
“This should be a piece of cake for the young lords.”

“You think so?” Zell asked, gaze never leaving the stage.

Below, Zeke and Marcus strode confidently into the arena, smirking.
“Easy match,” Zeke boasted. “We’ve already won.”

Riki and Aria walked onto the stage.

“Last chance, trash,” Zeke sneered. “Give up now and I’ll spare you.”

Riki only yawned, stretching lazily. He turned to Aria with a grin.
“After this, let’s go grab something to eat.”

“Eh? M-Master… Zeke was talking to you!” Aria whispered nervously.

Riki waved her concern away, still looking completely uninterested.

From the stands, Zell’s voice rang out like a gong.
“Now that the contestants are in the ring… are you ready?”

Zeke raised his hand, a massive fireball sparking to life in his palm. His grin twisted into malice.
“Hope you like burning, trash.”

“Begin!” Zell roared.

⚔️ Boom—end of the setup.