After the first game, everyone returned to their own tents to rest. When night arrived, the academy called for everyone so they could have dinner together.
The side of the camping ground where the games were held earlier was now completely transformed into a complete dinner setup. The aroma of freshly cooked food also wafted through the air.
When a bell sounded, all the young nobles went out of their tents to gather there. They filled the space with excited voices. Everyone was still talking about the labyrinth game that had happened and its result.
As soon as Lionel's group appeared, all the heads turned to them.
"U-uh… why is everyone staring?" Aster blinked at the sudden attention.
Simon whispered in a low voice to them, "Because we're famous now."
"Lionel!"
"Rufus!"
"Aster!"
"Simon!"
"Congratulations!"
Several nobles immediately approached them, smiling and laughing.
A tall boy from another noble family clapped Rufus on the shoulder.
"I heard you found the path, Rufus! That hidden one!"
"Ah, yeah," Rufus just smiled, not knowing how to react to that.
"Don't be shy," another added brightly, "The professors were talking about it earlier!"
"Haha, really?" Rufus awkwardly smiled amidst the compliments he was receiving.
Aster squeezed Rufus's arm proudly. "Don't be humble! You carried us."
"Hey!" Simon protested. "Lionel carried us too!"
Another group of nobles approached Lionel this time.
"Congratulations on the victory!"
"We heard that it was you who led your group first!"
"Congratulations, Lionel!"
Lionel nodded politely. "Thank you."
Those who finished saying their congratulations moved away and proceeded to sit on the chairs. While waiting for the others to sit too, they couldn't help but talk among themselves at the table.
"To be honest…I thought Cassian's group would win."
"Same. They were leading the whole time."
"But Lionel's group surprised me!"
"Yeah. I know right? I got high hopes for Cassian's team!"
"Me too."
"Too bad they missed the shortcut."
At the same time, Cassian's group appeared. They were walking slowly, with confidence radiating from them. Even though they lost, they still appeared determined.
"These idiots are whispering, but I can still hear them." Nathaniel scowled in silence.
"I know, right. It's not even impressive. They just got it out of luck." Arwen sighed.
Meanwhile, Cassian scanned the crowd. His eyes briefly found Lionel's table. His gaze stayed on his cousin for a second before it moved to Rufus, who was laughing awkwardly as another noble congratulated him.
Cassian's expression did not shift much.
So that's the infamous Rufus, Cassian thought. I've heard he was good. His father is a margrave, after all. But…
His jaw tightened slightly.
I didn't expect him to be the reason why they won.
He glanced at Lionel again, who was smiling politely as nobles approached him.
And yet everyone is making it look like Lionel led them to victory. As if he could've done that.
Cassian's eyes narrowed for a little and scoffed.
I already know that it was Rufus guiding them from the back while Lionel happened to be the one walking in front. They probably just followed Rufus's instructions quietly. Lionel has always been like that. He was easily influenced. Nothing more.
"Cassian?" Behind him, Nathaniel finally broke the silence.
Cassian didn't respond immediately to that call. He kept his gaze straight ahead, while his expression remained calm.
"Cass, are you not even annoyed that… your cousin beat us?" Arwen leaned closer and whispered to him.
Cassian blinked once before letting out a soft laugh.
"Annoyed that Lionel beat us?" he repeated as if he found the word amusing.
"Not really."
"Not really?" Nathaniel sputtered, baffled. "But it's Lionel. And he actually finished before us—"
Cassian gave a quiet sigh as if the entire topic were painfully obvious.
"I know it wasn't Lionel who led them to victory."
Both his teammates paused at that.
"As you heard it, it was that Rufus," Cassian said with certainty. "He found the shortcut. Also, he must be the one really leading them, while my cousin just walks in front. After all, he's in the academy with us. I also heard the professors praising him while back."
"Right…" Arwen nodded instantly, as if he just realized that.
"Yeah, yeah. And I also heard your cousin is not exactly the… brains kind."
"Oh, right!" Nathaniel supported. "Sorry, I forgot that for a moment because I was annoyed."
Cassian finally smiled that made his teammates relax instantly.
"That's why, as his cousin," Cassian said calmly, "I always bring Lionel with me. So he can learn. So he can grow strong enough to follow after me."
The others stared at him, eyes softening as if he had said something noble and admirable.
"Cassian… you're really kind to him."
"Of course, the prince's heir would think like that…"
"You're such a good cousin."
"Anyway, let them have their moment. A single win won't change anything." Cassian simply lifted a shoulder. He was still wearing his composed smile. But behind his calm eyes, something else simmered inside him.
Either way, sooner or later, Lionel will return to where he belongs. Behind my shadows.
The four of them took their own seats.
And as for Rufus…
Cassian's gaze flew to the margrave's son again.
I'll have to keep an eye on him.
After a while, Lionel's group also finally settled. The conversation about the earlier event gradually changed to other topics, such as their plans for the next game and random gossip.
Though for some reason, Lionel would find himself seated beside his cousin. It was awkward.
"Cousin," he greeted quietly.
Cassian slowly turned his head toward him. His face held the same calmness from earlier.
"Lionel," Cassian replied, his voice filled with adoration. "Congratulations on your win."
"Thank you." Lionel smiled back.
"I heard you led your group well," he added. "That must have been… new for you."
Lionel stiffened just slightly. He could hear the disdain in Cassian's voice, but he kept his smile in place.
"Yeah. We were surprised that it wasn't actually hard."