Inside the palace, a magnificent banquet awaited the Yanling delegation. Fu Rong was escorted to a place of honor at Emperor Ethan’s own table, an unmistakable sign of respect. It was a lavish feast like none she had seen. The banquet table was laden end-to-end with culinary masterpieces from every corner of Carosso. Succulent roasted meats with honey glaze, spiced stews, fragrant cheeses, warm breads, and towers of colorful pastries—the sheer abundance was almost overwhelming.Seated between Liuyue and a courteous Carossian minister, Fu Rong did her best to maintain her composure despite the dizzying array of aromas and sights. Accustomed as she was to fine cuisine, the sheer variety still astonished her. Each new bite—savory, sweet, or spicy—was a revelation.Then a particular platter of thinly sliced, uncooked fish caught Fu Rong’s eye. In Yanling, fish was always served cooked—yet here it glistened raw on a bed of ice. She leaned toward Liuyue and murmured, “This fish... it’s raw.

A slight, daring smile played on his lips. “Princess Fu Rong,” Ethan said, a playful lilt entering his voice, “you argue that a political marriage is the surest path to seal our alliance. My council thinks otherwise. Each view has merit... so, in Carosso, we often settle such debates in a straightforward way: we let strength decide.”Fu Rong’s eyes widened. “Strength? Decide what, exactly?” she asked slowly, unsure of his meaning, though a faint dread coiled in her stomach.Ethan’s smile widened ever so slightly. “Everything,” he said simply. “If you seek Carosso’s alliance, I would have you demonstrate Yanling’s strength, here and now, for all my court to see. Show us that Yanling’s fire is worthy to join with our dragon’s might.”Fu Rong narrowed her eyes, trying to grasp his intention. The Emperor stopped a few

By the time the brief intermission ended, the Grand Arena was filled once again with eager spectators. The air was buzzing with anticipation for the main event.Nina stepped forward once more, a wide grin on her face. “Before we begin our main event,” she called out, “behold the latest innovations from Carosso’s master smiths!”On cue, a squad of knights in gleaming new armor marched onto the field. Their plate mail – forged from the finest mithril-steel – shone with a silvery-blue luster, and their weapons glinted with the same exquisite metal. The crowd murmured in awe at the sight.“These mithril arms and armors,” Nina announced proudly, “grant our warriors unparalleled strength and resilience — and they are available only here, in Carosso!”After this brief but impressive showcase, the knights marched off to enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The spectators buzzed with excitement at the display, but their anticipation for the coming duel only grew stronger.Nina raised her arms

“Ladies and gentlemen!” Nina’s voice rang out, silencing the crowd’s buzz. “Welcome back to Carosso’s Grand Arena! Are you ready for the first match of the day?” A thunderous cheer answered her as she paced with theatrical flair. “Our opening battle is one you’ve all been waiting for. Our first combatant is a wolf warrior who needs no introduction to those who follow the flames of battle!” Nina gestured grandly toward the gate on the left. “A fearless fighter carrying the pride of the beast clans—bold and unyielding—she comes to test her courage in Carosso’s greatest proving ground. Give it up for Lyssandra, the Burning Wolf of the North!”A lithe figure emerged from the gate in a flash of steel and fur. Lyssandra strode forward with a predator’s grace. Her amber eyes literally blazed, flickering with an inner f