Once Clyde strutted onto the stage, Vyan mouthed in disbelief, "You were actually serious about winning?"
"I sure was," Clyde shot back with a grin, proudly accepting the gilded cup, sword, and shield like they were the only accessories missing from his wardrobe.
"And you said I was acting crazy in love," Vyan quipped, his tone playful.
Clyde let out a hearty chuckle. "Who said I wasn't crazy too?"
The crowd erupted in applause, though a few curious whispers snaked through—Easton's absence wasn't lost on them. But Vyan and Clyde? They knew exactly where he was: somewhere trying to clean up Vyan's latest masterpiece of chaos before the emperor found out the truth.
"Attention, ladies and gentlemen," the announcer chimed in with far too much glee, "it's time for our empire's top Monster Hunter to reveal the name of the fortunate lady to whom he has dedicated his glorious kills."
