Reinhold raised his shield with a triumphant smirk, then leaned against it, brushing dust from his clothes and inspecting a scorch mark left by Tigria’s magic. He grimaced at the sight.

“If you plan to surrender, now’s the time. I’ll graciously accept it.”

“Cut the crap, you pompous bastard. I’ll make sure to kill you myself.”

Lucy spat back, her voice strained with anger, but Reinhold only smirked, taunting her.

“Oh, Lucyena. It’s bad form to turn unrequited love into hatred so quickly. Are you so intent on pushing your feelings onto others without considering their perspective?”

“…I’ve long since …