Is there a connection?

I pointed at Maple, cautioning him gravely. “I came to warn you: my brother took drugs! You’re in danger.”

He blinked innocently. “Oh? Is that so?”

“How can you be so calm? Taking stimulants before a match—don’t you think that’s against the rules?”

“It’s just like a racial skill. There’s nothing against the rules about it.”

I stared blankly. “You’re taking this rather well, aren’t you?”

“For the sake of fairness, then, I’ll just have a cup of Flat White.”

“Are those two things even comparable?”

Maple picked up the cup of Flat White from the table. “Why wouldn’t they be? I’m drinking you, you know.”

He took a small sip, watching me provocatively. I was utterly speechless!

“If I were to say something conceited…”

“???”

He pointed at me, his voice uncertain. “Are you… by any chance worried about me?”

My face flushed instantly.

“You’re… already the top contender in Britannia. Do you really need me to worry about you? I just don’t want you to be kept in the dark while others are using stimulants. That’s the only way it’ll be fair.”

“This Flat White is really good.”

“You… don’t need to specifically emphasize that…”

“The first sip is all foam, the second is full of milky aroma, and the very last sip is the richest,” he explained, cradling the cup. A faint, blissful smile played on his cheeks, flushed slightly by the rising steam.

“Are you even listening to my explanation?”

“Yes, I am. This Flat White is really good.”

“Drop dead!”

Hmph. If not for the sound of a horn blaring outside the tent at that moment, I wouldn’t have been done with him.

“The martial arts tournament has begun. It’s my turn to enter the arena.”

“But you haven’t finished your Flat White,” I said irritably, crossing my arms.

“It’s fine, I’ll drink it when I get back,” Maple replied, placing the cup back on the table before walking straight out of the tent.

“By the time you return, the coffee will be cold!”

Maple lifted the tent flap halfway, then turned to look at me, saying meaningfully, “Don’t worry, it won’t get cold.”

I was utterly bewildered!

Watching him disappear from view, I sighed inwardly. What I considered a serious matter, Maple evidently didn’t care about at all. I felt as though I’d worried for nothing, engaging in a truly meaningless endeavor.

Fine, I’ll just go out and watch his match against the Second Prince.

The tournament had just begun, and the arena—whoa! Why were there so many people? Were this many truly anticipating the duel between Maple and the Second Prince?

How was I supposed to squeeze back to my seat? Relying on my petite stature, I had no choice! I steeled myself and dove into the crowd, finally managing to push my way to the very front. Looking out, I saw Maple, mounted on his steed and dragging his knight’s lance, arrive at the front lines, engaging in a distant standoff with the Second Prince.

Then I looked at my Second Brother. His eyes glowed with a fierce, savage red light, and he was squirming uncomfortably in his saddle—a clear sign he’d taken the drugs.

Sure enough, he began spouting nonsense. “Seeing you like this, I almost thought I was dueling a girl.”

“Enough talk!” Maple spurred his horse, charging at him with his lance!

The Second Prince tried to charge forward, but his movements were stiff and awkward. He let out a strange groan, unable to properly aim his lance!

He wobbled precariously, and before Maple’s lance could even reach him, he lost his balance entirely and tumbled right off his horse!

………………..??????

I was utterly dumbfounded!

That was it…?

What about the promised short-term stimulant? Where exactly did it manifest?

Sharabelle! What kind of drug did you give him?!

Watching Maple halt his charge, looking just as confused as everyone else before riding off, I too turned and slipped out of the crowd.

The audience members were still in a state of utter bewilderment!

Upon returning to the tent—

Maple picked up the cup of coffee, took a small sip, and smiled at me. “See? It’s still warm.”

“…” I was speechless. Even novels wouldn’t dare concoct such a scenario!