"So, what's Mad up to now?"
"He tried to approach several more of your friends to win them over, but he failed miserably every time. Right now, it seems a girl named Misery found him suspicious and is currently chasing him all over the place."
"Well... poor guy. If it's Misery, I doubt things will get too out of hand. Probably."
Hugo Clay gave a wry smile at the predictable turn of events. As Drowa caught him up on Mad’s movements and the disastrous results of his negotiations, Yugo couldn't help but chuckle at the man's misfortune.
He imagined Misery eventually dragging a captured Mad back to him like a cat presenting its prize. As he lost himself in the thought, Fango abruptly stood up.
Drowa called out to his retreating back as he prepared to leave.
"Fango, where are you going?"
"I’ve seen enough. There’s no need to measure this man’s worth any further."
"...Does that mean you're acknowledging Yugo?"
At Drowa’s question, Fango turned and fixed Yugo with a piercing gaze.
Yugo sipped his tea, meeting the heavy gaze without a hint of hesitation despite the man's intimidating aura. Fango watched him for a moment before finally speaking.
"I lost the duel. I have no right to interfere in this matter anymore. The only reason I stayed to drink this tea I don't even like was because I was concerned he might be surrounded by people waiting to stab him in the back. After all, he was spouting some incredibly soft nonsense during our fight."
"Friends are important, Fango. They make you much stronger than you could ever be on your own. It might sound like 'soft nonsense' to you, but I’m dead serious."
"Hmph..."
Fango neither confirmed nor denied Yugo’s words. He simply let out a quiet snort and continued.
"According to Mad’s report, there doesn't seem to be anyone in his inner circle plotting betrayal. The risk of the man who defeated me falling to some pathetic backstabbing has essentially vanished. In that case, I have no reason to stay. I can use my time more effectively by going home and training."
"Hehe... I see. That’s a very typical response for you."
Drowa nodded with a smile, clearly having no intention of stopping Fango.
Fango gave Yugo one last glare, his voice ringing with firm resolve.
"Hugo Clay... I’ll yield to your wishes this time. However, do not think for a moment that I’ve accepted defeat. I will definitely surpass you one day. Wash your neck and wait for me."
"Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. Come visit anytime!"
Without a trace of provocation, Yugo responded with a bright smile, as if welcoming a dear friend.
Sensing something in Yugo’s attitude that set him apart from anyone he had ever met before, Fango stared at him intently for a beat. Then, he turned on his heel and walked away.
"...Fango is satisfied, and by the time Mad returns, he likely won't have the breath left to voice an objection. I must admit, I didn't realize you were this much of a man."
"That makes the second trial cleared. So, you're the last one. What exactly do you want to test?"
Martial might and charisma—those two trials had been successfully navigated. All that remained was Drowa’s Trial.
Fee watched the exchange between Yugo and Drowa with bated breath, wondering what she would demand of his brother. Before his nervous eyes, Drowa let out a long sigh.
"Phew... Well, to be perfectly honest, I don't have a test for you. I’ve already come to understand your strength quite well."
"Huh...?"
Fee, who had been listening in silence, let out a confused mumble at her sudden admission.
While Yugo maintained a wary gaze, Drowa gave a self-deprecating chuckle and continued.
"You are stronger than Fango, and you possess a rare charisma. If you felt like it, you could easily rally supporters to push for your reinstatement into the House of Clay. Yet, you have no intention of doing so. The fact that you haven't moved an inch despite possessing such power and potential makes that clear."
"I’ve been telling you that from the start. Well, I’m glad you finally believe me."
"Hehe, my apologies. If I were to push the issue, I’d ask you to serve under me and help me become the next head of the house... but that's out of the question, isn't it?"
"Yeah. Not happening."
Yugo replied nonchalantly as he set his teacup back on the saucer with a soft clatter.
Having fully expected that answer, Drowa offered a knowing smile.
"You didn't even ask about the terms. Either you truly have no greed, or..."
Drowa’s voice trailed off as she stared at her own reflection in the tea.
She slowly raised her head, locking eyes with Yugo as she posed a single question.
"...Yugo, let me ask you one thing. You possess immense power, and you have the loyalty of those around you. Yet, despite having everything required, you refuse to return to the House of Clay."
"If you're asking why, the answer is simple: I don't have the right. Nothing more, nothing less."
Yugo spoke the truth as he saw it—he was not originally from this world, and therefore felt he had no claim to the Clay lineage. However, Drowa shook her head, indicating that his "why" wasn't what she was after.
Instead, she voiced her true curiosity.
"Yugo... how do you intend to use that power of yours?"