Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 20 •

A smile bloomed across Cecil's plump, pink lips. For the first time in her life, Cecil didn't smile after seeing anyone else, reading something or finding something amusing.

She was smiling for something she achieved on her own.

Cecil panted, her face pale and the blood sliding down her arm from the ugly gash, along with the cut on her cheek. Yet, the smile on her face was beatific and blinding.

She lifted her uninjured arm into the air, clenching it as she shook it a little.

The applause from the audience grew louder.

Linqin, who was on the floor, her disheveled hair reflecting the state of her mind.

She lost, fair and square.

Linqin slowly recovered, releasing a frustrated sigh, standing up as she trudged over to Cecil. She raised her arm, asking for a handshake from Cecil.

"Congratulations, you won and I lost."

Cecil was taken aback by Linqin's sudden change in attitude.

"Th-thank you," Cecil shook her hand, her expression softening. "It was a good fight, Linqin."

Linqin harrumphed, snatching her hand back, she strode off with her head held high. Born in a village with warriors, though she was a brat and a spoiled princess, she was still a warrior at heart.

A good fight, indeed, Cecil Lan.

Linqin scowled and Cecil watched her leave. There were exclaims from the crowd.

"Good fight, good fight!"

"Impressive!"

"Wonderful! Absolutely beautiful!"

"Finally, a proper match!"

Cecil suddenly felt someone embracing her from the back, squealing excitedly.

"That was amazing, Cecil!"

"Thank you, Hana."

Hana giggled and stared at her best friend, her appearance would always be neat and beautiful. However, right now, there were black smudges all over her robe and face, along with her disheveled hair and bloody wounds.

It was a mystifying sight.

"It's my first time seeing you so messy." Hana remarked, amazed.

Cecil blinked, touching at her hair and face. "You are right--ow." Cecil winced, the adrenaline had worn off and now she could feel the pain of her wounds and her aching body.

She felt fatigued as well, her legs trembling.

Hana hurried to support her friend, shocked. "Cecil! Are you okay?"

"It's okay...I'm just tired and...in pain." Cecil smiled tiredly.

"I'll bring her to the sick bay." A new voice intruded and Cecil lifted her head weakly, seeing Kai with his toothy grin.

"That was a spectacular fight, Cecil."

"Hmmm." Cecil hummed in return and Hana willingly handed the exhausted Cecil to Kai.

Cecil stumbled from the loss of support and Kai panicked, reaching out to grab her but someone else was quicker.

A callused hand grasped gently at her arm, balancing her and Cecil assumed it was Kai. To her surprise, it wasn't the alter but the protagonist.

"..." Xue was quiet, his face indifferent.

He then carelessly tossed Cecil to Kai, standing by Hana's side.