"You've only seen them once, so how can you say that? From what I see, you probably didn't even release them but slaughtered them like those mechanical monsters!"

"The lead wolf mentioned you to me."

Ethan calmly relayed the creatures' opinion on the man with the white turban, "He said you're stingy, barely give any food, have body odor, and don't bathe for several days while traveling, often smelling worse than rotten mud."

Everyone at the table was horrified, although it was hard to discern the truth in Ethan's words, Charlotte and Phoebe instinctively covered their noses—they were eating and couldn't tolerate a filth reportedly smellier than rotten mud wandering around them.

And seeing the white turban's thunderstruck expression, it was evident Ethan's words had hit the mark.

"It... it said that?"

"Moreover, it wasn't just one buyer who complained about the wild creatures you sold being stinky, but you always blamed it on the creatures dirtying themselves."

The man with the white turban widened his eyes in an instant, unable to defend himself.

Indeed, he had been complained about by many customers, but what troubled him more was Phoebe's reaction, looking at him like trash. Though that look somewhat stirred his interest, her action of retracting her boot under the bench deeply hurt his feelings.

"According to the rules set by the Crimson Queen, battles between Summoners are the best way to understand each other!" 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"But your creatures have already abandoned you and returned to nature."

"I mean Miss Charlotte."

The man with the white turban raised his voice, "If Miss Charlotte wants to understand him, why not have a Summoner's duel under the witness of Phoebe the City Lord?"

"Alright."

Charlotte agreed immediately. Her gaze fell on the black dragon hatchling nestled in Ethan's arms, growing even more determined.

"I agree."

Phoebe chimed in as well, "Let's set the time for tomorrow. I can provide a dedicated arena for your match."

"...Alright."

Since it had come to this, Ethan agreed as well. He was somewhat curious about the formal process of a Summoner's duel. The hatchling devoured all the food on the table in one go, then promptly fell asleep in his arms.

With Ethan's response, Charlotte clenched her fists under the table.

The destined duel between formidable opponents always stirs passion.

This man with the white turban served some purpose after all.

However, the man with the white turban wasn't ready to give up. He had a history with Ethan, and now was the time for revenge. After Ethan left, he spoke out, revealing his long-planned strategy, "Miss Charlotte, you only have one partner, according to the rules, tomorrow will be a one-on-one creature match."

"So what?"

Charlotte frowned and glanced at him.

"I have a plan to ensure your victory."

The man with the white turban fully utilized his observational skills, having been tailing Ethan for a long time, "The key lies in the opponent you choose tomorrow. Although he brought six companions, two are just for show—this is common among Summoners, as they tend to carry weak but cute creatures around."

A smile appeared on his face.

He had thoroughly read Ethan.

"His weakness is that cat on his shoulder!"

The man with the white turban said, "That one's definitely a decorative creature with no combat ability!"