When Charlton and Kylo exited the gambling den, it was already 6:25 in the evening. They instructed their coachman to go straight to the pawnshop as they changed their attire inside.

"Woah! That's a nasty bruise you got there!" Kylo said when he saw Charlton's ribs.

"Ugh… it hurt like hell earlier. Thankfully, I was able to move a little so I didn't receive the full impact. If not, I'm afraid that I will not only have this bruise, but my ribs would've also been fractured."

"Anyway… should we come back there again one day? The pay out is not bad! If I had money earlier, I would've bet on you!"

"Stop spouting nonsense. If you did have it, I believe that you would've placed your money on my opponent!"

"No way! I believe in you!" Kylo said defensively. Well, Charlton was correct though. He did not believe that his friend was THAT good until he saw it with his own two eyes.

Since the war ended, combat skills have not been on the mainstream. Mostly, people of their stature focus on politics and the academe. There was no war to fight, so what's the point?

"Anyway, joking aside, I don't think we should visit that place again."

"Why not?"

"Obviously because, first, it's illegal. They won't be hiding underground if it is. Second, didn't you see those men at the sides? I thought they were going to chase us. What we did was bad for their business. Lastly, well, I don't want to have a fractured bone later." Charlton explained as he laughed.

"Scared that you will lose?"

"Not that, but it's better safe than sorry!"

"Talking about the money… hehehe!" Kylo started slyly. He needs some cash too!

"Alright, here is the 10 grand I owe you, 2 grand for interest, and I'm giving you extra 20 grand as commission and well, as finder's fee for telling me about that Arena."

"This is why I like you, my generous friend!" Kylo said as he laughed. He was so happy with the extra cash. It was kind of his first income too.

Charlton smiled in response. "don't tell anyone about this though. You know how loud your mouth can be, so do try to control it."

Kylo nodded his head, his smile reaching his ears.

--

They arrived at the pawnshop at 6:45, thankfully it was still open, and he was able to redeem his shoes. Afterwards, they went straight to Ritz, which was almost an hour ride away.

At 7:50 in the evening, they arrived at the hotel's lobby. Charlton went straight to the reception while Kylo went to buy some food they can eat on the way back.

"I would like to make a reservation for tomorrow. Are there still rooms available?" Charlton asked the receptionist who blushed seeing him.

"Ah, please wait a moment. Let me check." She said as she looked through the bookings. "Which kind of room would you prefer?"

"What is your best room available?"

"Ah, the presidential suite has already been booked, but the grand suite is still available, it's 5 grand a night. Would you wish to book that?"

"Is the penthouse not available?"

"I'm sorry sir, we only have the grand suite and other deluxe rooms available. There is a wedding for tomorrow so most of the rooms have already been booked."

"Alright, I'll take that."

"Ah, would you prefer a smoking room?" the girl asked, getting a whiff of the cigarette smoke emitting from Charlton.

"No, please make sure that it's a non-smoking room." Charlton said, recalling that Serena likes to be clean. Although he never asked, but based on how he knew her, most probably she would hate the smell of cigar.

"Okay sir, then I would need you to sign here and make a security deposit. Would you pay in cash or in card?"

"I'll pay in cash."

After settling everything, the girl informed him that check in time was at 3 in the afternoon and check out was at 11:00 in the morning. He nodded in understanding and she thanked him for his patronage.

Searching for Kylo, he looked around the hotel's grand lobby. It was not his first time in the hotel as he was able to come here a couple of times attending events with his mother.

Charlton counted in his mind that he still had 122 grand left once the deposit was returned to him. He immediately thought of buying a gift for Serena, but he didn't have the time tonight. Anyway, he was pleased with himself; he even felt a little confident because for the first time, he earned some money on his own.

"you done? I bought you some snacks too. My treat! We haven't had dinner yet, but we must eat this on the road. We must get back to the school before 9." Kylo said as he approached him.

Charlton nodded in agreement, then they walked back to the carriage.

--

The next day, Charlton woke up at 10:30 in the morning. Although his body should still be aching as a result of the fight yesterday, he didn't feel that much because of his excitement, his adrenaline pumping.

He first ate his early lunch, then he took a long hot shower to loosen his muscles. He noticed that his hair was becoming longer. He should get it cut the week after.

He went out of the bathroom and started wearing the dress suit he meticulously prepared for today.

He wore a gray tuxedo coat which didn't have buttons. It was made with a mixture of wool and had two functional pockets at the side. Its lapels had silver details which added a royal touch it. Inside, his vest which only covers up to his stomach was made of light blue silk with a matching Jabot. Serena informed him that she will be wearing a silken light blue dress with silver and crystal details, that's why he chose these colors and materials. His trousers also matched his coat, and he wore the shoes he pawned off and redeemed yesterday.

He had to admit, he looked very good with these on. As a final touch, he slicked his hair back, giving a clear view of his handsome face.

He gave himself another once over as he smirked with a little vanity. He was dressed to impress and ready to go.

--

TBC