Nnenna, sensing the growing storm, quickly shot Carl a pleading look, Stop. Please stop. Her eyes begged him to stop pushing Arthur's buttons.
But before Carl could read her signals, Arthur cut in.
"Let's begin," he said stiffly, like he was done trying to reason and had chosen to endure the circus.
Nnenna blinked, caught off guard by how quickly he changed direction. But when she saw him adjust his stance again, still that same casual pose like she posed no threat, she shook it off and moved to mirror him.
But of course, Carl wasn't done.
"Wait, wait, wait." His voice rang out again, louder this time. "Begin what?"
Arthur didn't answer.
Carl leaned forward, suspicion growing in his voice. "Don't tell me… you want her to fight you?"
"Problem?" Arthur asked flatly, eyes still locked on Nnenna like Carl hadn't just spoken. He didn't expect an answer, didn't care for one either. He was already waiting for Nnenna to make her move.
