"Cola? What's so good about something that sickeningly sweet? Drinking is a sign of maturity!"
"That just shows you're not mature enough yet, Blanc!"
"Anyway, you know Natsu and Erza agreed to duel today, right?"
Blanc raised an eyebrow. "Of course. The whole guild's talking about it. This duel is pretty formal, too."
"Gray even went over to Lucy's place just now to remind her not to miss it."
"Want to run a betting pool with me?" Cana leaned closer to Blanc, looking conspiratorial.
"Are you short on money? That shouldn't be an issue. Gildarts ought to be pretty rich."
"Ahem. Booze is just too expensive, and I've been drinking a little too much. I really am a bit short." Cana scratched her head awkwardly, then stubbornly added,
"As for Dad's money, how old do you think I am? There's no way I'd still ask him for handouts!"
"I think Gildarts would be more than happy to let you live off him," Blanc replied.
"Cut the chatter. Are you in or not?" Cana urged impatiently.
"But wouldn't you lose money taking bets on such a one-sided duel?" Blanc asked, puzzled.
Cana brushed off his concern.
"Sure, Erza's almost guaranteed to win, but some people will still back Natsu, you know."
Blanc shook his head. He remembered that this match would end without a result, which meant the bets would fall through. There was no point wasting his time.
"I'll pass. You're on your own."
He changed the subject.
"Speaking of which, have you heard from Gildarts? How's he doing?"
"Who knows? Probably off adventuring in some faraway country again." Cana took a sip of her drink, her gaze softening.
Blanc asked in confusion,
"Are you really okay with that? You finally acknowledged each other as family, only for you to