The sound of footsteps echoed across the stone platform as the lady stepped forward to address the gathered crowd.
The guards, citizens, and remaining soldiers all quieted immediately, their eyes fixed on her.
Her posture was straight, her eyes calm, but anyone who truly observed her could see it—her mood was far from pleasant.
She stood beneath the stone arch bearing the royal crest, flanked by guards who gave her space but remained watchful.
Her gaze swept across the square, then came to rest on the two men standing across from each other—King Gorgon and Fenrir.
With an icy tone masked by regal poise, she began.
"People of Beginner's Paradise, the outsider who has stormed our gates and defeated our soldiers has proposed a challenge to our king. A test of worth for the right to rule this floor."
She said, her voice carrying clearly.
A murmur spread through the crowd. Whispers, gasps, cautious speculation.
The lady's voice cut clean through it.
