As expected, the crowd erupted. Gasps, whispers, even the sharp snap of a fan breaking the silence—all swirled through the hall like a sudden storm.
The nobles couldn't contain their shock at the way Heinz had so coldly dismissed the Sereneson family.
Yet, to Florian's surprise—or perhaps he shouldn't have been surprised at all—Monica merely dipped her head, serene and composed, her smile never faltering.
Hendrix followed, his bow sharp and precise, the corners of his lips twitching as if in challenge, though he masked it with grace.
Marius, however, trembled. The King of Tranquilis stiffened, his hands clenching at his robes before he finally bowed as well. His voice wavered when he spoke. "Of course, Your Majesty."
They stepped aside, retreating with quiet dignity, though the air around them hummed with tension.
From the corner of his vision, Florian caught sight of Athena in the crowd. Her wide pink eyes were frozen in confusion, darting between Heinz and her family.
