"She...She isn't pure anymore."
That statement alone sounded so wrong that every knight within hearing range immediately froze mid-swing.
Training swords clattered to the ground.
Heads turned and curious eyes blinked at the trio standing near the field.
Julie felt her stomach twist as the weight of those words hung in the air like a scandal.
Forcing an awkward smile, she clapped her hands loudly.
"Alright, everyone! That's enough staring! Back to training, all of you!"
She said in a strained tone, waving her hand dismissively as the knights scrambled back into formation.
The moment the area cleared, her fake smile melted into a tense, grim expression as she turned toward Joy.
"Joy." She hissed under her breath. "What in the Goddess's name are you talking about? Someone's stolen her purity? What does that even mean?"
Joy looked utterly distraught, her trembling fingers clutching the edge of her robes.
