The Royal Grand Hall was alive with chatter and laughter once again.
However, unlike the stifling tension of the Gathering Day months ago, tonight's atmosphere carried a scent of exhausted relief.
After all, the Fourth Trial — The Trial of Martial Might — had concluded just yesterday.
"Hmm..."
I stood by the long buffet table, a plate of honey-glazed venison and tartlets in my hand, doing what I did best.
"Mmm. The royal chefs really outdid themselves this time."
I muttered praises with a stuffed cheek, grabbing another skewer of meat. To the nobles drifting past, I was just another guest, completely absorbed in the culinary delights of the evening, blissfully unaware of the heavy atmosphere.
However, while my mouth was busy, my eyes remained sharp.
'It's finally over.'
The past seven days had been brutal.
