The truth was, bringing Queen Lilith to the stall wasn't just coincidence—or kindness. It was strategy.
With her presence, every eye turned. Whispers spread like wildfire. And once people saw her laughing at our table, savoring every bite, the attention shifted from curiosity to obsession.
The Queen of Pyronis—eating at a food stall? A food stall operated by students?
It became an instant phenomenon.
When Lilith eventually stood, thanked us with poise, and left with the others, the aftershock began.
The crowd didn't just grow. It exploded.
The moment her silhouette vanished behind the Academy pillars, the mass of people outside surged. Lines that had been orderly now coiled around the courtyard like serpents.
They came for different reasons. Some to see the seat where Lilith sat. Others to taste what had impressed a Queen. Nobles, envoys, local merchants, travelers. Even students from other factions were pushing into the queue.
And so, I acted.
