The tournament grounds were packed.
Aegis had expected a modest affair. Noble retainers beating each other up for bragging rights, maybe a few hundred spectators. Instead, she walked into a full-scale arena with tiered seating, banners for every participating house, and a VIP box that overlooked the fighting pit like some kind of royal balcony.
[Okay. Way bigger than I thought.]
She spotted Scarlett and Kanna near the combatant entrance, already geared up. Scarlett was bouncing on her heels like a kid about to open birthday presents. Kanna stood beside her like a statue someone had forgotten to put away, eyes locked on the arena floor.
Aegis made her way over.
"How are we feeling, girlies?" She spread her arms wide.
Kanna scoffed.
"Ready to crack some skulls!" Scarlett slammed her fists together hard enough to make Aegis wince. "You're gonna watch, right? Front row?"
"Actually..." Aegis glanced toward the VIP box. "I'll be up there. Working."
Scarlett's face fell.
