A few parents muttered under their breath, scanning their children's reactions with sharp glances, uncertain whether this was acceptable behavior or an omen of chaos to come.
Elise gasped softly, stepping forward, her hand brushing gently against Jae's arm. Her touch was soft but insistent, a tether to reality, grounding him without judgment. "Enough, Jae. Please."
Her warmth seeped into him like a faint pulse, and for the first time in moments, the pressure of the hall, the weight of authority, and the thrill of victory softened just enough for him to release control.
He loosened his fist, and the crushing weight vanished as if it had never been. The noble collapsed fully, wheezing, face flushed red with anger, humiliation, and shock.
He looked around helplessly as his companions rushed to help him, their hands hesitant, unsure whether to scold or shield him from further embarrassment.
