The announcer barely gave the room time to breathe.
"In accordance with the statutes of the Hero's Path," he said, "the Gremory Hero Candidate will now present his designated party."
A ripple of anticipation passed through the auditorium.
Fritz hesitated—just for a fraction of a second.
Then Princess Taylor Gremory stepped forward.
The movement alone drew eyes.
She stood beside Fritz, posture straight, hands folded behind her back. The simple act of standing there confirmed everything.
She was a member.
"Our party will consist of four," she said calmly.
She turned, gesturing to her left.
"Lady Amelia Grandal."
Amelia stepped forward without pause.
The reaction was immediate—confusion layered over expectation. Whispers flared and died just as quickly. Some had clearly assumed this was where the announcement would end.
It didn't.
Taylor's gaze shifted.
"Jay Ferris."
The name landed strangely.
No explanation or house titles.
