At that moment, Zora was seated quietly beside Prince Kael, half-listening to his lazy remarks while her attention drifted elsewhere.
Compared to the tense atmosphere around them, the corner they occupied felt unusually secluded. Prince Kael, detached as ever, remained entirely out of place in this grand political gathering—and yet, strangely at ease.
The two of them looked like casual observers, completely removed from the storm brewing at the center of the banquet.
Until—
Zora suddenly felt something shift.
It was like being stabbed by countless invisible needles.
Dozens upon dozens of gazes slammed into her from every direction at once.
She raised her eyes in faint confusion—
And met the sight of Philip pointing directly at her.
"Zora of House Phoenix."
The atmosphere exploded.
Philip's voice rang clearly, each syllable stretched just slowly enough for no one to mistake it.
