Main Plaza — Two Weeks Later
The plaza was more crowded than Kaito had seen it since the victory celebration against Eldric.
But this time it wasn't a somber gathering. The atmosphere was almost festive—something the kingdom desperately needed after weeks of reconstruction and mourning.
Merchants had set up improvised stalls. Children ran between adults' legs. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the air.
Kaito stood on the elevated platform they had built specifically for this. Beside him, a large board displayed the contest rules in letters large enough to be read from a distance.
The four queens stood behind him in a row. Each with a different expression.
Adelheid: perfect military posture despite needing a cane.
Lilith: an enigmatic smile that revealed nothing.
Naporia: arms crossed, scanning the crowd as if evaluating potential opponents.
Valeria: completely motionless, like a decorative statue.
