As soon as the ceremony ended, the Chief Judge floated away. The others, however, remained. Acquaintances and strangers alike, they all came up to congratulate Lloyd one by one.
The only exception was the Drunkard. She neither left nor came over to chat, but simply lay slumped on a long bench as if she were blackout drunk.
The first to approach was, naturally, the gorgeous Weiya. Her words were still the same business-like pleasantries:
"Congratulations, Lloyd. Your achievements have already surpassed everyone's expectations. May the Radiant light continue to guide your path."
Since it was a serious occasion with outsiders present, there was nothing wrong with her formal tone. Lloyd replied just as formally:
"Thank you. It's all thanks to you saving me on the street back then. I wouldn't be here today otherwise."
A rare, faint smile appeared on Weiya's face, making the distance between them feel familiar again. She said,
