The shameful fanfare for their entrance finally ended, and Lanling sighed in relief, sinking into the chair beside Lixuan. He would have questioned the need for them to sit on a stage, but the grand entrance had already drained him of any complaints.
Meixi, on the other hand, laughed at her little brother's plight. Only the heir was required to remain next to the emperor at all times, so unlike Lanling, she and the others were free to move as they pleased. She quickly looked away before her eyes met his wronged expression—there was nothing she could do for him this time.
"All challengers! Step forward!"
A booming female voice cut through the chatter, silencing the crowd in an instant.
Standing on an empty rectangular platform was a towering elven woman. With her arms crossed over her broad chest, her tanned, muscular physique was further emphasized. Dressed in half-armor and half-formal attire, a general's token hanging from her belt left no doubt about her identity.
