The anticipation hung thick in the air, as if even silence itself had stepped two paces back to make room for the coming event.
Rain's leisurely steps pierced the arena, unhurried, unserious, something closer to amusement. His chin was raised, a light smile drawn on his face, as if he were walking into a masquerade, not a duel. His relaxed eyes lazily scanned the crowd, and when they stopped on his opponent standing at the other end, there was no glint of fighting intent in them.
"Ah…" Rain murmured, raising his hand to yawn in front of everyone, not even attempting to lower his voice. "This is it?"
Whispers rose among the spectators, some laughed nervously, some cursed him under their breath, and others remained silent, watching, anticipating... like the three kings seated above.
Queen Elyria, arms crossed and gaze sharp as a blade, said: "What an arrogant fool. His walk alone reveals his ignorance of what he's about to face."
