Finals (1)

On the day of the finals, the amphitheater was noisy from dawn.

The audience had lined up before the doors even opened, and carriages from the various noble houses streamed through the entrance to the nobles’ section.

The Magic Tower’s crystal orb had been installed the night before, and imperial agents moved throughout the amphitheater, checking routes and security positions.

I drank water behind the judges’ seats.

It was already my third glass.

“Is your stomach burning again?”

Marie asked.

“A little.”

“His Majesty hasn’t even arrived yet?”

“That’s why it’s burning. It’s going to hurt even more when he arrives.”...