The crowd roared with applause as the top three candidates stood on the podium —
Caspian in second place, Vynesaa in first, and Lyrius in third.
His gaze kept shifting — not toward the crowd or the cameras — but toward Lyrius.
He stood rigid, barely holding himself together.
"Now... Welcome our Chief Guests — King Thalodir Atticus and Queen Elizabeth Atticus!"
The crowd erupted again.
The King and Queen approached, flanked by royal guards.
Thalodir carried himself like a conqueror — powerful, commanding.
The Queen followed a few steps behind, her presence colder — composed yet distant.
Her silken dress trailed behind her.
When they reached the podium, the King barely acknowledged Lyrius, thrusting the third-place award into his hands.
"Great performance"
Lyrius took it, his fingers curling tightly around the medal.
Then king awarded us and after that moved on.
As Elizabeth turned to leave, Lyrius muttered under his breath:
"You've forgotten me... haven't you?"
