The crowd stared at the sky with a rekindled bonfire of pride in their hearts.
Meanwhile, Lady Gina led Zac and the elders back toward Lightning Chateau. Onark and Aagon allowed the newest elder to go first. That placed Zac less than a meter in front of a mercenary he'd long admired.
"... Did I not put it on right?"
Zac coughed and turned his head forward, embarrassed to feel starstruck. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare for so long. It has nothing to do with your robe."
Kerrov's demeanor was stiff. But he flashed a weak smile at the young man. "As the new face on the block, I'll be seeking out your help while I'm getting familiar with the Chateau. I hope I won't be so burdensome for long."
"It's no burden at all, Elder Kerrov," Zac immediately clarified. "It's now my job to assist you in such things. So think nothing of it."
