The arena was dead silent. Every person, from the highest-ranking official to the lowliest servant, held their breath in anticipation. The air was thick with tension as all eyes were glued to the grand entrance, awaiting the arrival of Queen Soya.
Many believed this was the moment that would seal Kent's fate, and the odds were heavily stacked against him.
Emperor Ryon sat on his grand throne, his face a mask of forced calm, though his clenched fists betrayed his rising frustration. His jaw tightened as he gazed at the crowd below, his supporters, the nobles who stood firmly by his side. They were eagerly waiting for this to be over, believing that Kent would be condemned, and his name erased from the annals of history.
