As word of Katherine becoming the new High Marquis spread throughout Gladius City, it stirred up a wave of reactions, rumors, and heated discussions in every part of town.
From the grand noble estates to the busy marketplace, her rise was the main topic on everyone's lips.
At the Sword Hawk Tavern, a group of common folk sat huddled around a table.
Their mugs of ale were mostly untouched as they talked and traded gossip about the latest news.
"Can you believe it? A friggin' woman leading Gladius City? That's unheard of!"
"Aye, what's next? They'll have us bowing to a queen?"
The men burst into laughter, while some of the women nearby shared knowing glances with each other.
"Hrmm, you lot are always noisy… It's about time one of us was given a shot at real power."
A blacksmith's wife whispered to herself, but there was a clear tension in her voice.
