In the brightly lit hall, Thales overlooked the venue while enduring an infinitude of shocked gazes, but he was focused on the dazed Anker.
Waiting for his reaction.
"You…you?"
After a good while, Anker looked up incredulously.
Thales was still staring at him coldly. His posture was composed but his gaze was domineering.
Like a hunter who had released his arrow then confidently lowered his bow.
"Your Highness, dueling as a proxy." Anker finally wrapped his head around what had just happened.
His eyes were red and his breathing quickened. "Me… and you?"
Thales narrowed his eyes.
"No, no…" Grief and agony filled his eyes as the disruptor of the banquet hissed, "No!"
In the hall, after the initial shock, everyone started anxiously discussing what had just happened. But their voices became more restrained; even the way they looked at the Duke of Star Lake changed.
