CHAPTER - 191

  Narrator: The room fell silent.

  The murmurs, the smiles, the raised glasses, every gesture paused as if suspended in time.

  Hundreds of eyes turned toward a single man, following his measured steps, composed demeanor, and that serious, detached gaze.

  Dav had just entered the hall, wearing his formal uniform in shades of red, black, white reflections, and green threads.

  The black cloak swayed slightly behind him with each step.

  The glossy fabric faintly reflected the golden lights of the chandeliers above, while his broad shoulders and determined bearing commanded respect.

  "Isn't that the legendary hero?"

  "Yes, it's him!"

  "He's even more captivating in person..."

  The whispers multiplied, echoing among the columns and draperies, as Dav advanced.

  He seemed indifferent to the gazes, but his eyes, attentive and swift, searched for something—or someone.

  Selene.

  Seeing the throne, he approached and naturally positioned himself beside the King, like a true royal guard.

  Perhaps to avoid feeling alone in that moment, knowing no one, or maybe... to better observe the hall in search of Selene.

  The King, seated with his head slightly raised, offered only a smug smile: having the legendary hero beside him, in that precise spot, was a clear message to all

  present.

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  "Does he work for the Lancaster family now?"

  "I heard he's a professor at an Italian academy."

  "Maybe that's his second job?"

  "Look how tall he is.. and that cloak! A dream.."

  The whispers grew more insistent, but Dav remained composed.

  His eyes continued to scan the crowd like silent blades.

  At that moment, Stefan approached him, stopping at his side as the second royal guard.

  He looked at him with a smile and a teasing tone:

  "How do you feel? Nervous?"

  Dav, calm and confident, replied effortlessly:

  "I'm used to being in crowds.

  At the academy, I deal with thousands of students every day.. and they make much more noise."

  Stefan chuckled softly, intrigued.

  "And do you like it?

  Being a professor, I mean.

  So many students, responsibilities, expectations.."

  Dav slightly raised a corner of his mouth, speaking sincerely:

  "Yes.

  It's rewarding to witness the growth of future heroes..

  or at least, people ready to give their all for the human world.

  I hope they can face the tournament with heads held high, with courage.

  They deserve it, after all the training."

  Behind them, Edmund listened silently, his gaze serious and thoughtful.

  "I hope Arthur is putting in enough effort.. He can't rely solely on Selene and Stefan.

  If something were to happen to me, they wouldn't be enough to defend everything.

  My son.. do your best.

  Bring glory to the kingdom."

  At that moment, the King stood up, his gaze fixed on the grand entrance doors of the hall.

  Everyone turned automatically, in complete silence.

  Dav and Stefan ceased their conversation and turned like everyone else.

  The enormous golden doors opened slowly, revealing guards in formation preceding two female figures.

  Their steps light, confident.

  The Queen and Selene.

  The guards dispersed to the sides after escorting them inside.

  Dav's eyes widened slightly.

  Selene wore a long royal guard outfit in dark purple with black finishes, elegant yet proud, escorting her sister-in-law, the Queen.

  At her waist, she carried her sword, Myrrhya, which she never abandoned.

  Her hair was neatly tied, leaving a strand free on the side of her face.

  Her gaze serious, proud, but there was a new light in her eyes.

  A silence of admiration swept through the hall.

  "She's.. stunning."

  "What a regal presence!"

  "That's Selene Lancaster? She doesn't even seem human, so beautiful.."

  Dav stared at her with a mix of astonishment and respect.

  His mouth slightly open, eyes fixed on her.

  Selene, reaching the throne, bowed gracefully.

  Then she offered a deeper bow toward him, their gazes meeting once more.

  He remained motionless, almost enchanted. In that single gesture, in that silent exchange, there was everything: respect, distance, mutual admiration.

  The Queen took her place beside the King, with a satisfied, almost triumphant look.

  The air of someone who had won an invisible challenge.

  And the evening, just begun, already seemed destined to remain etched in the memories of all present.

  END OF CHAPTER - 191