Two

"Why not?" Lycster asked. 

His question got the attention of both women. With their eyes on him, Lycster's heart palpitated. He should not have interrupted their conversation! Seeing the guilt written all over his face, Vy could not help but chuckle a little. 

But she wanted him to know that his question was validated. 

"Exactly right," Vy declared as she looked over to Lycster, "Why not?"

"Because then the Papillion will know that the Leader Atlas is a woman," Anja replied as she crossed her arms. 

"And what's the issue with that?" Vy asked. 

Anja was about to open her mouth to rebut, but she did not know what to say. 

Vy continued, "You said it yourself. You fight men in combat for the seat of leader every year, yet you're worried that the Papillion finds out you're a woman?"