"The ceremony begins—"
As Cassius's voice faded away, hundreds of Half-Red Dragon heralds, dressed in crimson gold robes and holding beast skin scrolls, appeared at the base of the altar.
Gazing at the scrolls laden with names, the crowd of Imperial Citizens surrounding the area held their breath, closed their eyes, and prayed softly.
Whether Human, Tiefling, Ogre, or Great Goblin, all were especially tense at this moment; their various colored pupils shimmered with anticipation as hearts thudded in various beats and sizes.
"Oh, Cassius above..."
"Please let my name be there."
"Great Emperor, I beg of you, grant unto me the boon that I might become Dragonblood Nobility."
"I alone killed twenty-one demons; the lords of the Inspection Department must have seen my deeds. At the very least, I should become a First-Class Citizen..."
"What are you bragging about? I've killed seventy-five! If you're to be raised to Baron, surely I should be an Earl?"