270: Battle for the Maiden - Part 2

With each victory, Mary's reputation grew, and so did the admiration of the crowd. People began to cheer for her, their initial hopes of seeing her defeated replaced by sheer amazement at her skill. 

Even the challengers who had been bested couldn't help but acknowledge her prowess, offering respectful nods and handshakes after their defeats.

"Is she even human?" one man muttered to his companion as he watched Mary flip an opponent over her shoulder with apparent ease.

"She's like a goddess of war," another replied, his tone half-joking but tinged with genuine awe.

Layla, meanwhile, sat at their table with her arms crossed, her expression a mixture of irritation and resignation. 

She could feel the stares and whispers directed at her, and though she wanted nothing more than to sink into the floor and disappear, she refused to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her flustered.

"This is getting out of hand," she muttered under her breath.