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As the nobles debated whether they should voice their concerns, the Duke reassured them, explaining that the upcoming matches would not be as violent as the first.

Still skeptical but unwilling to risk offending the Duke, the nobles reluctantly chose to stay, quietly steeling themselves for the rest of the event.

To their surprise, the Duke kept his word. The following matches were far less brutal. Referees now stood inside the arena, intervening quickly to stop fights that became too intense or when a participant was in danger of being killed.

For a moment, his mind became dazed, and by the time he snapped out of his trance, he noticed his family looking at him with concern.

"What's wrong, dear?" Eleanor asked in a worried tone.

Azalea didn't say anything, but the questioning look in her eyes said enough.