The crowd roared with applause as the top three candidates stood on the podium —
Caspian in second place, Vynesaa in first, and Lyrius in third.
His gaze kept shifting — not toward the crowd or the cameras — but toward Lyrius.
He stood rigid, barely holding himself together.
"Now... Welcome our Chief Guests — King Thalodir Atticus and Queen Elizabeth Atticus!"
The crowd erupted again.
The King and Queen approached, flanked by royal guards.
Thalodir carried himself like a conqueror — powerful, commanding.
The Queen followed a few steps behind, her presence colder — composed yet distant.
Her silken dress trailed behind her.
When they reached the podium, the King barely acknowledged Lyrius, thrusting the third-place award into his hands.
"Great performance"
Lyrius took it, his fingers curling tightly around the medal.
Then king awarded us and after that moved on.