The buzz surrounding the Cross family duel had yet to die down. In fact, it was only getting louder—especially among those who had chosen to spectate without interfering.
The duel had been a spectacle, yes, but even the climactic, mind-numbing spell Lugh had used at the end—an overwhelming display of raw magical force—hadn't completely stolen the spotlight.
Not because it wasn't impressive, but because the fight itself had already been that memorable.
Public perception of the Cross family's strength had been thoroughly revised, re-evaluated, and forcibly updated. Add to that the last-minute intervention by elves—whose mere presence raised questions—and the fact that Lyra had lost, and the duel became even harder to dismiss.
Disqualified or not, regardless of the reasons anyone could conjure, no matter how bogus or technical they were—the simple truth remained: she had lost.
