☀️ Arselia and Akonia

It would be impolite not to ask in this situation... - sighs the one who held everyone up. - I'll try. Root for me then.

- Definitely, - a kiss on the forehead.

- How much do I owe you, Matthias-kun?...

- Nothing. I can't charge a princess for participating. Here, by the way, take this.
He gives both of them (and all the other spectators/participants as well).

*****

The clock hands are inexorably approaching the start time of the tournament, and before the long-awaited moment arrives, the arena has undergone significant changes - thanks to the efforts of the imperial mages practicing earth magic, the number of spectator seats has increased significantly, and this event promises to be much larger than originally planned by its organizer. The importance of the tournament was emphasized by the appearance of the Empress, who decided to please her subjects and motivate the fighters with her own vocal performance.



After that, Matthias Zom announces how the goddess of fortune has decided regarding the tournament bracket.