Princess Baneth stood tall upon the raised stage, flanked by two towering Knight Grand Crosses who remained alert at her sides. Viscount Sean stood just behind her, along with Orion and Oriana, their expressions composed but visibly tense.
Before the stage, rows upon rows of knights filled the broad plaza, organized according to their Gaia Stage. Among them, Lily stood right beside Tave that day.
On the opposite end of the platform, the high-ranking knights of Deadbay City stood at attention. Among them was Logan, Tave's father, as well as Knight Commander Thalos. The one who had given Tave the opportunity to join Orion's Rift team not long ago.
The princess's cold, commanding gaze swept across the entire assembly. With deliberate steps, she walked forward to the edge of the stage and paused. Then, her clear, piercing voice rang out through the courtyard, echoing against the stone walls.
"The Kingdom calls upon you. Brave souls. To serve."
