The room was still.
No one spoke until Elyra broke the silence.
"So… what's the next step, now that Tyria is with us?"
Nicolas, arms crossed, looked around at his gathered students. "As much as I'd prefer otherwise, the tournament continues. You three, Charlotte, Elyra, and Elena, still have matches today. The reputation of our academy is still on the line."
He paused, then added, looking directly at Charlotte, "That said… you may withdraw if you wish, Charlotte. Your safety as a saint is more important than a simple tournament, I'm not as heartless as Torwan."
Charlotte smiled softly, her voice as gentle as ever. "Thank you, Headmaster Nicolas."
Nicolas nodded once. Then he turned toward Tyria, who had stood up from her chair. She looked steadier now, color returning to her cheeks, and a bit of strength in her eyes.
