Ray shifted his attention entirely to the woman who commanded the silence of the entire yard. Erina was the picture of authority, her eyes, like clear ice, fixed solely on him.
Then her gaze lingered on the unconscious knight lying near the gate, then returned to Ray.
Though she hadn't witnessed the full spectacle—Lora's fury, the man's quick slap, or Tez's drawn sword—she didn't jump to conclusions.
She asked the only rational question needed.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice calm and even, cutting through the thick tension.
"At least there is someone who knows how to have a conversation," Ray answered, allowing a small, cynical smile to touch his lips.
Lora instantly refuted, her face still burning with embarrassment and anger. "Captain, he is no one, he—"
But before Lora could finish her hasty explanation, Erina cut her off with a slight, decisive gesture of her hand. Her focus remained locked on Ray.
