The man in the black robe then spoke, his voice carrying a weight of experience and insight. "That's one important lesson to grasp early on while you're here. In this kingdom, people are swayed by only two things: Power and Trust."
His words lingered with a truth that seemed to define this place. The room's casual elegance and hidden tension made the statement land harder.
The man in the black robe leaned in slightly, his tone matter-of-fact and curious.
"You have yet to demonstrate either power or trustworthiness, but regardless of the truth, you're already marked as a demon in the eyes of many.
This trial, it seems, is less about proving your innocence and more about acclimatizing you to the public before the Arena of Life commences."
He paused, assessing Ty's reaction.
"Gaining favor with the kingdom's populace could be advantageous during the month-long event. However, to be frank, you're likely to be the most vilified participant.
