Venue

Joshua ran into a friend he... didn't particularly want to see as he left the White Thorn Flower Theater.

That friend was Empress Yekana of the Steel Country.

This Empress gave Joshua the impression of an upgraded, more oppressive version of Second Princess Cecily.

"Lady Yekana, are you interested in films as well?"

Joshua had honestly wanted to grab Ciri and run, but the instant he stepped out of the theater, the Empress's gaze locked directly onto him.

From the standpoint of diplomacy between their two nations, Joshua naturally could not ignore the Empress. He could only step forward and greet her with his somewhat awkward noble etiquette.

"There are indeed quite a few excellent works among the films you have produced that left a deep impression on me, Joshua Anoroth."

The Empress wore a long black formal gown today. Her makeup gave Joshua the distinct impression of a vicious, stern stepmother.

"But the Holy Spirit Open Tournament you held last time disappointed me greatly."

"The previous tournament could only be called a private duel, not a public competition."

Joshua could not deny that the previous Holy Spirit Tournament had been far too shabby. Even a boxing match in an underground tavern had been grander than the first official Holy Spirit Tournament.

"This time, you have formally revealed this competition to the world." Empress Yekana's gaze passed over Joshua and settled on the White Thorn Flower Theater behind him.

A massive poster hung on the outer wall of the White Thorn Flower Theater. It was the poster for the Nolan Holy Spirit Open Tournament.

This was Nolan's busiest street. Every traveler who came to Nolan would take a stroll through it.

Hanging that poster here meant that people all over the world knew about this competition.

"I granted the knights