"Greg, you're almost up. Good luck! Try to take first place again. We believe in you!"
Rom patted Greg on the shoulder, hard enough to almost send him stumbling forward.
Colwin nodded beside him as well, his eyes filled with sincere encouragement.
Although these two loved gossiping about romance, they cared just as much about their friendships and genuinely wanted Greg to do well.
"Yeah, thanks."
Greg nodded to them.
Although he was confident he could take first place again in the Second Defense...
He turned his head and looked toward the area that had been deliberately left vacant in the middle of the spectators' seating.
An ornate chair stood there, the Holy Emblem of the Church of Light carved into its back, its armrests edged with gold and its seat covered with a pure white plush cushion.
It had clearly been prepared especially for someone of distinguished status, yet it had remained empty until now.
That seat should have been occupied by Veronica, the current Saintess of the Church of Light.
Greg had originally planned to use the Second Defense to win more of her favor, letting her witness his outstanding performance firsthand and further strengthening her belief that he was a reincarnated Heroic Spirit.
But the chair was empty. Veronica had not come.
Why is that? Did something else that wasn't in the original story happen and delay her?
Greg frowned, a faint unease stirring within him.
If Veronica did not come, wouldn't half of his careful preparations go to waste?
While he was pondering this, the previous student finished his defense. It was his turn to go up.
Greg gathered his thoughts, took a deep breath, and stood. He straightened his collar before walking steadily toward the podium.
As he stepped onto the stage, he could feel