Argenti's praise did not make people uncomfortable, because from almost any angle, one could tell that every compliment the Knight uttered was sincere, with absolutely no empty flattery intended.
His sincerity and pure heart shone with a dazzling light.
Yet those abrupt compliments really did leave people feeling helpless and awkward.
In short, only after Argenti had demonstrated his prowess did things finally quiet down again.
Everyone still remembered that they had come to take part in the festivities and play Aetherium Wars.
So they began asking Giovanni, the sponsor of this tournament, about some of the finer details.
Giovanni enthusiastically explained things to everyone, while Argenti listened quietly beside them.
Although he knew nothing about it and did not understand this field, he genuinely hoped to learn these things, and displayed an astonishing degree of "enthusiasm."
That enthusiasm had probably burst forth after Jiang Yu said he was a veteran Aetherium Wars player.
Then, since quite a few of them had never played the game, and Stelle was only a newcomer herself, Giovanni generously offered to lend them Aether Spirits so everyone could experience the fun of a "battle" first.
Everyone quickly got into it. But when it was Stelle and March 7th's turn, they suddenly heard a noisy commotion nearby.
Giovanni frowned, then turned to look. "...Hmm? Why is it so noisy over there... What happened?"
Everyone put their desire to try the game on hold and headed toward the commotion.
Then they saw three uniformed company employees surrounding a child.
"Hey! You little brat! Hand over that coin you're holding!" one vicious-looking employee roared.
Immediately afterward, another employee said, "You little punk, already stealing at your age? What'll you be like when you grow up?"
Huddled in a corner, Eric looked at the three company employees and