Jerren was dumbfounded. Surely they had to let Radahn hold a Closing Ceremony, at least. What kind of champion just left like that? Yet Zhao Si really was leading his horse straight toward the exit. Helena and Thops followed close behind without the slightest hesitation, as though they had arranged it all beforehand.
Frustrating. Utterly frustrating. Both Radahn and Jerren felt something stuck in their chests, unable to spit it out or swallow it down, just like that Rune Bear that had swallowed a big rock.
Radahn waved a hand in disgust, as though shooing away a bug, and let Zhao Si get lost. But the more Jerren thought about it, the less it sat right with him. Something felt strange.
"Coward...?" Stroking his chin, Jerren recalled Zhao Si's behavior from the beginning right up to his departure. His actions at the end had clearly been worthy of a brave warrior. Looking again at Radahn's dark expression, Jerren increasingly felt that Zhao Si had acted deliberately, making that speech on purpose. But the crucial question was why. Jerren had too little information to deduce anything more.
Even without the champion, the Closing Ceremony still had to go ahead. Naturally, Yuno and Ogha, who had received treatment, would attend. After the Closing Ceremony, there would also be a banquet to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Combat Festival. These commoners would not be able to watch the competition in Leyndell, so everyone cherished this final gathering. Radahn would also make ample preparations, build good relationships with everyone, and boost his reputation once more, so he could not let Zhao Si spoil his mood.
Outside, Malenia and Fortissax had long been waiting. Bored with nothing to do, Fortissax started chatting with Malenia.
"Hey, you're Godwyn's little sister, right?" Fortissax asked with a