Elara waited until Lilia and Lora were fully out of the immediate scene before stepping forward.
That mattered.
Unlike Shaia, who improvised with shameless confidence, and unlike Lilia, who had somehow managed to turn humor into a military exercise, Elara had no intention of making a fool of herself before even starting.
She brushed a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and lifted her chin slightly, reclaiming the atmosphere with nothing but posture.
"I believe," she said calmly, "that the three of you have misunderstood what social skill means."
Georgia, still acting as judge, perked up immediately. "Contestant Elara may present her method."
Shaia, who had recovered enough to sit cross-legged off to the side, snorted. "Listen to her. She already sounds like she's negotiating herb prices."
Elara ignored her.
