Chapter 357: The Winners and the Crowd
The cheers did not die down.
They continued for several minutes, rolling through the stands like waves upon a shore, the commoners' enthusiasm undiminished by the passage of time. The arena had become a sea of sound, each name called out and repeated, the echoes bouncing off the stone walls and filling the air with a joyous cacophony.
Even the nobles, many of whom had maintained their composure throughout the earlier matches, could not entirely suppress their appreciation. Some clapped politely, while others allowed themselves small, approving smiles. A few even exchanged animated remarks with those seated beside them, their usual reserve temporarily forgotten beneath the excitement of the spectacle.
At last, a footman walked forward to the centre of the arena.
He positioned himself where the fights had taken place, his posture straight and formal. He waited, allowing the noise to continue for a few moments longer before raising a hand.
