Chapter 27. The Second Test

Anastasia's POV

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I noticed the silence of everyone in the room. The grand hall, with its crystal chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling and walls covered in rich tapestries, seemed to breathe with me. The eyes of all the participants and other nobles, including the elders, were shocked upon seeing me. Their expressions were a mix of surprise and curiosity, some even whispering to each other.

I felt my cheeks blush with the surprising attention I was receiving. Remembering everything I learned from my mother, I placed a sweet smile on my lips and kept my head high. I felt the environment light up even more with my renewed confidence.

I passed through some of the tournament participants and overheard compliments about my dress. This filled me with pride and happiness.

'Thank you for the gift, Ryan.' That's what I thought as I felt so many gazes upon me, not with disdain or disgust, but with surpr