After Titan revealed his true identity as Lucius, formerly a native of Arcadios, the crowds all across the capital roared with excitement. The overwhelming power to force his opponent to yield as well as shatter the 'unbreakable' barrier was astounding to everyone.
Though the masses were ecstatic to receive a champion, not everyone viewed the situation in a favorable light. Chiefly among them was Richard von Petra, and everyone else in the same viewing box as him, was also from Arcadios. For them, this situation was almost literally the worst possible outcome.
One of the first things that came to Richard's mind was thinking how he could turn this situation around. Their world threatened to come crashing down around them, but at the moment, the only thing they could offer each other was stunned silence.
After several moments of shared silence, they all glanced at King Verdayl and Kalivas, who both had solemn expressions. Kalivas seemed to be holding his breath, waiting for the inevitable backlash both of them were about to receive.
*****
Lyrah watched quietly as Rena's tears resumed, and she collapsed to the ground, unable to support her own weight. Her noble beauty and attitude were completely ruined by the puffiness of her face from the intense crying. The girl was far from the only one acting this way.
Though normally composed and hard to read, Natali's jaw was agape, and she clutched her hand over her chest. Hope filled her eyes, as did frustration, anger, and sadness. A host of emotions played rapidly across her beautiful face.
Perhaps though, the most profoundly affected person was Adellia. Lyrah had known about her brother's identity for years. Mylene knew as well since Lyrah confided in the maid in her younger years. Mylene assisted them in keeping these visions a secret because Adellia wanted to ensure she knew nothing of the fate of her firstborn child for his own safety.
However, that same child now stood in the center of the stage at the end of an exhibition that showed me was most likely the most powerful warrior of the next generation. His eyes glowed with power and pride. Though there was no way for him to tell, the way he looked into the recording crystal made it seem like he had locked eyes with each of them inside the viewing box.
"Lyrah... how long have you known?" Rena sobbed.
"Since the beginning."
"I do have to ask though..." Rena said. "Your mother said 'my baby.' He is your brother?"
"Yes."
"And you knew the whole time."
"Yes."
Lyrah was about to say something in else, but her words caught in her throat. To everyone else, she looked like she had not come to that realization of what that meant. Rena announcing it also made Adellia come to the same realization. She was so absorbed in the fact that she learned that her other child was alive and well.
"Will he be in trouble for that?" Mylene asked, gesturing to the broken barrier.
"Maybe? Though I guess he's a citizen of another nation now, and there's that whole diplomatic immunity thing right?" Rena asked.
Everyone turned to Lyrah for an answer. Their eyes seemed to dig into her soul, trying to discern the outcome of this event. "Um... I don't know?" She shrugged.
Her answer clearly left everyone extremely dissatisfied, but there was not much she could do about it. She truly did not know what the legal ramifications were. The only thing she knew was that Lucius had a lot more hurdles to overcome before his journey was over.
For a moment, she paused and thought about something. This drew the attention of Natali and Rena. "I guess I can tell you one thing."
"What?" The two girls said simultaneously.
"Lucius will be attending the Arcadios Royal Academy!"