It didn't matter too much to Selphira who won at the end of this battle because she had both competitors under her metaphorical "wing."
Ren had been a particular favorite since his unique capabilities had become evident. The boy was a once-in-an-era talent, the kind that redefined what was possible.
But Liora was her granddaughter, even if she didn't carry Selphira's blood in her veins. The girl had been raised under Selphira's tutelage, shaped by her lessons, trained by her methods. Every victory Liora achieved was partially Selphira's victory as well.
Whichever one won would be a victory that Selphira represented.
It was a comfortable position to be in, invested in the outcome but not anxious about it, interested in the result but not dependent on it. She could simply enjoy the spectacle without the stress of partisan loyalty.
She just didn't want to miss the grand finale of what promised to be, for her, the most memorable battle of the entire exam.
