Only one of the Swordfighter leaders from each group stepped forward—just in case an emergency broke out.
Of course, this had been arranged long before the ceremony began; everything in the Fireheart clan ran with precision.
Ryan Fireheart nodded in approval as the Swordfighters stood in disciplined formation, their armor gleaming beneath the crimson glow of lanterns that lined the Eternal Market's grand hall.
"For the civilians and the Fireheart clan's Swordfighters…" Ryan began, his deep, commanding voice filling the air.
Whatever he said after that, I didn't pay much attention.
In short, it was the usual—thanks for your hard work, thanks for the work you'll continue to do, and rest assured, your loyalty will be rewarded.
The rewards were impressive enough: rare medicine and a generous pouch of gold coins, easily double their monthly pay.
Yet, from where I stood, I noticed something strange.
