"So," Oliver asked, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, "what's the matter?"
Elisha took a slow sip of her tea, her expression shifting from amusement to something more thoughtful.
"I heard about your performance from Lady Amy," she began. "She debriefed me personally last night. She sounded… very impressed."
Oliver raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt.
"She said you handled most of the situations yourself," Elisha continued, her eyes searching his face. "You know, everyone was surprised. While the main force was struggling, stumbling over traps and panicking at illusions, your group was clearing every obstacle effortlessly. By the time we regrouped at the checkpoint, the difference was obvious."
She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice.
"Everyone was jealous, Oliver. The knights, the other adventurers… they were all whispering, wondering why they weren't grouped with you."
