The elders, still shaken by that strange pressure, tried to brush it off.
They looked around and realized Patriarch Raviel and Elder Rendric were gone.
That gave them just enough courage to raise their voices again.
One of them slammed his hand on the table. "You brats! Have you no shame? Look at the mess you've made!"
Another elder pointed at the twins, his voice sharp.
"And you two. How dare you act so arrogantly after winning the tournament? Do you think one little victory makes you special?"
Rynar looked up from his plate, chewing slowly. "We didn't do anything wrong. We're just eating."
Rynor grinned. "Yeah, can't fight on an empty stomach."
The elders' faces turned red. "Don't you dare talk back!"
Then one of them glared at Rachel, his tone turning cold.
"And you! You dare come back here after being exiled? You should've stayed hidden!"
Rachel froze for a moment, her hands tightening slightly in her lap. She lowered her gaze, not saying anything.
