And a few with something close to awe.
Honestly, none of that was surprising.
Even stripped of his former authority, Caius still carried himself like someone powerful. The way he stood, the calmness in his expression, the complete absence of nervousness under everyone's attention—it naturally drew respect whether people wanted to admit it or not.
"He possesses a power that's only a step below mine," I continued.
"Not anymore, I don't," Caius muttered calmly from beside me.
But I ignored him.
"Which means he knows things capable of making this clan stronger," I continued, "and increasing our chances of surviving the King's Games, which is our most important objective right now."
That statement noticeably shifted the atmosphere again.
The excitement from earlier settled slightly, replaced by a heavier seriousness as the reality of the King's Games resurfaced in everyone's minds.
And after hearing that, many of them began looking at Caius differently.
