The atmosphere erupted into chaos in an instant.

“D-did I hear that right? What did the Patriarch just say? S-something about an heir?”
“He said Heir Apparent, you idiot!”
“Heir Apparent?! What?!”
“The rumors about the successor being announced today were true!”

Despite the rumors about the successor issue being addressed, hearing it confirmed in reality was a different matter entirely.

“So, what happens to the other contenders now? Sure, Torkel is dead, but what about Kinkarnon? What about Anshio?”
“Don’t forget Lezé and Gishar!”
“Exactly! They haven’t even competed in a proper showdown, and …