The news spread across the Grass Sea like wildfire; through transmission stones, through word of mouth, and through the whispers of the Plum Blossom’s Shadow. Soon, there was not a soul in the Azure Hills that did not know of the Lord Protector, the youngest Lord Magistrate in the Azure Hills. The youngest to ever hold the title, it was said. A young hero, properly rewarded for his efforts. A city that had organized a spontaneous celebration, its people taking to the streets in jubilation—and the Lord Protector himself walked among them, witnessing their joy for himself. === The Lord Protector of Grass Sea City glanced to the side as another great cheer from the crowd gathered around this particular stall rang out, and An Ran laughed delightedly. “Oho, didn’t you say you would score double?! Even if we combined your two scores, you’re still behind me!” An Ran declared, sticking her tongue out at the twins and flinging out another brace of rings one-handed. The game was rigged… but to an acceptable amount. It was merely hard to win, not impossible… but watching An Ran score so effortlessly, you wouldn’t know it. Every single ring settled perfectly. “Ama tat, you swindler!” Narantuya fired back, stomping her foot childishly. “Cheater, cheater!” her sister agreed, both of them bristling like cats. “You all see her, no? She uses techniques on a children's game!” “Sounds like the words of losers,” An Ran taunted. “And you two started it, throwing your (...)