Chapter 293: Exposing The Lie

"This… this is ridiculous!" she spat, "Qi Zhaoyu is nothing but an actor—hired by Gu Jin to deceive all of you!" She looked at the crowd, appealing to them with a look of betrayal.

"Can't you see? She's paid him to spread these lies and steal my glory!"

Qi Zhaoyu met her gaze steadily,

"An actor? Auric, I would never stoop to such deceit. If you are truly the hero you claim to be, then surely you can tell us the words you use to address your own subordinates."

Auric's confidence wavered, but she forced herself to respond, her tone faltering.

"Words? What kind of a question is that?" She scoffed, then forced a smile as she answered with forced nonchalance.

"I call them 'skeletons,' of course."

A ripple of disappointment spread through the crowd.

Some faces darkened, their expressions shifting from doubt to disdain.