Chapter 297: The Crown

**Thelma Zane’s Perspective** The moment I began to follow through on my words, the group of privileged teenagers, who had acted so carefree and bold moments before, quickly lost their facade of calmness and childish innocence. Their entitled attitudes began to crumble as the gravity of the situation sank in. Among them, the boy who seemed to naturally take a position of leadership finally stepped forward, his fear barely concealed. Summoning what courage he could muster, he addressed me. “Your Highness,” he began, his voice trembling slightly, “please have mercy. This is the first time we’ve attended such a significant event, and we were nervous. To distract ourselves, we made foolish remarks. I deeply regret our actions and beg for your forgiveness. We promise to be more mindful and control our words in the future.” I regarded him with an expression of cold detachment, letting the weight of silence press down on him until he began to falter. Finally, I asked, “And your na