She bit her lower lip softly, forcing herself to look away before her expression betrayed her.
Turning her attention back to Stanley, she composed herself, the faint warmth on her cheeks slowly fading as she masked her reaction.
Before anything else could be said, a round of clapping echoed through the training ground.
The sound drew everyone's attention forward.
One of the instructors stepped out from the group, applause still fading as he smiled broadly.
He was an average-looking man, bright-eyed, with short brown hair and broad shoulders that hinted at years of training.
His presence was confident but approachable, and his voice carried clearly as he spoke.
"Such a brilliant performance," he said, nodding toward Stanley with clear approval.
Stanley's eyes widened slightly at the words.
For a moment, he simply stared, processing what he was hearing.
He had expected judgment. Maybe disappointment. Or at the very least, awkward silence.
Instead, there was praise.
