Inside the grand duke's office, the atmosphere was heavy with silence.
Stacks of documents lay spread across the broad desk—military reports, supply routes, monster activity logs, and letters stamped with imperial seals.
The grand duke methodically sifted through them, one page after another, his movements steady even as his mind worked far ahead, already arranging what must be reported to the emperor and what should not be said just yet.
Just as he set one paper aside—
He felt it.
A presence.
Before the door even opened, his crimson eyes lifted from the desk.
The knights stationed outside reacted a heartbeat later, straightening as they reached for the handle.
The heavy doors creaked open, and a man stepped inside.
A battle-hardened old warrior.
His armor bore countless scars, dulled not by neglect but by years of use.
