Night fell.
The grand hall of Thornvale Manor stood in quiet tension, its old stone pillars casting long shadows beneath the flickering sconces. Outside, the wind howled faintly through broken eaves.
Michael sat alone for a while, letting the silence settle. Then came a soft knock—two short raps—and the door creaked open.
Roran stepped in, a stack of fresh parchments in hand.
"My lord," he said, approaching. "A brief summary of what we've confirmed so far."
Michael didn't look up. "Go on."
Roran nodded and began.
"Of the original twenty-two senior staff members, seven are under suspicion for direct embezzlement. The garrison is still being assessed, but at least two captains were on Helmric's payroll. We've detained them."
Michael's expression didn't change.
