Erebus Citadel, Kingdom of Aethelgard Palace
Maximus stared at the stack of documents laid out before him. Each page carried proof—letters, coded notes, and ledgers marked with strange discrepancies that only someone who knew where to look would notice. They spoke of gold coins moved in secret, filtered through shadow accounts, and redirected to the personal coffers of their enemies during the war with the Kingdom of Esmoria seven years ago.
The sight of it made his jaw tighten. He remembered that war far too well. His own brother, Septimus, had sent him to the frontlines as a general, claiming it was for honor and service, though Maximus knew even then what it truly was.
