[Lavinia's POV — Office—Later]
"…This is the report from Meren, sent by General Arwin this morning, Your Highness," Sera said, stepping closer and placing the neatly folded parchment into my hands.
I took it with a quiet hum. "Hmm…"
My eyes skimmed the lines quickly—numbers, locations, dates—then slowed as the meaning settled in.
"The damaged castles have been repaired," I read aloud, tapping the page lightly. "No signs of corruption among the current nobles… and farming resumes next month." I paused, then allowed myself a small nod. "That's… better than expected."
Sera smiled, clearly relieved. "Meren is developing very fast, Your Highness. If this continues at the same pace…" She hesitated, then asked carefully, "Will you open the seaside as well?"
