Armand looked at the two girls, his tone calm but heavy. "Are you both all right?"
Mayla and Garrika nodded almost at the same time.
"I'm sorry," Armand continued, his gaze softening. "The Velkaris Council should have acted sooner."
Mayla lowered her head slightly. "Please don't apologize, Lord Armand du Morgain. You're an elder of Velkaris—surely you have countless duties. I'm just grateful Trafalgar noticed what happened and came for me in time."
Armand gave a quiet nod. "I see. Then that's enough."
Trafalgar stepped forward and met his grandfather's eyes. "We'll be leaving now."
"Be careful," Armand replied. "You've done enough for one night."
Trafalgar nodded once. "Good night, grandfather."
"Good night, Trafalgar."
With that, Trafalgar turned toward the exit. Garrika followed without hesitation, her posture relaxed now that everything was over, while Mayla lingered a moment longer to bow respectfully before joining them.
