The next morning, before the sun had fully risen over the Imperial Capital, Ethan was already awake and standing quietly near the window while looking toward the distant Imperial Palace.
The city below was already active.
Soldiers marched through the streets while servants hurried between buildings, and faint bells echoed from distant towers across the capital.
Ethan slowly adjusted his sleeves before taking a deep breath.
Today was important.
Not long after, several imperial attendants arrived outside the residence to escort him toward the palace.
"Lord Marquise, His Majesty is waiting," one of them spoke respectfully.
Ethan gave a small nod and calmly followed behind them.
As the carriage moved deeper into the capital, the surroundings gradually became quieter and more guarded while elite soldiers stood stationed along nearly every road leading toward the palace.
The closer they got, the heavier the atmosphere became.
