The atmosphere inside Yerel's private study was always stifling, but this afternoon, the quiet scratch of a fountain pen against parchment made the silence feel heavier than usual.
Yerel sat behind the massive desk. He didn't look up as the doors closed, signaling the arrival of his aide.
Karson entered quietly, carrying himself with the usual strict posture and blank expression. He stopped exactly three paces from the desk, bringing one hand to his chest as he offered a flawless, practiced bow.
"Your Highness," Karson began, his voice flat and professional. "The surveillance report on the Solaric delegation has been finalized."
Yerel finally set his pen down, leaning back into his leather chair. He laced his fingers together, a faint, lazy smile playing on his lips as he looked up at his aide. "Ah, Karson. Let's hear it then. What have our esteemed foreign guests been up to?"
