The atmosphere inside Duke Valecrest's study had become eerily quiet despite the storm of events unfolding throughout the manor, as the massive room illuminated by soft golden mana lamps remained buried beneath a pressure heavy enough to make even breathing feel uncomfortable. The elegant white and navy-blue interiors carried the dignity expected of the ruler of an entire duchy, yet at this moment, the room itself felt colder than any prison.
Behind the large desk at the center of the study—
Duke Valecrest sat motionlessly upon his chair.
His fierce golden eyes remained fixed upon the empty space ahead of him while one hand rested calmly against the armrest, his posture carrying the same overwhelming authority that naturally pressed down upon everyone around him without effort.
Standing before him
The head butler remained bowed deeply.
"…So that is everything that happened, m-master."
The old man finally completed his report carefully before falling silent once more.
