Whoosh—
The world shifted in a single breath. One moment Robin stood before a palace square vast enough to resemble a myth brought to life, and in the next, the entire scene dissolved.
When his vision cleared, he found himself within a sealed chamber, dimly lit by lamps of soft white fire. The scent of old parchment and fresh ink filled the air. Stacks of scrolls and bound volumes lined the walls, yet the room was not quiet—almost at once, a crisp, commanding woman's voice rang out, clear and confident:
"Professor Robin, how may I be of service to you?"
"Hm?" Robin turned instantly toward the voice. His gaze landed upon a woman seated with an air that could only belong to a ruler. Her posture was unyielding, her eyes sharp, and her very presence radiated the certainty that she believed herself monarch of everything within sight. And most likely… she was.
