Constantinople.
In a residence adjacent to the Augustanum Senate, only a few candles burn in the narrow corridor.
The corridor leads to a prayer room, where a simple altar is placed, featuring an image of Jesus on the Cross in the center.
On the walls hangs a mural of the Three Eastern Saints clothing Jesus.
Conrad knelt devoutly before the Holy Image, praying.
Conrad Alamic, the second son of the Border Count of Monferrat, is the Empire Consort who married the Purple Robe Princess of the Komnenos Family.
He was once deeply trusted and valued by the late Emperor Aleksey and was granted the title of Caesar of the Empire (Vice Emperor, often an honorary title).
But after the Emperor's mysterious death in Brahna Palace, Queen Ragaya of the Ducas Family seized power as regent, and as a distant relative of the Komnenos Royal Family, he was gradually pushed out of the power center.
"Master."
A young attendant stood behind him, respectfully presenting a letter.
