Came midnight, and the manor had long since grown silent. Only the muffled rustling of trees and the distant hoot of an owl broke the stillness of the hour. A knock echoed across the guest corridor, three steady taps against wood that didn't startle Ludwig in the slightest. He had been standing there long before the sound ever came.
He opened the door without ceremony.
Outside stood the butler, ever composed, his frame bathed in the pale silver of the moon filtering through the window. His posture was firm, eyes respectful but emotionless. "Master Davon, please," he said with a slight bow.
Ludwig gave a small nod and followed. Their footsteps were soft against the carpeted floor of the manor's halls. Not a soul stirred. The household, including his companions, remained comfortably asleep, unaware of the silent departure unfolding in the depths of the night.
