Meanwhile, within the Armand estate's grand hall.
Garius sat upon the main seat, his posture straight, his expression composed.
Before him, the hall was alive with chatter and laughter. At the center of it, Veldrac and Lioness.
Already flushed and unrestrained.
Were locked in a loud contest over who could drink more, their families watching with varying degrees of amusement.
Garius only sighed quietly at the display.
His gaze shifted toward Francesca, who sat elegantly with the visiting Queens, their voices weaving smoothly through refined conversation. At his side, as always, were Erinnette and Alf.
Around the hall, his sons and daughters mingled with the Demon and Beastkin entourages. Marcellus, Cedric, and the others carried themselves as expected of Armand heirs, conversing with Veldrac and Lioness's children, their wives and attendants blending seamlessly into the crowd.
But Garius's sharp eyes caught an absence.
"Erinnette."
