Night had already fallen, the warm summer wind brushing against Zayden's face as he walked along the marble road.
He had gone to the royal palace today, finally visiting his family. They were all so delighted to see him that they barely let him leave until earlier.
The guards opened the mansion doors for him. Their postures were far too straight—stiffer than usual. Zayden didn't linger on it, continuing to enter the building.
The silent hallway greeted him inside. Few servants lingered, but they turned away the moment his gaze swept over them. Most had already retreated to their rooms—it was already the second half of the night.
Everything appeared quiet until he noticed two maids rushing with a bowl of water toward Eiran's bedroom, not far from his.
He halted them sharply. "What's going on?"
"Y-Young Master Eiran… h-h has a high fever," one stammered, her eyes tightly closed.
