Meanwhile, in the County…
The grand estate, which was usually filled with noise and activity, had suddenly turned eerily silent. A grim atmosphere hung over the place like a heavy fog. Every servant who walked through the halls did so with quiet steps, afraid to make a sound. The air itself felt heavy, filled with pressure and uncertainty.
Inside the grand hall, a lady sat elegantly on a marvelous chair. Her legs were crossed as she leaned back with composed grace. Her crimson eyes, sharp and piercing, were locked on a letter sealed with the royal symbol.
She stared at it for a moment, then slowly raised her gaze to the Imperial messenger standing before her. Her look was cold and unreadable, yet it was enough to make the man's spine stiffen.
Just meeting her eyes made his hands tremble. He quickly looked down, trying to hide the sweat forming on his forehead.
