The next day, Daphne sat at a large oak desk with the head butler.
Spread out before them were ledgers and scrolls detailing the budget for the "Rose Charity Home."
"Madam, the initial estimate for the main hall's roof seems low," the butler said, his finger tracing a number on the parchment.
"I've factored in the cost of importing stronger oak from the northern forests."
Just then, Alice came into the study.
"Madam," she said, her voice strained. "An imperial messenger has arrived. He says he has an urgent message for you."
"Allow him in.", Daphne replied.
Alice bowed and left.
A moment later, a young man in the imperial livery stood in the doorway. He bowed low, his expression solemn.
"Your Highness, I bring a message from His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor," he said.
Daphne's voice was a mere whisper. "What is it?"
"The Emperor requests your immediate presence at the Imperial Palace."
