The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Aric's estate, cool golden light spilling along the hallway as he walked, his footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor.
He carried a glass of water in his left hand, his thumb tapping gently against the cool surface as he approached a large oak door.
His mind was sharp, contemplation heavy upon him. With a steady hand, he pushed the door open, entering the spacious study—now his war room, where the foundation of his ambitions was forged.
Inside, two figures awaited him, standing around a broad table scattered with parchments, maps, and reports.
Viscount Kael, sharp-eyed and wiry, held a small ledger in his hands, his gaze flicking between its pages and the documents before him. Next to him stood Old Man Hitoshi, whose calm expression belied the steely intelligence behind his age-worn features.
Both men straightened and offered a small bow.
