Night fell quietly over Black Tortoise City, and the palace restaurant glowed with the soft amber hue of lamplight.
The long stone table in the center was already laden with dishes, the air rich with the scent of sizzling meat and fragrant herbs. Outside, the distant hum of the city faded beneath the rhythmic clatter of cutlery and the low murmur of voices.
"It's fried steak tonight."
Mino, dressed neatly in her maid uniform, approached with a tray in her hands. She lifted a piece of slate tableware from Sophia's arms and gently placed it in front of Luciel.
Luciel's brows rose slightly. "What kind of beast is it this time?"
He had grown accustomed to surprises at dinner lately. Every time the rock tortoise paused its march, the city's defense teams would head out hunting. But successful hunts weren't guaranteed—sometimes they'd return empty-handed for days.
