The night was deep, and the boisterous banquet had long since ended.
Velin sat alone in his office, the room lit only by the flickering candlelight.
Dragon Knight Edmond had already departed, but his crushing, mountain-like presence had not yet fully dissipated.
A letter lay silently on the desk.
Velin unfolded the letter. The handwriting was strong and forceful, just like his uncle, Leman Klein.
"Velin, I was delighted to hear the news of you pioneering your territory. I had prepared some wine for you, but it's a shame you are too far away in the marsh to enjoy it. However, you can consider the promotion edict my congratulatory gift. No need to thank me. The glory of the Klein Family is my glory."
Velin scoffed.
'A congratulatory gift. How nicely put.'
'This was clearly a bill, a price tag labeled "favor," just waiting for the day I would have to pay up.'
'To disguise it as an uncle's care for his nephew... it was perfectly hypocritical.'
