Didi sat across from Hajin in a cushioned chair, knees pulled to her chest while hugging a small pillow.
Her expression had grown more worried with every single detail he shared.
They sat inside her private study, a small cozy room tucked into the eastern wing of the palace.
Soft mana lamps glowed on the walls while a half-finished cup of tea sat forgotten between them.
The healer had already come and gone, leaving a bitter tonic beside the untouched tea.
Elina had threatened to pour the tonic down his throat if he left without drinking it.
He had told her nearly everything while Elina and one attendant listened from near the door.
The Gate had exceeded its expected rank, taken several knights, and produced monsters stronger than any seven-shard expedition should face.
"That many," she whispered while her fingers tightened around the small pillow.
She counted the losses twice inside her head, as if counting might change the number.
