The old guard commander arrived with six armed people behind him, stopping at the registry entrance when Juna's glaive settled across the approach.
Hajin set down the cup he had barely begun drinking.
"Weapons stay clear of the plate."
"They stay with us."
"Then keep your hands off them."
The commander looked at Juna before giving a short signal, his people spreading their empty hands while their sheathed weapons remained visible.
Morning light reached the upper stairs behind them, leaving the black mark under the registry plate in shadow.
Its watched offer space remained separate from the working circles, the child's unresolved answer still waiting while Vella prepared the next inspection.
Hajin noticed the guard commander looking at Cessy and Lucan beside the witness bench.
"You house those two but question our swords."
"I question their hands too."
Cessy showed the commander her wrapped wrist, the unimpressed expression above it doing nothing to improve his temper.
