Meanwhile, deep within the heart of the Lumiere Dynasty capital, a luxurious carriage rolled to a stop outside a sprawling villa.
The estate belonged personally to Princess Lune.
A royal messenger wearing a feathered cap stepped out of the carriage. He hurried up the marble steps, receiving a brisk nod from the stationed guards, and knocked firmly on the heavy oak doors of the inner vestibule.
A maid opened the door a crack.
"I am here to deliver an urgent letter directly to Her Highness, Princess Lune," the messenger announced, holding out a wax-sealed parchment.
"I will take it and ensure she receives it," the maid responded smoothly, reaching for the letter.
The messenger pulled the parchment back, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. "I cannot do that. This letter is from the Emperor himself. He strictly insisted that I place it directly into the Princess's hands."
