As the Supreme Monarch departed the chamber, the Warlords and Grand Marshals from both Military Bases exhaled in quiet unison, a collective release of tension.
Standing in the presence of a Monarch was no trivial matter; it demanded composure under immense pressure.
Raelith, positioned off to the side, let out a subdued sigh. Only hours earlier, he had witnessed the Supreme Monarch express tenderness, genuine affection, perhaps even on the verge of tears.
Yet now, that same warmth seemed distant, withheld entirely from them, as though it were reserved solely for her family.
"We should proceed as ordered," spoke Warlord Aerenya, the Elven Warlord, her voice calm but brisk.
"Indeed," rumbled Warlord Brontagar, the Titan Warlord. "It is time to invoke the highest level of authority for the investigation, without delay."
