Three months had passed since the last meeting of the Imperial Council.
Outside, tension had begun to crawl along the borders but within the walls of House Askelor, the atmosphere remained calm.
Soren sat leisurely in the small garden behind his residence, savoring the rising steam from a freshly brewed cup of black coffee.
Around him, his loyal subordinates sat as well, sharing light conversation a rare moment to release the weight they all carried.
It was Balthazar who broke the silence, his voice deep yet casual.
"How is Darian these days, my Lord?"
Soren gazed into the distance, eyes dim as if recalling something far and faded.
"Darian… the boy holds potential, but that's not everything.
If he fails, I won't hesitate to replace him.
This world is cruel and waits for no one."
Inside the house, Baroness Elira Vaunt moved calmly into a small lounge chamber.
Her husband had fallen in the war, leaving her a young widow one who chose to dedicate herself here instead.
This house, to her, was more than a workplace.
It was a stronghold of peace the kind that was hard to find beyond its walls.
She held a warm cup of tea, her face bearing a quiet blend of firmness and hidden grief.
Around her, the young attendants Mira, Selene, and Lysa busied themselves with their tasks, though their eyes never strayed far from the Baroness's steady composure.
"Ensure the dining table is set to perfection before the guests arrive," Elira said, voice calm yet filled with natural authority.
"Yes, Lady Vaunt," Mira replied, bowing slightly.
Selene added,
"The news from the border has been troubling… I hope our Lord and the young master remain safe."
Elira's eyes warmed as she looked at them.
"We can't control what happens outside.
But here within these walls we uphold peace and order.
This house is our fortress."
Lysa, the youngest, asked softly,
"My Lady… how do you stay strong even after such a loss?"
A faint smile traced Elira's lips.
"Life teaches us to keep walking even with the heaviest burdens.
I chose to endure. For today… and for tomorrow."