After ten long years — Year 660 After the Coronation
—Kshhh—
The massive screen inside one of the inner chambers of the fourth-generation Supremacy Note vessel suddenly came to life. Streams of light rippled across its surface before stabilizing into the calm, familiar image of Theo.
"What's the matter, my little brother?" he asked, his tone casual, almost amused.
"I'm sorry I know you are busy, but... What I heard… is it true?!"
Richard, standing alone in the vast hall, fixed his gaze on his brother's projection with unmistakable anxiety. "There's a rumor spreading everywhere—that Zarghul the sorcerer is preparing to receive Serene as a concubine, and that an agreement is about to be finalized any moment now. Tell me this isn't true, Theo!"
"Oh?" Theo's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "So the news has already reached you inside the armada? Not bad at all, that man truly doesn't waste a single moment, does he…"
