After all his sons had left the room, the glow within Garius's right eye dimmed and vanished.
Alf smiled faintly, his gaze never leaving the stack of documents in his hands.
"Your Majesty."
"Ugh, Alf…" Garius sighed. "I told you not to use that title. You can call me as usual."
"No can do, Your Majesty," Erinette said gently as she stepped closer, pouring another cup of tea. "You are our ruler now. Our king. I won't allow anyone to diminish your station after Armand's independence."
Garius chuckled and shook his head. "You two are relentless. Fine. What is it, Alf?"
Alf finally looked up.
"Regarding Prince Javier's proposal… I believe you should accept it. The authority is divided, and knowing him, he has already planned far beyond what he's shown."
"I know," Garius replied quietly.
He raised his hand. A fragment of refined ore floated above his palm, rotating slowly, reflecting the light.
"I still cannot replicate his work," Garius admitted. "Nor fully comprehend it."
