"Lucius!"
Florian exclaimed the moment Cashew opened the door, his eyes widening at the familiar white-haired butler standing in the doorway. "You're— you're okay? Should you even be out? Shouldn't you be resting more?"
Lucius smiled softly as he stepped inside, posture calm despite the faint stiffness in his movements. "Your Highness, it has been some time. Thank you for your concern, but our dear healer worked miracles—and I've already been absent from my post far too long."
Florian let out a weak laugh. "Only you would get stabbed half to death and think, Great, time to clock back in. Most people would take that as a sign to enjoy lying around with no responsibilities for a while."
He gestured toward the sofa. Cashew, sensing the mood had shifted, quietly bowed and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Florian watched the door shut before turning back toward Lucius.
"I won't be long," Lucius said, politely declining the seat.
