In the grand hall of Everfrost Castle,
A tall man draped in a dark cloak stood still. His gaze, faintly indifferent, drifted toward the long corridor at the base of the staircase, as if waiting for someone to appear.
Facing him was none other than Maera.
The surrounding servants instinctively kept their distance, understanding without being told.
It had been a long time since any noble family came to Everfrost uninvited. The current Duke of House Valemont did not welcome unexpected visitors.
And yet this time, someone bold enough had come all the way to his door, seeking an audience. It was, in truth, a rather brave act.
At that moment, the man spoke up.
"How much longer must I wait here, Maera?"
Maera's calm eyes held no ripple of emotion as she looked at him. She was no stranger to this kind of arrogance. After all, the man before her was none other than Fabio, the personal retainer of Lady Isolde.
