[Rynthall Estate, Next Morning]
The next morning, Rynthall Estate shimmered under the bright sunlight, looking every bit the peaceful noble manor — dew-kissed roses bloomed in the garden, the fountain burbled in elegant rhythm, and birds sang their little courtship songs.
But inside... oh no, inside, it was bedlam.
Maids were whispering frantically in corners, gardeners pretending to trim hedges while eavesdropping, knights holding their swords but not training, and the estate's top chef nearly burned a goose while leaning into the kitchen door to hear the latest.
"I'm telling you, I heard it from Anna—who heard it from her cousin, who cleans near the council chamber!—he's still here!"
"You mean that Baron?"
"In our lord's chamber! Can you believe it?!"
Gasps echoed like a broken choir of scandal.
"It's true! Lord Silas carried him to his chamber after he fainted during the council meeting. Carried! Like a princess in a romance novel!"
