The D'Amaris mansion stood at the edge of the upper district, its huge building glowing faintly under the moonlight. The carriages outside had gone, and the guards at the gate bowed as their master returned.
Marquess D'Amaris stepped out, his expression calm but heavy with different thoughts. His dark green cloak trailed behind him as he adjusted his gloves. The butler, an older man named Albrecht, greeted him at the entrance with a polite bow.
"Welcome home, my lord," Albrecht said with a gentle smile. "How was the game?"
The Marquess removed his gloves slowly, handing them over. "As always, it ended in blood and money. The nobles enjoyed the cruelty more than the game itself."
Albrecht nodded knowingly. "Did you make any purchase, my lord?"
"No," D'Amaris said quietly. "I had no intention to. I only went because the Duke sent an invitation. The entire thing was a farce."
The butler smiled faintly. "It's good to see you haven't changed."
