The Order of Knights!
Bruce's heart was as calm as still waters as his gaze landed on the building...
He walked through the gates.
A pair of guards moved to block him out of routine, but froze the instant their senses registered his aura. Not power, not exactly, but something older, heavier, coiled beneath the surface like a sleeping storm.
"State your purpose," one guard said, but it came out gentler than intended.
"I'm here to settle royal debt under the Ackerman name," Bruce answered simply.
Those words alone drew several heads.
Royal debt… Bloodline clause… Impossible sums…
One guard cleared his throat. "Y—you'll need to speak to the Senior Debt Executor. I'll escort you."
Inside, the air was colder, thick with authority and law. Burning incense masked the scent of iron from the knight training halls. Ash sniffed sharply, then huffed, unimpressed by all the armor and rigid posture. If Bruce didn't hold him, he would already be bullying half the knights by glaring alone.
