Vlad chuckled despite emotional turmoil. "Maybe I have been... I should start interacting with them more instead of relying on rumors and reports."
Janus and Amiya's eyes lit simultaneously, expressions transforming to delight at the prospect of improved relations. The others smiled faintly, approval evident in subtle expressions.
Veryn stepped forward slowly, and she said softly after hesitating for a bit. "The Saint... He said he created the Chimeras and planned everything?"
Reinhard nodded in confirmation. "He planned to die after wiping away Eastern Hesod's past."
Veryn trembled violently before anguish flashed on her face, and then her gaze dropped to the ground, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
"Did it really have to come to this?" Words emerged barely above a whisper. "The Luminous Knights have lost both our Red Priest, Saint, and Casseo… Is that why you already named his heir before coming?"
Silence fell across the group.
