Morning arrived quietly.
I was already dressed by the time the palace began to stir. Sunlight slipped through the tall windows of my chambers, painting pale gold across the marble floor.
My maid had finished arranging my hair earlier, twisting the silver strands into an elegant style before leaving me to my thoughts. The gown I wore was simple by royal standards but still refined—deep blue silk trimmed with silver embroidery along the sleeves and collar. It suited the morning well enough.
I stepped into the corridor, intending to head to the dining hall. Breakfast with the royal family.
Nero spoke in my mind. [Host prepare yourself.]
Be quiet.
[I cannot. I am programmed to observe your suffering.]
I ignored him and continued down the corridor. Halfway to the stairs, a familiar chime echoed in my mind and the translucent tab appeared in my vision. I stopped walking as a quest window floated before me.
QUEST: Start a business anonymously. No one apart from Elias is to know.
