The march back through Ryugan's carved corridors felt different than the entrance. The leader of the envoys maintained his perfect posture, his expression serene, but internally he was cataloguing every detail. Every nervous glance from passing guards. Every hastily closed door. Every whispered conversation that cut off as they approached.
'Fear. Good. That's the expected response.'
Behind him, his personal guard—the man in silver armor with the blue shoulder cape—spoke quietly.
"That went well, Lord Pyrrhus."
Pyrrhus allowed himself a small smile.
"Better than expected, Adelais. The prince's outburst was a gift. I was prepared to push much harder."
"The king showed remarkable restraint," Adelais observed, his tone respectful.
