Minister Richardus's Residence
The minister's private hall was spacious and elegantly appointed, but Richardus wasn't appreciating any of it. He paced back and forth like a caged animal, his eyes constantly drifting toward the large window that faced in the direction of Milan's villa.
It had been over an hour since Justiciar Halvren had departed with the Shinokishi and Aethar Corps. More than enough time to arrest one man, no matter how skilled he was.
The silence was becoming unnerving.
Hernais Rothgard sat in a chair near the window, his fingers drumming an anxious rhythm on the armrest. His son Varnik stood nearby, trying to appear confident but clearly feeling the tension.
"It's taking too long," Hernais said, breaking the silence.
"Five hundred elite knights and forty-five combat mages should have overwhelmed him within minutes."
"Perhaps they're being thorough," Varnik suggested, though he didn't sound convinced.
"Making sure there's no chance of escape."
