Later that day, the palace became noticeably more active.
News had already spread that Lucas had finally regained consciousness, and with Lechia now firmly back under allied control, people were moving with a renewed sense of purpose throughout the capital.
By afternoon, another group finally arrived through the palace gates.
Their arrival immediately drew attention.
The Emperor of Rus had reached Lechia at last.
Alongside him were Bartho, Darmian, the two Celestials from Blackmare who had accompanied the rescue operation, Patrick, and Patricia.
The journey had clearly taken its toll on all of them.
Their clothes bore signs of travel, exhaustion was visible on several faces, and the Emperor himself still looked frail despite having escaped Rus alive.
The moment they entered the palace grounds, attendants, guards, physicians, and servants moved into action.
The Emperor of Rus was immediately escorted away under heavy protection. Several healers were already waiting for him.
