Andrea returned to the guest lobby, but the tension clinging to her face refused to fade, no matter how carefully she tried to compose herself.
The room, which had already felt crowded earlier, now held one more presence than before.
What had been a gathering of four guests had now turned to five, and the balance of the room shifted the moment she noticed who the newcomer was.
Selena Sylvaris, the Elven Empress, sat gracefully on the third sofa opposite the three men.
Her posture was relaxed and playful, as if this were not a sensitive meeting inside the World Academy but an ordinary afternoon visit.
Servants stood beside her, respectfully pouring tea into a delicate cup, while the three men across from her already held their own cups.
Steam Rose gently from the delicate jade-like porcelain cups.
