[Imperial Encampment — Council Tent — Later]
The council tent stood more quietly than the rest of the imperial encampment. No knights speaking loudly and no servants entering carelessly.
Only low blue flames burned around the bronze lanterns while ancient maps of Zahryssar rested across the central table.
And inside, Raviel and Zyvera sat unusually silent, with no arguing and no dramatic complaints. Which somehow made the atmosphere feel stranger. Then the tent curtains opened, and Levin entered quietly. Immediately, both siblings stood, bowing deeply.
"We greet the Mother of the Empire."
Levin nodded once before walking toward the central table, and then he sat calmly. Silver-blue robes spreading softly beneath dim lantern light. For several moments nobody spoke.
Then finally Levin looked toward them directly as his blue gaze narrowed slightly. "You claimed there was something important enough to request privacy... What is it?"
