The Governor's Mansion in Black Stone Port, on the third-floor terrace.
Baron Robelio held a velvet cloth, meticulously polishing a golden goblet inlaid with a Ruby. The sunlight struck the side of the cup, refracting into a mesmerizing halo.
"My lord, the news from the front isn't good."
His adjutant stood behind him, clutching a sweat-soaked sheet of parchment. His voice trembled slightly.
"Marquis Hector's main fleet seems to have run into trouble at sea... Should we heighten our defenses?"
Robelio paused and breathed a wisp of warm air onto the goblet before continuing to polish it.
"Trouble? What trouble could there be?"
He glanced at his adjutant, the corner of his mouth twitching into a sneer.
