We left the room with a different feeling.
It wasn't weight.
But it wasn't lightness either.
It was… direction.
The kind of change that doesn't happen explosively, but redefines everything from that point onward.
The corridor seemed quieter now.
Or maybe it was just the way I was perceiving it.
Lyannis was the first to speak. "So… baron."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "It still sounds strange."
Scarlett kept a firm tone. "But it's real."
Elara nodded. "And official."
Vespera added, "And with direct implications."
Liriel said calmly, "It's the next step."
I kept walking.
Without answering immediately.
Because there was no need to comment on the obvious.
The door behind us opened again.
Firm footsteps.
Controlled.
The man who had been introduced as the minister stepped out of the room.
He didn't call out.
He didn't rush.
He simply approached.
Stopping at a respectful distance.
"Takumi."
His voice was steady.
Without hesitation.
Without trying to impose presence.
But firm.
"Yes."
He slightly inclined his head.
"My name is Cedric Valen."
Direct.
Without beating around the bush.
Lyannis tilted her head. "Strong name."
Rai'kanna observed him. "Strong posture too."
Scarlett kept an attentive gaze.
Elara analyzed every detail.
Vespera evaluated him precisely.
Liriel simply observed.
"I was assigned to assist you with the administration of the granted lands."
"I heard."
Cedric nodded.
"Then I'll be direct."
Silence.
"These lands… are not simple."
Lyannis crossed her arms. "That's already clear."
Rai'kanna let out a small laugh. "He's not sugarcoating it."
Scarlett commented in a low tone, "Better that way."
Elara agreed. "Objectivity."
Vespera nodded. "Efficiency."
Liriel said, "Clarity."
Cedric continued.
"The main territory, south of Vailor, is in critical condition."
"Low production," I completed.
"Almost nonexistent," he corrected.
Silence.
"The previous administration failed due to incompetence… and negligence."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "Great start."
Lyannis smiled faintly. "I like him."
Scarlett maintained a firm posture.
Elara observed.
Vespera analyzed.
Liriel remained calm.
"Besides that," Cedric continued, "there are signs of external factors."
"Magic?" Elara asked.
He looked at her.
"Possibly."
Vespera added, "Abnormal interference."
Cedric nodded. "Not confirmed yet."
Liriel spoke calmly, "But noticeable."
He didn't deny it.
"Yes."
Silence returned.
But it wasn't uncomfortable.
It was analysis.
"How long?" I asked.
Cedric answered without hesitation.
"If everything goes well… months."
Lyannis let out a breath. "That's not fast."
Rai'kanna commented, "But it's not slow either."
Scarlett said, "Depends on the approach."
Elara nodded. "And the resources."
Vespera added, "And the strategy."
Liriel said, "And the balance."
Cedric observed everyone.
Then looked back at me.
"I'll handle the administration."
Silence.
"You handle the leadership."
Simple.
Direct.
Without conflict.
I nodded.
"That works."
He nodded back.
"Then we won't waste time."
Lyannis tilted her head. "I like that."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "He's efficient."
Scarlett kept a firm gaze.
Elara seemed satisfied.
Vespera agreed.
Liriel remained calm.
"When do we leave?" I asked.
"Tomorrow morning."
Without hesitation.
Without room for delay.
Lyannis let out a small laugh. "Of course it's this fast."
Rai'kanna replied, "Better than waiting around."
Scarlett nodded. "The sooner, the better."
Elara added, "Time is a critical factor."
Vespera said, "Delay creates losses."
Liriel simply affirmed, "It's the right moment."
Cedric took a slight step back.
"A carriage will be waiting."
He paused briefly.
"With everything necessary for the initial transition."
I nodded.
"Understood."
He inclined his head once more.
And then walked away.
Without further words.
Without excessive formality.
Just… efficient.
Silence returned.
But this time…
Clearer.
Lyannis crossed her arms. "Okay… this became real really fast."
Rai'kanna let out a breath. "No time to overthink."
Scarlett said in a low tone, "But you already decided."
"Yes."
Elara added, "Then there's no conflict."
Vespera nodded. "Only execution."
Liriel looked at me. "And growth."
I took a deep breath.
And understood.
The war was over.
But the movement…
Wasn't.
Now it was something else.
Another kind of challenge.
Another kind of construction.
"Let's head back," I said.
Lyannis smiled. "Rest before the next phase."
Rai'kanna nodded. "Good idea."
Scarlett remained calm.
Elara observed.
Vespera analyzed.
Liriel stayed tranquil.
We left the castle shortly after.
The night already dominated the city.
The lights illuminated the path back.
But the atmosphere felt different.
Or maybe…
It was just me.
Because now…
There was no more doubt.
The path had been defined.
And by morning…
It would truly begin.