Olivia turned her gaze toward the soldiers, who stood in a daze, completely unable to process the swift arrest of their comrade. She offered them a slow, calculated nod.
"Thank you for your service in the war," she said, her voice cutting through their confusion. "I am aware this gratitude is long overdue, but circumstances dictated otherwise."
The knights bowed their heads in stiff, profound respect. Despite the lingering resentment in the room, a formal acknowledgment from the Duchess of Locron was something they had never even dared to dream of.
Turning her back to the assembly, her hidden eyes locked onto the head of the garrison. "Follow me, Commander."
"Right away, Your Grace," he replied, stepping into line.
