At that very moment, inside Prince Dorek's residence, the envoy from the Holy See had only just departed.
The halls were still filled with the treasures and ceremonial rewards that had been delivered in the emperor's name.
Crates of rare materials, sacred medicines, and exquisitely forged artifacts stood in ordered rows beneath the light of the palace lamps.
By any ordinary measure, it was a reward grand enough to make an ambitious prince rejoice.
Dorek, however, looked unusually gloomy.
He stared at the treasures in silence for a long time. There was no excitement in his eyes, only suspicion and unease. Finally, he turned toward Daniel.
"Teacher, what exactly does Prince Alvin mean by this? Why would he suddenly reward me at a time like this? Is he truly preparing to move against me?"
Daniel nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face.
