Once Heinz had calmed down—at least enough to stop gritting his teeth—his expression shifted into one of cold command. His voice, though quieter now, carried the same steel.
"Even a thirteen-year-old boy managed to find a clue, and you two didn't," he said, gaze sharp as a blade. "Make sure to bring back something useful this time—or I'll be asking for blood."
Lucius and Lancelot said nothing. They simply bowed in silence, though the weight of the insult lingered in the air like smoke. Then, without another word, they turned and left, boots echoing across the polished floor.
Cashew followed soon after, leading Azure out of the room at Florian's request. The young boy had done enough for the day. Florian had told him to wait in his chambers—he needed to speak to Heinz alone.
Now, the grand room felt far too quiet.
Just the two of them remained.
"Your Majesty..." Florian began softly, the title feeling heavy on his tongue.
