The Royal Council Chamber was unusually quiet.

Morning light poured through the towering stained-glass windows, casting long beams across

the polished marble floor.

One by one, the kingdom's ministers took their seats around the great circular table.

Prince Maxwell sat among them, taking his position as the Prime Minister, his posture relaxed,

though his sharp eyes observed every movement in the room.

At the head of the council sat Kallias.

His expression remained as unreadable as ever. The Royal Aide stood quietly beside him.

The silence stretched until Ventimus, being the oldest amongst them, finally cleared his throat.

"Your Majesty," he began respectfully, "you summoned the council on short notice....