The tavern buzzed with laughter, clinking cups, and the rich smell of roasted meat.

Unlike the noisy common hall below, the private room on the upper floor was reserved for the

kingdom's nobility.

Prince Maxwell sat comfortably at the head of a polished oak table.

A goblet of red wine rested between his fingers.

Around him sat several influential lords of the realm.

Among them was Lord Armand.

The very noble Kallias had injured during the Moonlight Festival.

The bruise along his jaw had faded, but the humiliation remained as fresh as the day it

happened.

Lord Armand slammed his goblet onto the table.

"I have never suffered such disgrace."...