In the Armand region.
Armand Estate.
The great manor's atmosphere was tense. Outside, soldiers and maids moved with purpose, the sound of boots striking the stone courtyard echoing like a drumbeat of war.
Inside the grand hall, Garius stood in his battle uniform, a heavy, dark coat reinforced with magic-lined plates. His twin swords, each etched with runes only he could read, rested across his back, humming faintly with mana.
Erinnette stood nearby, her elite battle-maid uniform perfectly fitted, every strap and buckle secured. A concealed dagger gleamed faintly at her thigh, while her main weapon, a halberd longer than she was tall, leaned against the wall within arm's reach.
Alf, dressed in his own black battle attire, adjusted the cuffs of his gloves before sliding a slim, deadly blade into the sheath at his waist. Dozens of hidden weapons were already concealed within his uniform, ready to be drawn in an instant.
