Three days passed swiftly, filled with meetings, plans, and steady recovery. By the morning of the imperial court session, Grim had regained much of his strength.
He stood before the mirror in his chambers, examining his reflection. Most nobles would attend court in ornate garments of rich colors, adorned with gold thread and gemstones—visual representations of their wealth and status. Grim had chosen a different path.
His outer robes were pure white, crisp and immaculate, falling to just below his knees. Beneath them, he wore a fitted black tunic and trousers, creating a stark contrast. The only ornamentation was the Ambrose family crest embroidered on the back of the white robe—a silver crescent moon partially encircling a mist-wreathed mountain. Echo hung at his side, its unadorned scabbard belying the blade's true nature.
"An unusual choice, my lord," Sera observed as she entered with a final message from Chen Xing regarding the day's arrangements.
