Markus was beyond shocked. For a moment, his mind went blank, utterly blank because there, standing in the middle of his office, was the Emperor himself.
Even as a high-ranking officer, Markus had never expected this. Normally, it was he who went to the imperial palace, not the other way around. The Emperor's presence here was like a storm appearing in a quiet lake, something that simply didn't happen without reason.
The moment realization hit him, Markus shot to his feet so quickly his chair nearly toppled. "Your Grace!" he barked, bowing deeply.
Thankfully, it wasn't as exaggerated as Agnes's display earlier that day. Markus was a commander, after all formal, but not servile.
Alexander lifted a hand, his tone measured and calm. "Commander, you may be at ease."
Markus straightened instantly, his back still rigid with tension. Only then did he notice the three standing behind the Emperor, Leon, Racheal, and Adrian. His gaze immediately locked onto Leon.
