By the time the physicians had finished their initial examination, the Prime Minister's residence had fallen into a heavy silence.
Minister Henry stood beside the bed, staring at his son's face.
The man who had once possessed a flawless complexion was now covered in dense, ugly freckles. They spread across his cheeks, forehead, and the bridge of his nose, destroying the appearance he had taken such pride in.
Henry's expression darkened as he listened to Oswald recount what had happened at Neon Square the previous day.
"Zion?"
The moment that name left his mouth, the atmosphere in the room seemed to change.
Oswald's sobbing faltered.
Fear and resentment flashed through his eyes.
"Yes... It was him. Who else could it be?" Oswald said, clutching the fabric of his clothes tightly. "Yesterday at Neon Square, we argued over a robe. He humiliated me in front of everyone. I eventually got the robe, but before leaving, he said something strange."
Henry's gaze sharpened.
