"Get up."
Hearing that utterly emotionless voice, Vituss trembled, as if he saw the old marquis's shadow in Ilisis.
At that moment, he regretted doing that deed.
If he had not been greedy, then as one of the old marquis's trusted subordinates, even if he could not earn the marquis's favor, he would at least still hold a measure of authority and be able to retire honorably in a hundred years.
Now, all of that might vanish like bubbles.
"Do you want me to say it a second time?"
The cold voice sounded again, snapping Vituss back to his senses. He immediately rose from the ground, lowered his head, and stood beside Ilisis, awaiting orders.
"Enter the city."
"Y-yes, Marquis."
Watching the governor's hunched figure follow behind the marquis, everyone realized that Vituss, who had governed Moon Shadow County for twenty-five years, was about to leave office.
Whether he would step down with dignity or disgrace depended on whether the marquis would show consideration for his age.
Half an hour later, the party arrived outside Moonwater Manor.
The lead knight dismounted, his armor clinking crisply.
He strode toward the guard post, the eagle crest on his breastplate glinting dark red beneath the setting sun.
"Qixing Count Sir is inspecting Moonwater Manor."
His voice was not loud, yet it made the officer on duty shudder.
"I-I'll report it at once!"
The guard officer hurriedly saluted. As he turned, he nearly tripped over his own sword, then staggered toward the manor's main building.
At the same time, two Low-level Silver Knights silently took their places beside the carriage.
The moment the carriage door opened, Velin appeared in everyone's sight.
After stepping down from the carriage, Velin looked around. His gaze settled on the blooming flowers along the manor wall, and he nodded