Act 5: Wizards, Dragons, and the Empire II

Brando had thought he would have to prepare the carriage himself, but when he reached the courtyard, he found a four-wheeled carriage already waiting on the avenue beneath the trees. The black carriage bore the emblem exclusive to Fir Territory. Since the others in the castle rarely used carriages when going out, this one was most likely prepared for him. Though he was still puzzled about who could have known he was leaving—could it have been Medisa? The Little Princess of the Silver Elves was unfailingly courteous, but she would never do a servant's work. He walked around to the other side of the carriage, only to see Antitina standing beside the door. Adviser Miss had lowered her eyelids and was holding a large roll of documents, clearly waiting for him.

"Lord, you're going to Gris Port. The carriage is ready for you," Antitina said respectfully, standing beside the door with her hands folded over her skirt above her knees. "There are biscuits and pastries in the carriage drawers. I ordered the kitchen to prepare them because if we leave now, we won't make it in time for a proper meal. There are also some recent reports on the Empire beneath the table. There aren't many, but I thought they might be useful to you."

She continued rambling on with a stern expression, as if reciting from a book. Yet a warm current rose in Brando's heart. He had been wondering who had arranged the carriage for him, but who else could it have been? Apart from Antitina, who else could painstakingly organize his chaotic schedule, then lecture him with a frown and a stern face, urging him to make his life and routine more orderly? Apart from this quiet girl before him, who else would lower herself so completely