The King in the Fog

"This place can't be defended."

Gollor stood before a broad, exquisite double iron gate, holding his mount's reins. He studied the elegant garden and the Dragonkiss Fountain at its center, then surveyed the three-story building with its tall colonnade ahead, his expression solemn.

"W-What?" Beside him, D.D.—Guard Officer Doyle—was inspecting his mount's teeth and looked back in confusion.

All around them, the Royal Guards assigned to protect the Prince followed the royal masters of ceremony and City Hall officials in an orderly procession into the splendid estate. They were conducting the maddening handover and briefing with the flattered local servants and guards—most of them Bright Star Private Soldiers recruited from the outskirts of the Central Territory.

"Complicated terrain, troublesome sentry placements, pointless decorations, Bright Star Private Soldiers recruited from elsewhere..." Vanguard Officer Gollor's gaze swept from the gate and walls to the distant rear garden, the wariness in his eyes growing heavier.

"And a maze garden larger than the Northern Territory."

Amid the bustling activity, the Vanguard Officer looked around, handed his mount to a subordinate of the Vanguard Wing, and furrowed his brow even more deeply.

"Larger than the Northern Territory..." Doyle murmured instinctively. Then he understood and broke into a bright smile.

"Relax, Zombie. This is Mindis Hall, not Dragonbreak Fortress."

Ignoring the look on the Vanguard Wing guard's face, Doyle naturally shoved the reins into the man's other hand. He watched the guard lead the mount away with an irritated expression that clearly asked, "Where are the people from your Guard Wing?" Only then did he turn back, satisfied.

"Besides, we're not here to fight."

Gollor snorted through his nose.

He looked at the avenue outside the iron gate, then at the building at the far end of the garden, his tone cold.

"The Prince should be