The Shadow Palace's corridor stretched through the depths of the complex like a gilded spine. This palace had once been one of Diego's residences; now, it served as Nightblade headquarters.
Its roof was transparent, and the light of distant stars illuminated the space beneath it. Hundreds of statues stood along both sides of the corridor, nameless heroes from Imperium history watching those who passed below with jewel-like eyes and resolute expressions.
According to Nightblade, the measure of a person's state of mind was how long they could withstand those merciless gazes while walking through the corridor.
Yushikin entered the corridor with his head held high. Though he knew he was no hero, merely a warrior doing all he could.
The fallen Nightblades glared at him. Their names and achievements were not known or honored by most Benedictines; only those warriors who also fought in the shadows silently remembered their deeds.
Under the moonlight, a figure stood before the statue of a former Nightblade leader who had died at Cusconar. He turned around before Yushikin had even approached.
"Marshal Yushikin."
Nutans spoke calmly.
"I rarely see you here."
"I am not particularly accustomed to coming here either, Nutans."
Yushikin stopped and looked up at the Nightblades who had fallen during the Cusconar Incident.
"I have always hoped that heroes could rest in peace."
"Then what has brought you here now?"
"If you permit it, I would like to speak with you."
"Surely your time would be better spent training soldiers and preparing for war. That is where your talents lie."
"I am honored that you think so, but there is something I need to discuss with you."
"About what?"
Nutans's voice was far from friendly, growing increasingly stiff. He seemed to have guessed why Yushikin had come.
"That letter."
"Ah."
The