Early the next morning, in a secluded shallow bay outside Dawnlight City.
Days of rain had finally cleared, and the long-awaited sunlight pierced the clouds, spilling over the shimmering sea.
The sea breeze carried a hint of warmth and salt, refreshing against their faces.
The sunshine had warmed and dried the beach. Only the damp traces left by the receding tide glittered with flecks of gold in the light.
Diana's vassals gathered there in small groups. The rare fine weather had prompted them to shed their heaviest coats and bask in the warm morning light, but it did nothing to lessen their doubts or complaints.
"A gift? He dragged us out to this deserted stretch of coast at the crack of dawn just to look at some gift?"
A knight with a short beard on his chin grumbled under his breath, "My guess is His Lordship caught a rather large cod."
His companion gave a dry chuckle.
"Perhaps he wants us to admire the little boat he escaped in? I hear it was well made."
The old Baron Ansel did not join the younger men's discussion. He merely gazed at the distant, sparkling sea, his brow furrowed.
He did not understand what Count Diana intended, but he sensed that things would not be as simple as these young men suggested.
Roland Riyang stood beside Diana, straight-backed in an unadorned black knight's coat, looking out of place among the restless nobles.
He studied his younger cousin's calm profile, unable to understand where her confidence came from.
"Diana, this is nothing but a tiresome stunt."
"That man only knows how to pull attention-seeking tricks like this. Once this is over, I'll make him leave Dawn Territory."
Diana did not answer. She simply watched the horizon where sea met sky.
"Woooo-woooo-woooo!"
A shrill