Dawnlight City, the Count's castle.
Sunlight streamed through the narrow stained-glass windows, casting mottled light across the Council Chamber floor.
At the head of the long table, Diana Chenxi sat with her back straight, her golden hair pinned behind her head, dignified and noble.
A sheet of magic-infused dragonhide parchment lay before her, bearing the terms of the alliance.
"Limited intelligence sharing, reciprocal tariffs, a defensive and offensive alliance..."
The old Baron Ansel read each clause aloud, his voice echoing through the quiet hall.
Every vassal present held their breath, their gazes shifting between Diana and Veylin, who stood beside her.
Diana picked up the quill and dipped its tip into the inkwell.
Rather than signing immediately, she looked up at Veylin.
Veylin gave her a slight nod, signaling her to continue.
The nib scratched softly across the dragonhide.
The name Diana Chenxi appeared at the end of the agreement.
Next came Weilin Klein.
"I, Kru Federer, agree to this alliance!" Baron Kru stepped forward first, all but snatching the quill before forcefully signing his name. He pressed so hard that a small blot of ink splattered onto the parchment.
"And I, Jeno Bellflower!"
"Count me in!"
The vassals stepped forward one after another, solemnly signing their names.
When the last baron finished signing, Roland Riyang stepped forward and firmly pressed down his knight's badge.
The Sunyang family's Sun Emblem was stamped onto the agreement, signifying the witness and endorsement of the most powerful family in the Duchy's Southern Border.
The alliance was sealed.
An energy suppressed for decades erupted across the lands of Dawn Territory.
The old war machine roared into motion.
In the castle at Bellflower Grounds, the steward and two servants pushed open the armory doors together.
Sunlight poured inside, stirring up a cloud of choking dust.