On the night after the Spring Opening Festival, the office in the lord's castle of the Red Tide Fief was quiet and warm.
The bustle of the banquet had long since faded. A warm fire burned in the hearth, illuminating the stone walls and bookshelves, while the scent of mead and stewed meat still lingered in the air.
Louis took off his cloak and had just sat down at his desk, ready to deal with a few post-festival administrative documents.
Just then, a guard knocked and entered, his voice low and cautious. "My lord, a woman has requested an audience. She claims to be... 'Emily Edmond.'"
The quill in Louis's hand paused. He looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Emily Edmond?"
He had thought this noble-born fiancée of his would quietly leave after observing everything in the Red Tide Fief.
He had not expected her to reveal herself of her own accord after the festivities, and it came as something of a surprise.
"Please bring her here," Louis said in a low voice.
The guard nodded in acknowledgment and quickly left.
The wooden door of the lord's castle opened gently, admitting a breath of night air, followed by the young woman's footsteps, light yet resolute.
Emily entered the study in a dark blue gown, her cloak lifting slightly behind her. A silver eagle badge, the emblem of House Edmund, adorned her chest.
Her blue hair fell to her shoulders, lending her a cool, dignified air. Her features were delicate and well-defined, her figure graceful and upright.
Every step carried the distinctive poise and elegance of nobility.
She had come without her mask, standing before this young lord as her true self.
Emily's gaze settled on Louis.
At that moment, he was looking up from his documents, the golden-red firelight