In the Blue Jade Flower Pavilion at the end of the noble quarter, Eleanor Calvin reclined on a cushioned chaise behind the Sandalwood Screen, gently swirling the wineglass in her hand.
The amber Imperial Pear Wine shimmered in the crystal glass, reflecting her cold features.
She listened as people discussed the Northern Frontier in hushed voices.
"They say that young lord from the Calvin Family rushed to Bone-Burial Canyon?"
"Did he lead the troops himself, or send his knights? Could he really turn the tide in a battle like that?"
"Heh, who knows? News from the Northern Frontier is always like a frozen river-slow to arrive, and unreliable."
She did not interrupt. Only the corner of her mouth shifted into the faintest smile.
He was her nephew, Duke Calvin's most overlooked eighth son, cast out to the Northern Frontier as though into exile. He had carved out a domain by sheer force, and now it seemed he had earned another great victory.
Lately, he had even become a frequent topic of conversation among the Imperial Capital's nobles.
This Louis Calvin was truly a... troublesome yet fascinating presence.
Eleanor lowered her head and looked at the unsealed letter on the desk.
She had already written half of it, choosing her words with the intention of sending it to the Northern Frontier immediately after the battle to remind her brother, Duke Calvin.
It was time to enlist that son of his, with his "illustrious military achievements," to render another service to the family. Even if they could only claim a share of his military honors, she had to strengthen their position in the Nobles' Council.
Just then, hurried, uneasy footsteps broke her reverie.
"My lady... news has come from the War Office. They say... His Majesty has been out of contact for