The morning mist had yet to fully disperse, and fleeting reflections of its pale light shimmered on the windowsills of the Kite Tower Estate.
Eleanor Calvin sat before her mirror, quietly allowing her maid to arrange her hair. The layers of her formal gown lay perfectly in place, not a single gold clasp beneath the blue satin askew.
Her gaze settled on the thin intelligence sheets spread across one corner of the dressing table. With only a slight blink, she silently recalled the seventeen secret reports delivered the night before.
"The Finance Department held a closed-door meeting last night. The agenda is unknown."
"The Regent King has established new procedures for audiences in the palace. Even his personal knights must seek approval at every level before approaching him."
"The Inspectorate conducted a surprise arrest in the ninth hall of the inner city, detaining a former knight of the Heran Family. His identity remains unclear."
Eleanor did not frown. Even the line of her brows retained its customary calm.
Only her posture was a little straighter than usual.
Half a year was no short span. The situation had begun to change.
Some people were growing restless and had started making little moves.
For now, though, these probes remained private-subtle, cautious, and still within bounds, like a careful first step onto a frozen river.
It seemed the nobles of the Imperial Capital still possessed a basic measure of patience.
Once dressed, Eleanor headed to the dining room surrounded by her guards, looking out the window.
A flock of Gale Birds swept over the Imperial Capital, flying off in every direction. The same sight had persisted for half a year.
In the dining room, delicately fragrant green tea waited hot, and a maid gently placed toast spread with apricot jam before her.