Night in the Court of Stars was as quiet as ever.
After nightfall, the Gilded Market, bustling and crowded by day, stood empty.
Patrol Captain Gado carried on as usual, safeguarding the peace of the court's residents.
Ever since mana wine production at the Duskwatch Winery had declined, more and more lowborn had begun risking their lives at night, stealing and robbing upper-class citizens of their mana wine.
To deter these "bandits," Captain Gado had executed four robbers in one go the previous week. But death seemed to have lost its meaning for these desperate, starving outlaws.
Every night, thefts and robberies still occurred in the court.
Captain Gado was deeply troubled by this. The nobles had singled him out for criticism at council meetings several times over the court's security problems.
Gado belonged to the Duskwatch and answered directly to Grand Archmage Elisande. In theory, he did not need to concern himself with the nobles' displeasure. But Elisande had spoken to him privately in the Nightborne Hall, expressing her deep dissatisfaction with his handling of the Court of Stars.
Elisande's reprimand left Captain Gado on pins and needles. He silently resolved to execute any lowborn thief or robber he caught from then on!
Gado could not understand why these lowborn wretches refused to reflect on the reasons for their own poverty.
Gado led his patrol to the Ceremonial Plaza and happened to encounter his superior on the arched bridge,
Melandrus, Grand Archmage Elisande's chief spellblade and executive advisor.
Gado took the initiative to greet the lavishly dressed executive advisor wearing the Starlight Pauldrons. He deliberately adopted a humble manner, hoping to leave a favorable impression on Melandrus so that he might put in a few good words with the Grand Archmage.
"Greetings, Lord Melandrus."
Melandrus stopped. As Gado bowed