The imperial palace of the Yulan Empire.
Land sat behind his desk, a quill in his hand, reviewing official documents on parchment. His handwriting was neat, every stroke measured and unhurried. Several thick stacks of documents covered the desk. Some had already been reviewed and piled to one side; others had just been opened, their ink not yet dry.
The sky outside had already darkened. Magic lamps glowed in the study, their dim yellow light stretching the two men's shadows long.
George stood beside him, holding several documents of his own and waiting for Land to process them. He wore a dark blue official's robe with a silver sash at his waist, his hair meticulously combed. After years of working together, their understanding had long since become second nature-when Land finished one document, George took it and replaced it with the next. No words were needed; a glance was enough.
"George." Land suddenly set down his quill and leaned back in his chair, gazing into the night outside the window. "What do you think of Delia?"
Something stirred in George's heart. This was not the first time Delia's name had crossed his mind. Back at Ernst, their paths had crossed because of Linley. She was the eldest daughter of the Ryan Clan, a famously talented woman of the Yulan Empire. More importantly-she was the woman Third Bro liked.
"Your Majesty." George weighed his words. "The eldest daughter of the Ryan Clan is excellent in every respect. Why do you ask?"
"Come now, George." Land turned to look at him and smiled. "Given our relationship, you don't need to put on an act with me."
There was no imperial majesty in that smile, only the ease of friendship. In all his years of rule, Land had never lost his composure before