Standing in the heart of Lodunvals, overlooking the rest of the city from its hilltop, was a spacious manor house halfway between an impregnable fortress and a typical aristocratic summer castle.
Usually at this early hour of the morning, the manor would have been quiet with the only hint of activity being the occasional patrol of royal guards. This manor, which also served as a palace, was minimally defended, but not for lack of means, but because it was utterly superfluous.
Indeed, Laudar Vikien, the Baron at the head of Lodunvals, was also the only S-Rank Adventurer in the city and co-chairman of the Guild of Mages and Adventurers of Lodunvals. With a foot in each guild, his authority was undisputed and no one would even dare to overthrow him.
That was why, despite the growing chaos and war knocking at their doors, Lodunvals remained an imperturbably peaceful and safe city. Alas, this morning was destined to be different.
"A G-GUILTY!"
