The night had cast its inky veil over Duke Caius's study, where he sought solace from the responsibilities that weighed on him daily.
A faint trail of cigars spiraled upwards as he indulged in a contemplative moment before the demands of the coming day beckoned.
While the affairs in Ashford Territory seemed relatively stable, the Duke couldn't escape the occasional necessity of journeying there.
He delegated the management to a trusted family member, yet he insisted on overseeing to ensure everything remained in order.
The thought of leaving Paladia City and Mabel's side troubled him. Was it time to introduce his daughter to Ashford Territory? As his pondering deepened, his reverie was interrupted by the intrusion of Vincent, bearing documents.
"Your Grace, I apologize for the late hour, but our operatives have discovered something suspicious related to the orphanage Mabel hails from," Vincent said, extending the documents.
