As I opened the door, a maid came into view, her eyes wide with surprise, perhaps from last night's indiscretion with Venidith, which I suspected was not as discreet as I had hoped. She regarded me with judgmental brown eyes, as though I had committed some grave offense.
"Good morning," I greeted, my attempt to normalize the atmosphere tinged with awkwardness.
"Go-Good morning!" she stammered, her voice quivering as she hurried past me. "E-everyone's at the dining hall."
With her hasty departure, I found myself alone in the grand mansion's opulent hallways. Each step I took echoed off the marble floors, bearing intricate patterns that exuded an air of grandeur. Above, chandeliers bathed the surroundings in a soft, golden glow, casting a luxurious aura around me.
