The palace corridors echoed with hushed conversations among the knights, their faces etched with concern. They gathered in a tight group, their armor clinking softly, as they discussed the inexplicable disappearance of the Duchess, Bernice Balliol Agnes.
"Duchess still hasn't returned! What should we do? It's been more than twenty-four hours since she disappeared, but we haven't found her! I think it's time to inform the duke regarding this matter," the senior knight said, his voice laced with anxiety. The flickering torchlight in the corridor cast eerie shadows on their faces, intensifying the tension in the air.
Suddenly, a hand fell heavily on the senior knight's shoulder, startling the group. They turned to see Duke Alexavier Agnes himself, his presence commanding attention and leaving the knights visibly panicked.
"D-Duke, what are you doing here?" the senior knight stammered, his composure shattered by the unexpected encounter.
