A few more minutes passed until the sound of footsteps echoed through the garden, announcing someone's arrival. Anthony felt an imposing presence, and indeed, a man appeared before them.
"We're heading back to the empire," the newcomer announced with a masculine voice.
Arabella, visibly dismayed, responded immediately, "So soon? Can't we wait a little longer?"
The man, identified as Andrés, smiled and embraced his wife. "We can't delay. We have matters to attend to, and we need to gather the others," he explained calmly.
Meanwhile, Alexandra remained seated, caressing the cat in her arms. Curiously, she asked, "Another reconnaissance mission?"
Andrés shook his head as he approached her and kissed her on the forehead. "It's time for the third-year students' event. The headmistress has summoned us," he informed with seriousness.
