Poppy walked to the duke's office, his stride confident and purposeful, barely acknowledging the curious and cautious glances that followed him. He paid no mind to the whispers and the astonished faces of the manor's staff. His presence alone was enough to create a stir; after all, it wasn't every day a dragon walked through the halls of the duke's residence.
Reaching the large oak door, he knocked firmly and waited for the response. A moment later, a voice called out, "Enter." Poppy opened the door and stepped inside with a calm demeanor, though a flicker of irritation danced in his eyes.
The duke, seated behind a massive mahogany desk cluttered with papers and ledgers, looked up in surprise. He quickly masked his bewilderment with a practiced calm. "Good morning, Duke," Poppy said as he entered the room, his tone polite but with a sharp edge.
