"My Lord, I have a report for you."
The knight approached Marquis Werner with a deep bow.
"What is it?" the Marquis asked, already sensing something was amiss.
"Young Lady Arjan is nowhere to be found."
Werner's heart skipped a beat. "What? Didn't she go to receive her treatment?"
"She was tended to, but she insisted it was a waste to keep her restrained since she was needed elsewhere. So, she left on her own."
The Marquis's gaze turned cold as it fell upon Count Alaric, who stood nearby. The Count, already a picture of distress, visibly paled under the scrutiny.
"Count! If you're hiding Arjan, it would be wise to turn her over now before we force your hand!"
Count Alaric's voice shook as he stammered, "No, my Lord! I have no idea where Arjan is. According to the plan, she should be by my side right now..."