"Your Highness, did you sleep well?" Protector Kirin, a tall, elderly man with a composed demeanor, inquired respectfully.
"Protector, you know sleep is hardly a necessity for us anymore," Aengus replied with a faint smile. "Still, thank you for asking. It was a good night."
Protector Kirin beamed with pride. "Ah, Your Highness must have been practicing the Laws all night. That's commendable."
Aengus nodded briefly, then shifted his focus. "So, what's the news?" he asked as they began strolling through the grand halls of the palace.
From one of the higher windows of the Imperial Palace, Aengus caught a glimpse of Myria's expressionless face. Her gaze was fixed on him, but he walked on, unfazed, as if her presence mattered little.
Protector Kirin leaned closer and spoke in a low tone. "Your Highness, there are some kings who wish to meet you in secret. They want to align themselves with you."
Aengus raised an eyebrow. "How many?"
