True to form, Zenos missed the subtle hint entirely. Instead, a strange pang of nostalgia welled up as he observed her gesture—something about it tugged at an ancient, half-buried memory.
Had he seen his father dismiss his men with that same movement? No, his father had always relied on words. Could it have been from a moment in his own childhood, when he sought his father's attention?
No, they had seldom even occupied the same country, let alone shared the space for conversation. Dismissing the foreign sense of familiarity, Zenos pushed those thoughts aside, forcing himself back to the present.
"If you feel shame for your past, cast it aside. I assure you, I will not judge. After all, mine was erased from the annals of history... for reasons of its own."
The dragoness hesitated, contemplating whether it would be appropriate to probe into his past. But before anyone could voice their thoughts, a small figure leaped from her scales just as a massive black bat shattered through the window, filling the room with an echoing crash.
"Well... Someone has forgotten the invention of doors or the fact that messengers should be able to pass through physical objects. What news have you brought to me now, Venom?" questioned the dragoness, as her shock slowly morphed into irritation.
Today, it seemed, was destined to be anything but pleasant. A bat swooped down, dropping a scroll into her outstretched hands.
Her blood ran cold as one of her snakes uncoiled from the creature's grip, hastening to her side, tears streaming down its scales as it nuzzled against her cheek. Despite the initial shock and confusion, the dragoness allowed her fringe to cover her darkened eyes.
"I see. Let Venom know that I will be there soon. Allow me to have some time as I will be traveling with two guests; Mattheos Sin Rosenberg and Zenos Galvus of the Northern Cartel. I am in no mood to argue against his antics lest he desires an early grave by my blade."
Her tone was icy and authoritative as she spoke, causing the bat to tremble in fear before darting out through the shattered window.
"I apologize for the broken window and will get someone to fix it soon. For now, I am afraid that there is an urgent need to head to Urnsfield where the head of the Research and Poison Division is based. I would like for you to come along as well," commanded Mavislin.
"Do not waste your concern on a trivial broken window. What truly matters is this: what news could disturb you, given our recent conquests?" asked the Viceroy, reverting to his serious expression.
"The two teams I've sent to the Campania and Orchvale to investigate more about the Legion's influence and work have turned up dead with no survivors. I cannot tell you anymore so refrain from asking me any more questions. Go and get ready, I will see you in a bit."
Since the bat had flown in, the dragoness kept her back turned to the Viceroy, refusing to face Zenos as she swung the door open with such force that it nearly tore from its hinges. He remained silent and still for a moment before shifting his stance to dress himself.
Meanwhile, a bunny stirred awake, roused by the gnawing pangs of hunger after having passed out the entire night following the battle against Lunaris.
"I wish I would've taken better care of my body in my younger years..." complained Mattheos, wincing as he strolled around the palace to find food.
Since when was the rabbit so hungry? Perhaps the Mad King had messed up his appetite...
'Oi. Don't blame me for something your physical body cannot handle. A being like me can't even feel anything, let alone cause my vessel to go hungry. That blame solely rests on you because you haven't been properly nourished until this past week,' chided the Mad King.
Matt was on the verge of voicing his frustration to his Guardian when he nearly crashed into an irate dragoness in the hallway. Her anger radiated like a storm, and before she could tumble backward, he instinctively curled a supportive arm around her back to steady her.
"Whoa, easy there," said the rabbit, concern breaking through his earlier annoyance.
He could feel the tension in her muscles, a silent testament to her distress.
"Wha- What's wrong?! Why do you look like you've been to the 18th Gate of Hell?!" exclaimed Mattheos, freaking out.
"Cease your questions before I knock you so hard you start counting carrots around your head. I have bad news and will need to prepare a trip to Urnsfield to meet with Venom. And yes, Zenos will be in attendance."
Mavislin quickly explained the situation, her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside her.