Later that night, Ramiro was still in his room, hunched over a mountain of paperwork. The dim light of a candle flickered beside him as he massaged his temples, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his shoulders.
Esteban walked in, holding a sealed letter. "My lord, a letter from Tormar has arrived."
Tormar was the eastern city of the duchy Ramiro was in charge of.
Ramiro barely lifted his gaze, as he rubbed his eyes, the candlelight blurring in his vision. " Just read it out for me."
His head ached, his body screaming for rest—until Esteban's next words cut through the haze like a blade.
Esteban unsealed the letter and skimmed it quickly before speaking with a hint of urgency. "It says the Maisbeasts have been spotted near the eastern borders again. The attacks have been increasing in frequency, and the local militia is struggling to contain them."
