A young woman, around 28 to 32 years old, dressed in a maid's uniform, knelt before a grand door. Her beautiful brown eyes were filled with horror, and her brown hair clung to her face as she trembled.
"Please, I want to meet Lord Aldric. I have something important to give him," she pleaded desperately.
A tall young man clad in knight's armor stood before her, his expression firm. "Maid Amelia, Lord Aldric is in an important meeting with Count Louis. Give me what you wish to pass on, and I will deliver it to him."
Tears welled up in Amelia's eyes as she shook her head. "Please, grant me permission to see Lord Aldric. It concerns Young Lord Arthur—he is in danger!"
The knight's gaze darkened momentarily, but the mention of the young lord's name caused his expression to shift to one of concern. "Maid Amelia, give me the letter. I will deliver it to Lord Aldric at once," he said in a worried tone.
Taking the letter from Amelia, the knight turned and knocked on the heavy door. "Lord Aldric, I sincerely apologize for disturbing your meeting, but I have an urgent matter to report."
A deep, commanding voice responded from within. "Come in."
Stepping inside, the knight found himself in a grand room. Seated on a luxurious couch was a tall, handsome man with a well-defined physique. He appeared to be in his late thirties, with sapphire blue eyes and midnight black hair. He wore white garments with intricate golden designs, reminiscent of Victorian-era fashion. This was Aldric Vaelcrest, Count of the Eldoria Empire.
Across from him sat another man of similar age, his presence equally imposing. His gray eyes were sharp, his light black hair neatly combed, and his attire was similar to Aldric's, though his garments were black with gold accents. Both men fixed their piercing gazes on the knight as he entered.
Feeling the weight of their scrutiny, the knight knelt down and presented the letter. "Lord Aldric, this letter was given to me by Young Lord Arthur's maid, Amelia," he reported, his voice slightly unsteady under the intensity of their stares.
Aldric took the letter and began reading. His expression darkened instantly, his aura shifting as a suffocating killing intent filled the room. However, within moments, he regained his composure. The knight, witnessing this brief but terrifying burst of fury, thought, What could possibly be written in that letter to anger Lord Aldric so much?
"Summon Amelia," Aldric commanded, his voice heavy with restrained rage.
The knight stood, quickly exiting the room. Outside, he found Amelia standing near the entrance, her face pale with fear. She had clearly sensed the killing intent from within.
"Maid Amelia, Lord Aldric has summoned you," he announced, his tone firm.
"Ah… Uu-yes," she stammered before quickly bowing. "Thank you." With that, she stepped past him and entered the room.
Once inside, Amelia stood before Aldric and Count Louis, her fear evident in her trembling posture.
"Amelia, tell me exactly what happened," Aldric demanded, his tone grave.
Her voice was low but steady as she recounted, "I don't know, my lord… When I entered Young Lord Arthur's room, it was empty. On his study table, I found this letter. After reading it, I rushed here immediately."
Aldric's expression grew even colder. Without hesitation, he turned to the knight. "Gather the knights. Prepare the ransom if necessary, but retrieve Arthur at all costs. If you find his kidnappers—kill them immediately."
The knight bowed deeply. "At once, my lord!"
As he left the room, a chilling determination settled over Aldric. No one who dared threaten his son would live to see another day.