"One million one hundred and seventeen thousand?"
Duke of Star Lake—and although it absolutely could not be said aloud—the current Regent of Emerald City, Thales Candor was utterly shocked. He involuntarily raised his volume, startling everyone in the study.
As the Duke's voice faded, silence filled the room, the atmosphere oppressive.
A moment later, Thales finally snapped back from a blank daze. He closed his mouth, set down the ledger with difficulty, and looked with disbelief at the two rows of people in front of his desk:
To the left stood Maillot, Stowe, and Hugo, three high-ranking trusted aides with stalwart expressions and serious gazes.
To the right stood six incumbent officials from Emerald City's Financial Department, who deeply bowed their heads, nervous and uneasy, occasionally stealing glances at the Duke before quickly looking down again to the ground.
