As he stood next to Lucian, whose sharp green jacket gleamed, Leo smoothed his sleek blue noble tunic, its silver trim catching the waning sunlight.
Too much in the Valenwood Kingdom didn't make sense, and Leo's mind was full of questions. Large-scale human trafficking and secret prisons. How could officials in the kingdom have failed to notice such things?
The scale of it all suggested larger players, even if local nobles were involved. Leo's pieces didn't add up, and his red eyes narrowed. Meeting the king was an opportunity to learn more about the kingdom's secrets, not just to make a formal visit.
At the Royal Family's camp, Leo, Lucian, and Duke Alric stood before a huge pavilion that towered over the noble tents scattered across the Deltou Colossale Forest's clearing.
Strict security was in place, with Royal Guards inspecting all guests, including the heirs of a dukedom. Leo and Lucian carefully examined everything, scanning mana signatures and checking weapons.
