In the heart of the prestigious Crestvale Duchy stood an opulent mansion that exuded nobility from every polished marble tile and golden chandelier.
The grand dining hall, adorned with crimson drapes and a twelve-seat mahogany table fit for royalty, now sat nearly empty.
At the very end of the massive table sat Serena von Crestvale, the Duchess of the house and once the fiery jewel of the royal capital. Clad in an elegant deep-violet dress with her white hair cascading over one shoulder, she quietly sliced into her filet mignon. But her expression wasn't exactly serene.
By her side, standing dutifully as ever, was Elric Spade, the family's long-serving butler—a dignified man in his late fifties. He stood with poise, silver streaks running through his neatly combed black hair, hands clasped behind his back.
Serena stabbed a piece of meat with her fork, chewing slowly before mumbling, "Rey didn't come home today either…"
