As Kael stepped into the estate, the chaos struck him like a physical force.
Servants raced through the halls, voices clashing in a frantic storm of panic and orders.
Footsteps echoed.
Doors slammed.
Someone shouted for a physician.
There was no decorum, no order—just unraveling tension.
From the Duke's wing came the sound of breaking furniture and something heavy hitting the floor.
Then silence.
Then another crash.
Yue drifted in behind him, expression flat.
"Did that bastard finally die?" she asked, tone as dry as old parchment.
Kael didn't look at her.
"No. He's too stubborn to die that easily."
His voice was calm, but his eyes flicked toward the noise.
Just then, Renald rounded the corner, face pale and strained with urgency.
Kael caught him by the sleeve.
"What happened?"
Renald's breath came short.
"The Duke—he suddenly started vomiting blood. He's not responding."
Kael blinked, once.
"Seriously?"
Renald gave a quick nod.
