*******
Neutral houses survived not through strength, but through distance. To be seen as leaning—even unintentionally—toward the Imperial Faction was enough to invite pressure, manipulation, or worse.
Castor bowed his head. "I understand now. This servant apologizes for questioning your authority. I failed to grasp the severity of the situation."
He hesitated before adding, "I will instruct everyone to remain silent. They are loyal to the House of Everette. But the two healers—"
"Leave them to me," the young master said without hesitation.
"Y-young master…" Castor began urgently.
A raised hand silenced him.
"You handle the servants and the knights," the young master said evenly. "I'll deal with those two. Clear?"
Castor stiffened, then bowed deeply. "Understood."
As Castor departed, the camp resumed its subdued rhythm. Crates were lifted. Wounds were rewrapped. Lives moved forward—unaware of the quiet danger lingering at the edge of the clearing.
