A few hours later, the atmosphere within the Imperial Palace remained tense despite the countless servants and officials moving about as though everything was normal.
News of Prince Kaelan Phoenix's disappearance had already spread through the upper levels of the government, and although ordinary citizens remained unaware of the details, those who understood politics knew that the situation possessed the potential to grow into something far larger than a simple kidnapping.
Inside one of the heavily guarded medical chambers reserved for high-ranking officials, General Light had finally regained consciousness.
The room smelled faintly of medicinal herbs and alchemical solutions.
Several expensive healing arrays glowed beneath the bed while court physicians stood nearby monitoring his condition.
Although the worst of his injuries had already been stabilized, his complexion remained pale, and numerous bandages still wrapped portions of his body.
The door opened.
