- Sometime later -
Orange skies of the late evening cast long shadows across the perimeter of the Rossana-Valentine estate.
At the front entrance gates, as a guard stood perfectly erect and attentive, his eyes caught an unmistakable silhouette walking steadily from down the road. The guard nudged at his fellow guardsman with his elbow.
"Hey, Look. Down the lane."
The second guardsman squinted through the orange glare, "T-That's–!"
Both men slammed their heels together as the figure became clear. Their postures went completely rigid and their expressions morphed into a state of nervous seriousness.
Step. Step… Step.
""Duke Reuben Valentine!"" The guardsmen executed a flawless salute.
"Hm. Let me through."
""Right away, sir!""
