"Your Highness, I've brought the reports on the surge in monster attacks in the west and east," Elrond said, presenting the documents.
I gestured to the desk, weary. "Place them alongside the others. Is there anything else on my schedule besides this mountain of paperwork?"
"No, Your Highness," Elrond replied, "but these documents require your signature."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Very well, leave them here. I'll review and sign them."
With a flourish, I signed the documents, my hand moving swiftly across the pages.
"Leave me for a while, Elrond. I need to focus."
"Understood, Your Highness." Elrond bowed, withdrawing from the room.
Alone, I let out a deep sigh. "These days, I'm drowning in paperwork. Reforming an empire without the emperor's knowledge is a demanding responsibility."
I leaned back, my eyes scanning the documents. "I still have so much work to do to shape this empire into what I envision. The burden of secrecy weighs heavily, but I must press on."
