Alaric was not having a good day.
It had started like any other—with him enjoying a luxurious breakfast, planning his usual mischief, and basking in the self-satisfaction of being a genius. But then, like a thundercloud rolling in on a sunny day, the problem struck.
A rumor had spread like wildfire straight from the Eastern Borders. And not just any rumor.
No, this one was particularly damning.
Apparently, a shipment bound for the Phantom Assembly had been intercepted. And inside this shipment? Steele Family's newest communication artifacts—the Phones.
'Well, this is just fantastic. Absolutely perfect. Couldn't have asked for a better way to make my week worse,' Alaric thought, rubbing his temples.
He wasn't even angry. Just… disappointed in the universe.
