In the dining room of the main mansion, five people were sitting at one of the tables. At the head of the table sat Besil, the patriarch. To his left was Panir and to his right was Reganon. Next to Reganon, Myle sat, his posture firm and stiff. 1

“...”0

Everyone stared blankly into the air with expressionless faces. However, Panir slowly began to frown.0

He pulled out his pocket watch to check the time, then his shoulders flinched. He glanced sideways at Besil, irritated.0

Knock, knock.0

A soft knock at the door turned everyone’s glances. 0

From outside, Anis spoke, “This is Anis. Taragon and Keter are with me. May we enter?”0

“Come in.”0

At Besil’s permission, the door opened.0

Though they had arrived in such haste that they had no time to change into formal wear, they had clearly taken the effort to tidy their appearances as best as they could.0

“Follow my lead, Keter.”0

Anis stepped forward three paces. With his left hand straightened and his right hand clenched into a fist, he pressed it against his abdomen. Then, he bowed deeply.0

“My apologies for being late, Lord Besil, Lord Panir, Lord Reganon, and Myle. Thank you for waiting.”0

First, he bowed to the patriarch. Then, he raised his head and bowed to the elders and then Myle. Anis had bowed six times in total, expressing both apology and gratitude.0

As Anis sat down beside Panir, he was careful to make no sound as he lowered himself onto the chair. Even after sitting, his posture remained...0