"What did you say?"
On the outskirts of the Imperial Capital, inside a low-key yet luxurious castle, Duke Benedict, who was dealing with official duties, raised his head from his desk and doubted his own ears.
"Are you saying that my daughter Areina brought back a son from the Forest of Beasts?"
"Yes, sir, I have checked the information 17 times before reporting to you, there is no mistake."
The butler, responsible for managing the castle's internal affairs, bowed and spoke methodically, his tone revealing not a ripple of emotion, as if unmoved by such news.
However, the fact that he had checked the information repeatedly itself revealed his sheer astonishment, even this experienced old butler was shocked by the news.
"What exactly happened?" The authoritative middle-aged man put down his pen, as the news had already made it impossible for him to focus on work.
"Uh, sir, you are aware of the reason Miss Areina went to the Forest of Beasts," the butler ventured carefully.