At this time, just before midnight, the night sky had already fallen.
Lichtenstein Castle and its surrounding mountains were shrouded in a thick fog, the shadows cast by the moonlight dominating the view.
Main Level Hall.
The chill of late autumn attempted to penetrate the castle's thick stone walls, but was repelled by the warmth emanating from the fireplace. The people in the banquet hall were enveloped in a cozy, lively atmosphere.
At the far end of the banquet table, near the entrance door of the sanctuary, Count Paluocas stood alone, his solitary figure grim, his unique oppressive aura making the surrounding air feel unusually heavy.
"..."
It was clear that this man knew of his impending arrival, yet he still acted as if he didn't care.
A sense of bewilderment, disillusionment, and the feeling of being fooled into punching the air lead Count Paluocas to laugh bitterly.
He had never seen such an arrogant lower life-form.
But it was rather amusing.