章 71: Whispers in the Air (1)

Rumors began to spread as faint whispers, barely noticeable in the halls of Arcanoria's grand estates. But like any secret too salacious to contain, they quickly spread, igniting a firestorm of gossip across the empire.

The Crown Prince Izan's clandestine visits to the Velvet Moon Pavilion was now on everyone's lips. From the noble estates of the upper city to the bustling streets below, whispers swirled about the prince's strange behavior, each rumor more outlandish than the last.

Noble household, noblewomen, and men alike leaning in close to exchange the latest scandal over tea or wine.

In the grandiose estate of Lady Mariana, an exclusive gathering of aristocrats was already in progress. The air was thick with the scent of perfumes and the soft rustle of expensive fabrics, but it was the conversation that commanded the room.