章 55: Refugee Crisis

Kael leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk still lingering on his face.

He was about to pour himself a glass of wine to celebrate when a knock at the door interrupted him.

"Enter," Kael called, setting the goblet down.

Gerald stepped inside, his expression unusually grim.

Kael's smile faded immediately.

He recognized that look, it was one Gerald wore only when the news was dire.

"My lord," Gerald began, bowing slightly, "I apologize for interrupting, but we have a serious situation on our hands."

Kael straightened, motioning for Gerald to continue. "Go on."

Gerald stepped forward, placing a rolled parchment on the desk. "Our scouts have reported a massive influx of refugees heading toward our borders. The numbers are far larger than we anticipated. An estimated ten to twenty thousand will arrive within five days."

Kael's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly masked his surprise. "That many?"