[Alvar's POV—The Grand Duke's Study—Morning]
Peace.
Silence.
Tranquility.
All of which shattered the moment my butler barged in, looking like he'd just walked out of a ghost story.
"My lord," he wheezed, clutching his chest. "T—The Count Viktor Thorenvald is here to see you."
...
My pen froze mid-signature. "Leif's father?"
He nodded rapidly, sweat forming at his temple. "Y-Yes, my lord. He said it's… a personal visit."
Ah. A personal visit. Seems like Leif finally told his parents about us.
I set my pen down and straightened my coat with practiced calm. "Prepare fresh coffee and the finest cakes," I said evenly. "And make sure the Count is treated with utmost respect."
Then I smiled faintly. "He's my father-in-law, after all."
The butler blinked as if I'd announced a duel instead of a meeting. "Y—Yes, my lord."
I stepped out of my study, every footstep echoing like a countdown to judgment.
