What greeted me when I returned to my quarters after finishing my usual training…
Was Berno, standing in front of a massive box with a deeply puzzled expression.
"Young master. A package has arrived from the Imperial Palace."
"…What?"
I stared at the box, then at him.
"Why would the Imperial Palace send me a package? Are you sure it isn't a mistake?"
"I don't believe so," Berno replied, pointing to the label. "Your name is clearly written as the recipient. Shall I open it?"
"W–wait. Give me a moment," I said quickly. "I need to prepare myself mentally first."
The Imperial Palace.
Why now?
I'd had no contact with them until recently. No requests, no correspondence—nothing that would justify something like this.
Then a thought crossed my mind.
Ah… right.
Anna.
She had visited me not long ago and mentioned a reward.
'Could this be what she was talking about?'
But it hadn't even been a few days. To prepare something and send it this fast…
