After breakfast, Greta walked side by side with Matthias down the corridor toward the back garden. The morning air still held traces of dew, light, calming. Not as cold as Eishtal's mornings, but cool enough to feel comforting after a warm meal.
Matthias looked like he was genuinely enjoying the moment. He strolled beside Greta with an easy rhythm, relaxed but deliberate. His high-collared shirt fit perfectly, the black vest buttoned only to mid-chest and fastened with a fine silver chain, casual, but still commanding. The sleeves of his white shirt were neatly cuffed, revealing the faint lines of veins at his wrist as he swung his arm gently. His look was understated, but unmistakably noble. A man who knew exactly who he was.
"I don't know what my father was thinking," Greta said, breaking the silence. "But that Solaris Glacien... it was incredible."
"You liked it?" Matthias replied smoothly. "Then I'll have every red stag in Eishtal hunted down for you."
