But the twenty-five beast knights standing along the back wall showed absolutely nothing. Not a flicker of surprise. Not a hint of shock. Their faces remained perfectly calm, perfectly professional, perfectly blank. They didn't exchange glances. Didn't shift their weight. Didn't make a sound.
They simply stood there like statues, as if Elara had announced something as ordinary as a schedule change.
"This isn't permanent," Elara continued, pretending not to notice the shock rippling through her staff. "We'll return eventually. But plan for an extended absence. Dimitri will explain the logistics."
Dimitri recovered first, stepping forward though he still looked stunned. "Everyone receives a relocation bonus. Housing in Port Crestfall is provided. Wages increase twenty percent. You're now private household staff, not palace employees."
