The news hit like a slap.
Vyan's brows furrowed, a scowl forming on his forehead.
"Haberland, again?" he said sharply, voice coated in frustration. "We were supposed to be friends by now. Princess Maria agreed to the truce herself. She should be back in her homeland by now as well. Why would they attack us again?"
Benedict's expression was solemn as he shook his head. His hands were clasped behind his back, posture as proper as ever, but there was weariness in his gaze. "No, Master," he replied softly. "It's not the Haberland Empire this time."
Confusion flickered briefly across his features, chased quickly by suspicion. "Then who? We're not on bad terms with any other nation."
Benedict took a slow breath before answering, as though even saying the name left a bitter taste. "It's the Empire of Tensene."
