Amid his deep thoughts, a soft knock on the door interrupted him.
"Come in," he said calmly, without raising his voice.
Gabriel, his personal aide, entered with a slight bow, then said in a polite tone,"Sir, the knights from the garrison have arrived. They are waiting at the main gate."
Arthur nodded and slowly rose from his seat, adjusting the collar of his coat.
"Good. Bring them in at once, and ask the servants to prepare a reception befitting their rank."
In the castle courtyard, at the main gate, stood three imposing knights, their presence elevated by the gleaming armor they wore, reflecting the faint sunlight filtering through the gray clouds.
On their chests, finely engraved royal insignias stood out, signifying high rank and special duties.
The man in the center appeared younger than his companions—at most, in his early thirties—but his straight posture, sharp gaze, and meticulously tailored clothing all marked him as the leader.
