chapter fourteen

The day began, the grand duke's vassals arrived at his house, consumed with curiosity and concern over the rumors that the duke intended to adopt someone of unknown background. An air of anticipation hung over the gathering in the duke's office as they waited for him to arrive. The room buzzed with speculation and unease, and the vassals exchanged knowing looks and hushed whispers as they wondered about the implications of the duke's decision.

The atmosphere in the room was tense, and the vassals were eager to hear from the duke himself about this surprising development. They shifted in their seats, exchanging nervous glances, and the air was heavy with anticipation. Some vassals were openly skeptical, while others were more resigned to whatever the duke's decision might be.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the room seemed to grow, until finally, the grand doors to the grand duke's office swung open. The duke entered, his expression unreadable, and the room fell silent as all