The Patriarch's response arrived in precisely the timeframe Yenova had predicted—three days after messengers departed the Lionhart Estate. The sealed scroll bore the imperial insignia embossed in ice-blue wax, its immaculate presentation conveying significance before its contents were even revealed.
Alex received the missive in Yenova's office, standing at parade rest while she broke the seal with practiced precision. The morning sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating dust motes that danced in the still air. Outside, Éclair's training yards echoed with the rhythmic clash of steel as officers maintained relentless drilling schedules despite recent disruption to their hierarchy.
"As anticipated," Yenova stated after scanning the contents. "The Patriarch acknowledges your achievement with full imperial recognition. A formal ball will be held one month hence, with appropriate ceremony befitting swordmaster status."
