"So," he said quietly, eyes fixed on the wall ahead, "this is where things start getting tighter."
Duke followed his gaze, his expression unreadable.
"…Exactly."
He glanced sideways at Bruce, lips curling faintly, confidence bleeding effortlessly into his posture. "But don't worry. With Duke here, even the Empress of Eiskar will have to show some respect."
Bruce sighed.
He looked at Duke again, really looked this time. Same face as Traveller. Same underlying presence. Just wrapped in a different coat, a straighter spine, a carefully measured stillness. Duke was clearly the Traveler wearing formality like armor, and yet he was putting far too much effort into pretending the distinction mattered. The composure felt practiced. Deliberate. Almost defensive.
'Has he finally lost it...?' Bruce wondered.
And yet, something else tugged at his attention.
Empress.
