Greta held her breath. "If the empire's reports are forged, then Vesperia is nothing but smoke and mirrors," she said carefully. "A land left to rot so the enemy can move unseen. And these children—" her eyes flicked to Leon and Lucy, still chewing their pastries with innocent delight, "—are living proof that something is deeply wrong with General Kaelen's involvement."
Matthias leaned back against the headboard, arms folded, his armor creaking softly. "Doesn't this get more interesting by the minute, Lady Von Meier?"
"Do you think this ties back to the Emperor, Your Highness?" Greta pressed. "It's been far too long for the empire to 'handle' Vesperia, yet nothing's resolved. Months have passed. Isn't it possible this was orchestrated from within?"
Matthias lowered his gaze to Leon and Lucy, still absorbed in their pastries. "Because ending the lie means starting a real war," he said evenly. "And war demands a price. Blood. Names. Loyalty."
