The headmaster of the phantom guild

The ink from the nib of a fountain pen paths across the piece of paper. Each stroke is like a habit memorized by those steady hands. King Ethern finishes off the last word with a light flick to sharpen the tail of the word. He lifts his eyes off the document and places the fountain pen down. 

He lets out a sigh and reaches towards the drawer by his side, looking at the box that held the black mana stone pendant, but now, it is empty. The last remaining item that he had from the woman he loved. The gods have taken her too early, leaving him with nothing but an apathetic heart. 

The doorknock takes his mind off of the thoughts that inhibit inside for almost two decades now. He closes the drawer and permits the person knocking to come in. 

Chancellor Liam Rowe enters into the study and performs his formalities to the king. 

The king leans on his chair, "What is it that you want to talk about, Liam?"