Unrecognizable

"Hey, are you alright?" Sasha talked under her breath when Kaiser stood still. But the cylindrical hall carried the words all the way to Adela's ears.

"…Yes."

The Archduke pressed forward, his eyes avoiding Adela's tormented gaze. Meanwhile, Aldric's smile stretched wide as he strolled with Adela's arm linked in his, moving past the golden throne and descending the stairs to meet his two guests halfway on the long, overly white carpet.

Adela averted her gaze when Aldric left her arm to shake Kaiser's hand warmly, the latter's face as lifeless as a corpse.

"My old friend, it's been just a few days, but I've missed you dearly!" Aldric exclaimed with joy.

Releasing Kaiser's rigid hand, he proceeded to shake Princess Sasha's hand, unfazed by the fact that her face was almost as dark as her Kolhisan armor.

"Welcome to Varinthia, Princess. We are truly honored to have you among us," he greeted warmly.