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The warm afternoon sun spilled over the majestic Shalem Palace.
Lanci slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze fell upon rows of carved wooden doors set ajar, forming a long corridor, where the scent of classical furniture mingled with the fragrance of fresh flowers in the air, and the sparkling crystal chandeliers refracted a kaleidoscope of colors, alighting on the gold-rimmed porcelain and silver cutlery on the dining table.
"..."
Lanci leaned back in his chair, gazing intently at the unfamiliar yet familiar dining room.
He had returned to the Polante Empire of the North, where he once served as Prime Minister.
This was the official residence of the Emperor of Polante, the Shalem Palace.
Initially constructed for a certain Duke, the large city-state dwelling was later acquired by the royal family and gradually expanded into the present-day structure.
The dining room of Shalem Palace was the very place where he had once had lunch and conversations with Empress Kexiya.