as dawn stretched its fingers across the skies, gilding the horizon with streaks of molten gold, Emperor James von Nova stood upon the balcony of his suite in the Grand Alrian Palatial Residence. The sounds of a bustling city stirring to life resonated below him—the distant laughter of children, the clopping of hooves on cobblestone, and the flirtation of merchants hawking their wares. Yet, amidst all this vibrancy, a weight of apprehension lingered heavily in his heart.
*Why the extraordinary reception?*