A planned meeting.

"I don't mean to be rude... and certainly not trying to rage bait, but... by any chance, are you even eating anything at all?"

Meren asked with a raised brow.

She was seated at the end of the dining table, Kika and Erica joining her.

As preparation for the civil war about to take place, Meren decided it was best to stay in the Montclair Barony for a while, at least until she gets reports from the scouts.

Also, she viewed it as a good opportunity to finally speak with Kika after so long.

To her surprise, her old friend looked like she could drop dead any second.

Kika flinched at the question, immediately waving her arms in denial.

"Of course... why... do you ask?" she stammered.

"You have dark circles under your eyes, and your hair is scattered. The same for Erica. Is everything alright?"

Erica intentionally focused on her food, not willing to give any reply without her mother taking the lead.