Dining Before Battle ( 267 )

"Oh, Alf?"

"Yes, my lord?" Alf responded immediately, stepping forward.

Garius leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. "We're going to be busy. Call all my sons and my daughter here—Marcellus, Cedric, Heres, Aelius, Athine and Javier."

Alf bowed slightly. "At once, my lord." He turned swiftly and left the grand hall, his steps precise and confident.

Hesbeirn smirked, tossing a chunk of roasted meat into his mouth. "Calling all of them, huh? Guess things are getting serious."

Meanwhile, in Different Parts of the Estate…

Marcellus and Cedric were sparring in the training courtyard when Alf arrived.

"Masters Marcellus and Cedric," Alf announced, his tone calm yet firm. "Your father has summoned you both immediately."

Cedric wiped sweat from his forehead and exchanged a glance with Marcellus. "Hah… And here I thought we had the day off."