Ambition's Veil ( 278 )

Meanwhile, in the Klimbert Grand Hall…

The nobles laughed and drank in excess, their goblets overflowing with expensive wine. The scent of roasted meats, exotic spices, and perfume filled the lavish hall.

Women—both noble escorts and high-class courtesans Klimbert had paid generously—moved among them, ensuring these lords and marquises were properly entertained.

They reveled in the illusion of victory.

To them, this was just a formality before they claimed Armand's riches.

They had no idea.

No idea that their grand army had vanished.

No idea that their forces had walked into something far worse than a battlefield.

And no idea that the host of this feast was no longer part of their delusion.

Inside Klimbert's Private Chamber…

Klimbert sat across from General Mushka, the commander of his personal army. A grizzled veteran, Mushka was loyal, disciplined, and above all, a survivor.