The warm glow of the morning sun bathed the cobblestone streets of Avalorne in a golden hue. The city bustled with life as workers hauled timber, masons laid stone, and farmers transported produce through newly built irrigation canals. The air smelled of fresh earth and sawdust, a testament to a city in the process of rebirth.
Through the clatter of hammers and the hum of the crowd, a single black carriage rolled down the main street. The crest of the Britalienne Empire glinted on its side, and the sight of it drew the attention of townsfolk. Whispers followed it like the trailing smoke of a fire.
Inside the carriage, Vergil sat with his back straight, his eyes scanning the newspaper in his hand. The headline at the top of the page read:
COUNT VAYNE ARRESTED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE
Trial to be held before Empress Eliza II. Public Execution Expected.