Coincidental Meeting

September 25th, 1693

The late afternoon sun bathed the capital of Elysee in a warm golden hue, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets. The scent of freshly baked bread from reopened bakeries mixed with the lingering traces of ash from buildings still in ruins. Merchants haggled with customers, craftsmen repaired storefronts, and soldiers patrolled the streets, ensuring that order remained.

Prince Bruno rode through the city on horseback, his cloak draped over his shoulders to avoid drawing too much attention. It was not unusual for rulers to inspect their cities from a distance, relying on reports from bureaucrats and advisors. But Bruno had never been content with secondhand information. He had fought for this kingdom with his own hands, and now that he ruled it, he needed to see its recovery with his own eyes.