January 1, 1696
The new year had arrived, but unlike the roaring celebrations of the previous night, the first morning of 1696 was quiet. The streets of Elysea were empty, save for a few early risers sweeping away the remnants of fireworks and confetti. The scent of burnt wood from the bonfire still lingered in the crisp winter air, mixing with the occasional aroma of freshly baked bread from the bakeries preparing for the day ahead.
Inside the Royal Palace, everything was unusually still. Most of the servants had been given the morning off after working tirelessly through the holiday season. Even the palace guards, though still on duty, moved with less urgency than usual.