The Royal Palace in Elysea was filled with military officers, noble dignitaries, and government officials, all gathered for an important announcement from King Bruno. The empire had expanded further than ever before, and with that came the need for recognition and rewards for those who had made it happen.
General Armand Roux stood among them, freshly arrived from Carthage after months of consolidating Elysea's rule in the conquered territories. He wasn't entirely comfortable in the grand halls of the palace, far removed from the battlefields where he felt most at home. But today was about honoring the empire's military, and Roux knew he was at the center of it.
A hush fell over the crowd as the doors of the throne room opened. Trumpets sounded, and King Bruno entered, dressed in his formal robes, with a confident and composed expression. He stepped toward the throne and addressed the assembled court.