'Urgent Matter'

"Lucius, if this is about your father, I have already dealt with it."

Heinz's tone was steady—calm, controlled. He hardly spared Lucius a glance, his attention seemingly elsewhere, his fingers idly adjusting the cuff of his glove. Nearby, Scarlett was engaged in effortless conversation with a small circle of noble ladies, her laughter light and practiced, a perfect symphony blending with the hum of the ballroom.

"But where are Florian and Lancelot?" Heinz's voice was casual, but there was something underneath—something sharp. "I haven't seen them in quite some time."

Lucius inhaled slowly, keeping his expression unreadable.

'Stay calm. No need to cause unnecessary panic.'

"That's what I'm here to discuss, Your Majesty," he murmured, his voice low, controlled. "It's an urgent matter concerning Prince Florian."

The reaction was subtle. A flicker in Heinz's gaze, a brief furrow in his brow—so brief it was nearly imperceptible.