Chapter 44 --44
But the twenty-five beast knights standing along the back wall showed absolutely nothing. Not a flicker of surprise. Not a hint of shock. Their faces remained perfectly calm, perfectly professional, perfectly blank. They didn’t exchange glances. Didn’t shift their weight. Didn’t make a sound.
They simply stood there like statues, as if Elara had announced something as ordinary as a schedule change.
"This isn’t permanent," Elara continued, pretending not to notice the shock rippling through her staff. "We’ll return eventually. But plan for an extended absence. Dimitri will explain the logistics."
Dimitri recovered first, stepping forward though he still looked stunned. "Everyone receives a relocation bonus. Housing in Port Crestfall is provided. Wages increase twenty percent. You’re now private household staff, not palace employees."
"If anyone has situations that make this impossible, speak to Dimitri privately by tomorrow," Elara said. "But otherwise, we leave in five days at dawn via merchant barge. Pack practical. Questions?"
One of the servants raised a shaking hand. "Your Highness... all the beast knights? All twenty-five?"
"Yes. They serve my household. My household is relocating. Therefore, they’re coming." Elara kept her voice firm. "Beast knights follow their assigned royal’s commands. I’m commanding them to Port Crestfall."
Still, the twenty-five warriors showed nothing. Not approval. Not objection. Just silent, perfect stillness.
The staff members looked like they’d been slapped. Even Mira seemed rattled.
"Three days for goodbyes. Day four, packing. Day five, dawn departure. Don’t discuss this outside this room. Dismissed."
People filed out in shocked silence, throwing glances at the wall of beast knights who remained completely impassive.
The twenty-five warriors didn’t move. Didn’t speak. They simply stood there, waiting.