The morning after our visit to the Maelkith estate, Jin received a priority message that immediately shifted the dynamics of our stay in the Western Continent. His parents, King Valen and Queen Camilla Ashbluff, were returning to the palace a full day ahead of schedule from their diplomatic mission to the Southern Kingdoms.
"Father wants an immediate briefing on your collaboration with the Tower," Jin explained as he read through the encrypted communication on his phone. "Mother is apparently quite curious about meeting the person who's managed to revolutionize necromantic theory during a winter break."
"Should I be nervous?" I asked, though Jin seemed more thoughtful than concerned.
"With my parents? Not nervous, but definitely prepared for intense scrutiny. They don't make unscheduled returns for trivial matters." He paused, considering something. "We should head to the palace now. When Father says 'immediate,' he means it literally."
