Bold City, Duke Mansion.
"Cough, cough, cough… cough, cough, cough…"
The intense coughing echoed intermittently as Old Duke Andre lay in bed, his figure gaunt, a stark contrast to his vigorous demeanor a year ago.
The lit incense gently emitted a light blue smoke in the brazier, exuding a mix of spices and medicinal scents.
In the spacious bedroom, the windows were tightly shut, eerily quiet, with only his longtime personal maid left to serve the old Duke.
"Lord Duke, it's time for your medicine."
The maid held a tray with both hands, respectfully saying.
The old Duke opened his cloudy eyes with difficulty and glanced at the tray which held a silver container filled with black powder and a tall glass of water.
"Uh, what... what is this?"
He asked hoarsely and weakly, his voice as strained and slow as if being dragged out of a nearly collapsing carriage.
