The weight of leadership was a heavy thing, and tonight, Corvina could feel it pressing against her shoulders more than ever.
Sitting behind her desk in the guild's administrative chambers, she leaned back slightly, rubbing her temple as she studied the financial breakdown before her. The Duchy's compensation had arrived—an undeniably hefty sum, as expected—but gold alone wasn't enough to soothe the tempers of those who had lost comrades.
'A calculated move, as always.'
The Dukedom had been quick to send the funds, ensuring that, at least on paper, their obligations were met. They wanted to control the damage before it spiraled further. But no amount of gold could erase the bitter taste of failure that lingered in the hearts of the adventurers.
And, of course, they wouldn't bring their demands to the Duke himself.
No.
That task fell squarely on her.
