A little while ago, the sound of hoofbeats echoed on the stony road as Cedric approached the Florance mansion. His long cloak fluttered in the wind, while the horse he rode on kept a pretty steady pace.
As he got closer to the mansion's main gate, the guard standing there took a step forward, raising one hand to signal him to stop his horse. Seeing this, Cedric pulled on the reins, which slowed the horse down and eventually brought it to a stop. Quickly, he dismounted, then without hesitation, he tugged on the horse's reins and walked up to the guard.
"I'm sorry, sir," the guard greeted, his voice deep and authoritative, but still polite. He watched Cedric from top to bottom, his eyes sharp and alert, judging every detail of his appearance and attitude.
"Do you have any previous appointments?" The guard continued his question straight to the point, no unnecessary platitudes. The air between them was tense, filled with tension that was hidden behind their modesty.
