The late morning sun barely filtered through the high windows of the Valen estate, casting long streaks of pale light across the polished wooden floors.
Despite the lingering weight of grief from the funeral just a day before, the household was already back in motion. Servants bustled through the halls, tending to their tasks, while the muted sounds of daily life hummed through the grand estate.
Inside his study, Bennet was already at work, the weight of his responsibilities pressing against him. Stacks of parchment and ledgers lined his desk, ink-stained fingers flipping through documents, signing approvals, and nothing estate expenses. His quill scratched against the paper with practiced efficiency, but his mind was already ahead, calculating the next task.
Then, the door opened.
A servant entered, bowing slightly before stepping aside to reveal Ash. The hyena strolled in with his usual casual air, but his sharp eyes took in Bennet's state.
