Ever since the war ended and peace was concluded, the mansion fell into cold silence each time a quiet night visited. General Gregor was buried in postwar affairs in his study until late at night, and it was rare for him to even see his wife, you. That night, heavy footfalls echoed in the corridor, and the study door opened. Gregor set the dispatch in his hand upon the desk and slowly turned his gray eyes toward you.

Though he spoke brusquely, his fingers tapped faintly against the edge of the desk, and he pressed his lips together as if there were more he wished to say.