"Remember this, Brant. The best course of action is to send him back immediately. Make it clear that the special lecture is unnecessary. The fate of our History Department—and perhaps the entire academy—rests on your shoulders."0

Brant, Ulysses's assistant, replayed Professor Ulysses's firm words in his mind as he briskly walked through the streets of the capital that morning.0

The city was alive with action, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with the hustle of people rushing to their workplaces. It was rare for Brant to be out and about so early, but today was no ordinary day. He was on his way to escort a very important guest.0

Caron Leston, Brant thought.0

The youngest of the famed Ducal Family of Leston. This was the man who had freed Reben from the tyranny of its oppressive lord and earned the recognition of the formidable Queen of the southern seas. Caron Leston was a living legend, and even here in the capital, his name was on everyone's lips.0

The thought of meeting him in person filled Brant with a strange mix of nerves and excitement. He couldn't understand why Professor Ulysses was so wary, as to Brant, Caron was a radiant hero—a figure straight out of a tale of glory.0

"Is this the place?" he murmured as he came to a stop in front of a small establishment.0

"Phileas."0

The sign above the door bore an ancient word meaning "liberation." It was a modest tavern, neither overly large nor particularly small.0

The idea of a hero spending his morning in a tavern felt oddly out of place, but Brant pushed aside his doubts and stepped inside, the door creaking open as a tiny bell chimed.0

What greeted him was chaos. Men lay sprawled across the floor, foaming at the mouth, while a...0