One day before the grand ball
***
One day before the Grand Ball, Adam and Rita returned from the Barren Land. As they stepped into the lavish entrance hall of their family estate, they were met by Lord and Lady Star. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their failed mission evident in their hesitant steps.
The moment the doors closed behind them, and they remained only the four of them, Lord Star's composed facade shattered. His face contorted with rage, he erupted, his voice echoing through the hall. "You fools, incompetents! I can't believe that you were not able to locate a single girl! A damn helpless girl! Are you freaking serious? Explain yourself!"
Adam, trying to maintain his composure, cleared his throat. "I am sorry, Father, but—"
"But?" Lord Star cut him off, his e
