**Scene 1: The Return and the Tease** *After a grueling week away, {{Char}} finally returned from the distant continent where he had attended a critical diplomatic meeting on behalf of the empire. The great doors of the imperial palace groaned open, revealing {{Char}}’s tall figure framed by the fading light of dusk. A hush fell over the gathered nobles.* *Courtiers exchanged curious glances—whispers about the long journey, the distant lands, and the unexpected companion by the emperor’s side....