Guests from the South

"He can't spare even a moment for his own children?" 

Harold Sage's frustration was palpable. 

As the child's uncle and Heather Sage's biological brother, he felt slighted by Braydon Neal's indifference. 

Despite the children reaching their first birthday, Braydon hadn't even bestowed a title upon Heather. 

Harold interpreted this as a blatant disregard for the Sage family's status.

"What he's undertaking is of utmost importance," Heather responded softly. "Should he succeed, he could elevate Hansworth's influence to unprecedented heights, positioning our nation at the forefront of the world stage."

"Success or not, he still owes you," Harold persisted, his ire unabated.

Meanwhile, the little girl remained on the brink of tears.

Heather chose not to dwell further. 

She alone understood Braydon's predicament.

Entrenched within the Donta Imperial City, amidst the aborigines' stronghold, progress proved arduous.