Axelius crept slowly beneath the shadows of the tall trees, his back low, and every step careful as he peeked around the trunk of an old oak. His eyes narrowed when he noticed something unusual—maids in neat dresses, butlers with their silver trays, and several guards dressed in polished armor were walking all over the garden paths, their movements focused and fast, like they were preparing or watching something important.
"Looks like there's another reason why the Duke grounded you," Owen's small voice echoed softly as he floated beside Axelius, bouncing just above the grass.
Axelius crossed his arms with a scoff and replied in a huff, "Ha! He's using that punishment just to keep me from getting into trouble? I'm not even a troublemaker!"
Owen immediately tilted his round slime-like body and stared up at him with eyes full of doubt, not even needing to speak to show that he didn't believe a single word. His stare alone was saying, "Really?"
