Don't use suffering to force him

The rain had begun before dawn, and even after daybreak, there was no sign of it stopping.

A female Judge entered Rhea's office. Only after closing the door did she lower her head and report, "My Lady, Duchess Catrina Veyr is standing outside the southern gate."

Rhea, who had been reviewing documents, stopped her pen.

"When did she arrive?"

"Nearly an hour ago."

"Did she say what she wanted?"

"She wants to see Lord Lathel, but she did not ask us to notify him immediately." The Judge hesitated briefly before continuing. "The people from Black Rose brought her an umbrella, but the Duchess refused to use it. She is still standing in the rain."

Rhea looked toward the window. Rain continuously struck the glass, leaving the scene outside a blurred gray.

"Does Lathel know?"

"No."

"Don't tell him."

The Judge immediately bowed her head.

"Yes."