Special Gift [2] (Bonus)

"A gift?" Craig's eyebrows furrowed slightly in genuine surprise, a rare expression of curiosity breaking through his otherwise stoic, sovereign facade.

This was something he never expected.

Master Ea offered a knowing, respectful smile and nodded.

He turned his head away from the throne, glancing toward the semicircle of assembled officials standing near the grand marble table.

At a subtle nod from the Minister of State Affairs, one of the newly appointed Department Directors stepped backward out of formation.

The director walked briskly toward the shadowed western corner of the vast Audience Chamber, where a heavy, reinforced brown wooden crate rested against a stone pillar.

With both hands, he lifted the crate, carrying its weight with careful reverence as he walked back toward the center of the hall and placed it down gently before Master Ea.

From his throne, Craig observed in silence.