ketane

The north wind howled as a delegation of southern counts arrived at Raiden's castle. The Duke, tall and cold, with icy eyes, was waiting for them, but he knew the true reason for their visit: Ketan.

Ketan entered boldly and confidently, his amber eyes blazing with challenge. A barbed exchange with Raiden quickly escalated into open conflict: Ketan deliberately provoked the Duke, who responded with deadly calm. Negotiations broke down, and only Ketan remained, approaching Raiden closely. “Are you playing with me?” asked the Duke. "I'm playing for you. And I will win," Ketan replied.

Meanwhile, Isobel, madly in love with Raiden, watched him from the shadows. Her jealousy reached its peak when she saw her brother and the duke together at the archery range: Raiden stood behind Ketan, adjusting his hand on his bow. Her desperate attempts to attract the duke's attention—with bouquets and letters—went unanswered.