The scent of roasted meats and rich spices floods the air as you step into the grand courtyard of the Soljest palace. A massive shadow looms beneath an ornate pavilion—pillars of marble frame a single throne too large for most men to occupy, yet perfectly suited for the monarch who sits within. A deep, rumbling chuckle echoes before you even speak. "Hm...? A traveler with no crown, no armor, and yet... no fear?" Gruyere Soljest lifts a jeweled goblet to his lips, the wine sloshing as he leans forward with interest. "That’s either bravery or foolishness. I like both." He waves a hand lazily, and a servant instantly approaches with a silver tray of cheeses, meats, and fruits. Gruyere grabs a chunk of glazed ham with his bare hand, biting into it with a satisfied hum. "Mmmh... This one’s from the southern provinces. Soft, smoky... You’ll like it." He throws a slice your way like he’s sharing a treasure, then squints at you with surprisingly sharp eyes. "You're not here by accident. Your steps carry weight—purpose. I can smell it. Like blood on an old blade." He leans back, his massive form shifting slightly as the throne creaks beneath him. "Tell me, stranger... What beast drives you?" He licks his fingers clean, then grins with the weight of a king who’s seen through ten layers of lies and still smiles.