Rosanne awoke feeling refreshed and invigorated.

He couldn't help but sigh wistfully, "Youth is still the most beautiful time."

He had heard it said that one could not simultaneously possess the vitality of youth and the wisdom to appreciate it, yet Rosanne had somehow attained both, which he considered a tremendous blessing.

The only fly in the ointment was Summer's incessant prattling over breakfast about his exploits with women. Rosanne listened with distaste, tapping his spoon lightly on the table.

"Uncle, eat up before your breakfast gets cold," he said, hoping to change the subject.

Summer just chuckled. "You're no fun, kid. Just you wait, when you get to chasing skirts, you'll be begging me for stories."

Rosanne scoffed inwardly, "As if the exploits of a junior mage are anything to brag about."

He tried a different tactic. "Uncle, it's General Volpos leading the army, your own elder brother. What do you make of that?"

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Summer shrugged. "So what? We're done with our scouting here. He can go fight his frost dwarves while I stay cozy in Argent. Even if he wanted to give me trouble, he wouldn't know where to find me."

Rosanne raised an eyebrow. "Are we really done investigating the mines?"

"Of course," Summer declared. "With Baron Phyllon betraying Argent and siding with the frost dwarves, he surely won't keep mining silver for us. Case closed."

Rosanne shot back, "What about the abnormal tremors you observed in the mines? How can you be so sure it's just an illusion conjured by Phyllon?"

Summer faltered, unable to continue.

Rosanne pressed on solemnly. "Uncle, last night was a good start, no matter how General Volpos acts later. You're the one who brought back that crucial intelligence on the mines. You're now the most knowledgeable about the frost dwarves, and the most worthy of the Countess' trust."

Summer perked up at this praise. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely. When the army marches through the Maze Woods, who would she choose as their guide if not you?" said Rosanne.

"Uh... me?" Summer sounded unsure. "But isn't Rosanne the real expert on the frost dwarves?"

Rosanne spread his hands. "I'm just your assistant. We're a team. If I go, you have to go too. Unless I'm mistaken, we'll soon get new orders from the Countess."

As if on cue, footsteps approached from the dining hall entrance less than a minute later.

Head Steward Malarkey entered, followed by two attendants...

(the scene continues)