Bab 208: Arc 4, Act I, Chapter 53: The Welcoming Arms of a Princess

Chief Hernandeya, dark skin and burnt red hair in a pompadour; hazel-green eyes and sharp burgundy eyeshadow that tipped to his temples.

Mundane was his black uniform with the Ordinate symbol above his left shirt pocket; it was only second to be noticed under the gold chains and little pins he decorated his clothes with—a tiepin with a ruby being the flashiest among them.

He stood upright after his deep bow, "I apologize for not being able to attend last night's gala your highness. I heard it was a smashing success."

"No apologies needed and it very much was; it's a shame you couldn't attend."

"As per the Royal Ministry's request, I have made sure all the wards around the palace are still in place and not outdated. Century-old magics rarely deteriorate."