Bab 53: An official inquiry

"Would you repeat that, please? Perhaps I heard you incorrectly," The nobleman seemed faintly amused by Trace's impertinence, and the farmer colored under the mockery.

"I would like to see the king, I have some information for him that I believe he would want." Trace swallowed.

"You understand that wandering around the palace in the middle of the night has not painted you in the most trustworthy light." The lord stared at the accused.

"It wasn't the middle of the night, it was nearly dawn," Trace corrected, causing a few raised eyebrows.

"Was it?" The lord looked at the guard, called Ulrich, who colored.

"Yes, it was around then." Ulrich's lips tightened.

"Does that change the matter, in your opinion?" The nobleman's monotone gave nothing about his own thoughts away.

"Well, er, I… he still could have been a thief, or a spy," The guard stuttered.

"Has anything been reported missing?"