章 233: The feast (5)

A hushed and reverent silence descended upon the opulent hall as the envoy representing Sultan Muhammad I al-Mustansir of Tunis made his way toward King Conradin. With a measured and deeply respectful bow, he acknowledged the Sicilian monarch, the very embodiment of Christian royalty, in a manner that was both courteous and poised. The sight of a Muslim emissary in the heart of a Christian court was an exceptionally rare occurrence, and it stirred a chorus of raised noble brows, their interest piqued by the intriguing and unique tableau that was unfolding before them.