บท 21: A Gift

Sir Stanis placed a neat, white envelope bearing the scarlet royal seal on the desk in front of Tillian. He hid his hands behind his back, and his scarred face deformed into a wide grin.

"Our messenger was turned away because the King's messenger was already en route here. This is the official invitation to visit the Capital and the Royal Palace."

The duke deftly opened the envelope with a sharp silver letter opener. He quickly scanned the letter's contents and tossed it back onto the desk, stretching his lips into a smug grin as well.

"It appears Count Crueder has already conferred with the King. Our modest delivery certainly stirred up some nerves."