"It's windy out here. Let's go inside the castle to talk. I've already had a welcome banquet prepared for you both."
The two didn't stand on ceremony. They nodded and followed him.
The banquet was arranged in the castle's small banquet hall. There were no tedious formalities, just Raylo, Gaius, and Herast.
The long table was laden with the specialties of Black Stone Territory, including roasted wild boar ribs, a savory mushroom stew, and fragrant fruit wine.
"The Duke is taking your situation very seriously."
Herast was the first to break the silence. He elegantly sliced off a small piece of roasted meat with a silver knife, placed it in his mouth, and savored it for a moment before continuing.
