The warm tea cleansed his palate, leaving behind a faint, sweet, and refreshing aftertaste.
Murphy set down his teacup and gently wiped his mouth with a napkin.
When he looked up, his gaze had returned to its usual calm and depth.
"That was very good."
Then, Murphy rose to his feet and gave Lianna, who was standing at the ready, a slight nod. "You can clear away the dishes now."
"Yes, Your Excellency." Lianna immediately stepped forward and began clearing the tableware with deft, swift movements.
...
Meanwhile, several hundred miles north of the Holy City, deep within a remote, dense forest.
Ambrosius wore an inconspicuous, dark gray traveler's cloak, its hood pulled low to hide most of his face.
On his way to survey the "ancient heretical ruins" on the southern border, he had quietly slipped away from his party and was now speeding alone through the rugged mountain forests.
