Marquis Riven and Balmund looked a bit upset. The latter was still glaring at me intensely. They really had received bribe money beforehand, but they chose to act just as well. Perhaps the Duke was really that much of an upstanding man, but he was also ruthless in a political sense. I mean, the former Viscount came in here fully thinking he'd bought these guys, only to be totally backstabbed even after paying a bribe. It must've been a devastating blow to his noble pride.
"This court is hereby ended. Clear the great hall," told Duke Ordan.
"By the absolute order of the King's Right Hand, the court is adjourned," said Marshal Loren.
Everything was supposed to be over. Even Ari and I were just about to leave when...
"Hold a moment. We are not yet finished."
The princess spoke up in a lordly tone of voice. Her voice was really captivating, the kind of magical tone that made you want to stop, turn, and listen whenever she spoke.
