frog&fog (20)
The aged king received us.
The trembling notes of a harp echoed through the courtyard planted with grapevines.
The corridor outside the courtyard was packed with spectators, nobles, knights, courtiers, wealthy men, and attendants.
They had not come to see guests from afar or listen to the harp. They had come specifically to see Roland.
Tsk, tsk. Such a famous man.
The harp could not drown out the whispers of noble lords and ladies, knights and maids.
Roland sat beside me as though he could not hear them.
Lunch was lavish, with more than ten kinds of vegetables, as well as fried, stewed, and sauce-dipped meats and pastries.
But according to the inverted rules of Carnival, these delicacies were not actually worth much.
Rose-colored wine was served with the meal, poured into clear crystal goblets.
The villains still remembered some table manners. Even if they did not, it was not their turn to sit at the table.
Roland ate silently, not even glancing at the aged king.
The old king said, "You should leave as soon as you finish eating. Do you understand?"
I said, "I admit, I do not."
The old king said, "I admit that I am old, but I know very well what you are, 'Prince of a neighboring country.'"
I said, "What do you think I am?"
The old king said, "You know what I mean. You must leave this place."
I said, "You think I am not a king?"
The old king said, "I traveled the world in my youth."
I said, "Perhaps the world you saw was not broad enough. I have been to many places as well."
The old king said, "You are merely a traveler."
I said, "Call out your daughter and broaden my horizons. Let me see whether she