The Royal Hunting Grounds

After King Carol I received Victor and the Vela Nobles accompanying him at the docks, they followed the king toward the Capital City.

To their surprise, however, the king did not take them into the Capital City, but instead led the Vela Nobles to a royal manor outside its walls.

Victor was somewhat puzzled by this arrangement, but soon understood. The king coming in person to welcome them was already an immense honor—how could they ask for more? Besides, the royal manor was peaceful and secluded, with lovely scenery. It was undoubtedly an excellent place to stay.

Just as expected, the king departed after a brief stay. As the ruler of a nation, he still had plenty of affairs of state to attend to.

Fortunately, he left his younger brother, Marquis Gelorge, to receive them. He was the most suitable choice for both sides.

Once the Vela delegation entered the estate, everyone stepped down from their carriages. Marquis Gelorge stood before them and led the way. "This is one of the royal estates, called Windwhisper Manor. It is one of the royal family's many private estates, and its accommodations are fairly standard. Yet it holds a rather special place within the kingdom, because it rarely receives nobles who are not members of the royal family.

"Normally, when nobles from across the kingdom come to seek an audience with the king, the lesser nobles stay in hotels. Counts and other great nobles either stay at their own residences in the Royal Capital or receive special permission to stay at certain royal estates.

"But Wind Whisper Manor is different. It rarely opens its doors to outsiders. Only great nobles with royal blood have the chance to enter—like me!"

With that, Marquis Gelorge pointed at himself.

"Alex, and my fellow nobles from Vela,