The three royals in conversation soon noticed Shade. The two princes of Delarion, Marius Cavendish and Derrick Cavendish, showed surprised expressions before speaking in turn:
"Look, it's Hamilton of Leijed."
"Good morning, Sir Hamilton. Are you waiting to be summoned by Father?"
All of them recognized Shade from his face alone and warmly shook his hand. Leisha naturally greeted Shade as well, but she only called him "Sir Hamilton" and did not shake his hand, maintaining the reserved demeanor of a proper lady.
"Good morning, Your Highnesses."
Shade removed his hat as well and greeted the heirs of the Kingdom.
"Who is Father speaking with now?"
Twenty-eight-year-old Marius Cavendish asked the eunuch attendant, who answered respectfully:
"Marquis Cornell is inside."
Marquis Cornell was currently overseeing the work of the Kingdom Foreign Ministry. Shade had seen him in the newspapers.
"I suppose it must be about Margaret Anjou's upcoming visit."
Derrick Cavendish, slender and even somewhat shorter than Leisha, said:
"I received word that she originally planned to travel by train, but Kasonlik has changed its mind."
"Will she be arriving by ship as well, landing at Coldwater Port or another harbor?"
Leisha asked. When she had returned in the summer, she had left Kasonlik by ship.
"I heard they paid a high price to borrow a Steam Airship from the Creation Church."
Derrick Cavendish, who wore glasses, said to his younger sister:
"Diplomatic visits like this are also a matter of competing for prestige. They probably want to outdo you."
Leisha's expression did not change.
"Considering the political factors, it seems she is coming with a political mission and intends to apply pressure in advance. Those southerners truly are childish."
"Sir Hamilton, what does Father want you for?"
The eldest, Marius Cavendish, asked Shade again. The other two looked at