Rorschach and Kano were invited to Charlie XVI's study. This could not be publicized. If the two had been ministers rather than mages, entering and leaving this place would have signified tremendous favor and trust. Valuana's dignitaries liked to jokingly call this little room The Kingdom's True Privy Council.
Rorschach knew nothing of such twists and turns. All he saw was a room filled with clocks rather than books, their mechanisms humming softly and neatly, merging into a steady ticking white noise.
Remember to buy a pocket watch. Rorschach suddenly remembered what he had forgotten and reminded himself inwardly.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable, you two mages." The owner of the room spoke. Rorschach sat down in a velvet-upholstered chair, while Kano chose a small sofa and sprawled into it without hesitation.
There was also a cardinal in the room, along with a guard standing beside His Majesty the King, one hand resting on his sword hilt.
"Captain of the Guard, relax. Go watch Necker play cards with the guests."
"Your Majesty, the two Spellcasters... You..." The Captain of the Guard felt it was his duty to protect His Majesty the King.
Duplessis still wore a dark expression. "I'm here. Leave."
The Captain of the Guard immediately bowed to His Majesty. "Your Majesty, I take my leave."
Kano lay on the sofa and watched the Captain of the Guard leave, carefully closing the door behind him. He snorted, then turned to the king. "Your Majesty, why have you summoned Mage Rorschach and me here? You could have said it at the banquet."
"A host should let his guests enjoy their food and drink. It is better to discuss official business here. Though this is supposedly official business, neither of you belongs to the court, so let us put formalities aside for