They say the best thing about Hu Zhengting is that he's a brother. Bonus chapter 16/20.
"Your Excellency, are you heading back already?"
Inside the luxurious carriage as it left the Wolfsbane territory, Lord Palanno looked across at Lord Payn, who was resting with his eyes closed, and spoke softly.
"Um, actually, once King Louis learned you were coming, he asked me to invite you to the Plantagenet Palace for a late-night supper."
"At this hour? By human custom, inviting me to breakfast would be more appropriate."
The Overlord didn't even open his eyes.
"But since the local ruler has extended an invitation, refusing would make me seem arrogant. Still, I can't stay long. I've finally managed to get out, and I need to visit the Kingdom of Castilla's elves and the Sanghai Empire while I'm at it."
"Oh, are you going to discuss the defense against the Black Calamity with the Elf King and the Pharaoh?"
The Rose Knight Palanno grinned and flattered him.
"You really are busy with the affairs of the world, Your Excellency."
"Hmm?"
Lord Payn opened his eyes, his expression odd.
His amber eyes glanced at Palanno, and he said quietly:
"It has nothing to do with official business.
"I heard the Elf King found a fine piece of art thirty years ago, and I'd like to see it. The Pharaoh is holding a birthday celebration in a few months, and King Tutankhamun sent me an invitation. The Black Calamity's affairs will keep me from attending then, so I'll offer my congratulations early.
"Well, I suppose I can discuss the Black Calamity with those two while I'm there. But after what happened last time, I don't think they need me to warn them about it.
"King Quirion and King Tutankhamun are both remarkably wise rulers.