The man in black naturally knew the rules. Even though he was acquainted with the two guards, there would be no exceptions.
He took a silver token from his ring and lowered his hood.
An ordinary, unremarkable middle-aged face appeared before the guards. His complexion was somewhat pale, as though he had lived in darkness for so long that he had never seen sunlight.
One of the guards took the token, confirmed it was genuine, and returned it to the man in black.
"No problem. Long time no see, Robert."
"Long time no see. Where is His Lordship?"
Robert, the man in black, took back the token and casually asked.
"Intelligence from the Fies Merchant Guild just arrived. His Lordship should be reviewing it in the study. You can go straight there."
"Thank you."
Robert nodded to the guards and, familiar with the place, headed toward the study on the east side of the second floor.
When Robert reached the study door, he awkwardly wiped his hands on his clothes before gently knocking.
"Come in."
A steady, magnetic baritone came from within the study. Only then did Robert let out a breath and cautiously push open the door.
Directly opposite the door stood a spacious walnut desk, neatly arranged with all kinds of books and documents, bathed in the still-cool morning sunlight.
The blond middle-aged man seated behind the desk leaned slightly against the back of his chair, frowning as he read the intelligence sent by the Fies Merchant Guild, paying no attention to the person who had entered.
Seeing this, Robert did not interrupt. He simply stood waiting at the side with his hands lowered, head slightly bowed, silently waiting for the man to finish the remaining documents.
Before long, the blond man set down the papers, took a