At the entrance to the inner study, Lucia reminded the court lady on duty to take good care of Malenia. After making sure no outsiders would disturb them, she led Miquella inside. They sat across from each other at an ebony desk, and, as usual, she poured a cup of warm tea for each of them.
"I just received word that the Carian delegation has passed Dectus and will reach Leyndell the day after tomorrow," Miquella said without preamble, just as Lucia had expected.
Lucia sipped her tea and furrowed her brow slightly. "If they were following their original itinerary, shouldn't they have arrived more than a month ago?"
In fact, ever since Clareville had helped her gain control of Kallen, a key hub between Altus, Liurnia, and South Gelmir, Lucia had kept close track of the Carian delegation's movements. That was why she had learned of their departure even before Miquella. But she couldn't reveal her connection to Clareville, so in public she still had to act as though she'd only just heard the news.
Miquella sighed softly and continued, "Twenty days ago, they reached a spot only fifty miles from Dectus. Then they set up camp and didn't move an inch until today, when they took the Grand Lift to Altus Plateau. Knight Moongrum sent Father a letter in person, saying they'd reach the outskirts of the capital at noon the day after tomorrow."
"A few hours ago, Father ordered a banquet to be held outside the city the day after tomorrow, to welcome my elder brothers Radahn and Rykard, and my elder sister Ranni. I expect the invitation will reach you by tomorrow at the latest."
"Outside the city?" Lucia was genuinely surprised this time. "Isn't the welcoming banquet traditionally held at the Golden Sanctuary?"
"Exactly. That's