It was the first day after Cui Ciyou recovered from his illness.
Philip Boreas Greyrat, the mayor of Roa City, formally invited Cui Ciyou and Ghislaine to the reception room.
This was not Cui Ciyou and Ghislaine's first visit to the reception room.
They had come here when they applied to be tutors.
"Ciyou... and Ghislaine."
Philip sat on the red sofa, wearing his trademark, flawlessly aristocratic smile.
In the original story, Paul Greyrat had once commented on this cousin's aristocratic smile.
He had called it "a hypocritical noble's mask, etched into his very bones."
"For stepping forward during Alice's kidnapping..."
"For saving my daughter's life, and preserving the honor of our entire family..."
"I, Philip Boreas Greyrat, on behalf of the Boreas Greyrat Family..."
"Offer you both, once again, my deepest and most heartfelt thanks!"
With that, Philip made an exceedingly formal gesture of respect to Cui Ciyou and Ghislaine-a standard, impeccable noble's salute of the Asla Kingdom.
He pressed his right hand firmly against the left side of his chest, over his heart. Then he bent deeply at the waist and bowed his head.
(In the noble etiquette of the Asla Kingdom, this was the highest degree of respect a male noble could show someone of equal or higher standing.)
Only after completing the salute did Philip slowly straighten.
The smile faded from his face, and his tone became solemn:
"Besides expressing my gratitude once again, I invited you both here today because I have a request."
"I, Philip Boreas Greyrat, in my capacity as mayor of Roa City and second son of the current head of the Boreas Greyrat Family..."
"Hereby formally extend an invitation to Mr. Cui Ciyou and Ms. Ghislaine Dedoldia."
Philip's voice rang clearly through the reception room.
"I sincerely invite you both to