Fitoia Territory-Roa City.
The afternoon sunlight was just right, and the breeze was pleasantly mild.
The butler, Alphonse, arrived at Cui Ciyou's door.
"Lord Ciyou, Lady Ghislaine." His voice was as steady and respectful as ever.
"Lord Philip has an important matter to discuss. Please proceed to the reception room at once."
When Cui Ciyou and Ghislaine arrived at the familiar reception hall,
they found Philip sitting quietly alone on the sofa at the head of the room.
Philip's fingers unconsciously stroked the griffin crest on the armrest over and over-the emblem of the Boreas Greyrat Family's supreme glory.
His thoughts seemed to have drifted far away.
"Ciyou, Ghislaine, good afternoon."
At the sound of footsteps, Philip immediately snapped out of his reverie.
The uncertainty and nostalgia on his face vanished in an instant, replaced by his signature, perfectly measured aristocratic smile.
Philip rose and inclined his head in greeting, his manner impeccably elegant.
"Good afternoon, Philip."
Cui Ciyou offered a brief greeting, then sat down with Ghislaine on the large, soft red sofa opposite him.
At Philip's signal, a tall Beastfolk maid silently stepped forward.
She poured black tea with a rich, fruity aroma into each of their bone china cups.
The tea was clear and bright, its fragrant steam curling upward.
Once the maid quietly withdrew, only the three of them remained in the spacious reception hall.
Philip lifted his cup and took a small sip, seemingly gathering his words.
"Clink."
When he set the cup back on its saucer, the crisp sound of porcelain touching porcelain rang out distinctly in the all-too-quiet hall.
"Ciyou, Ghislaine,"
Philip began slowly, but rather than looking at them, he gazed out the window at the neatly trimmed garden.
"It was a great blessing for our family that we successfully invited you