Under the shocked, conflicted, and awestruck gazes of everyone present, John appeared in the observation hall in his governor's uniform. No one had noticed when he arrived. He approached them with a smile.
In fact, John had not planned to meet the elders at first.
Construction work in Faoken was particularly demanding, and with so few officials available, he had to review and approve most documents himself. He could barely keep up.
But Wendy's talk of a huge surprise had stuck with him. Given how unpredictable her luck was, his right eyelid had started twitching. After some thought, he worried that an accident involving the elders might wreck Faoken's future cooperation plans.
So he had set his work aside to meet these old Beastfolk in person—and see what Marda was up to.
It seemed he had made the right call.
Among the Centaur elders was one who had avoided his eyes ever since he arrived, as though terrified John might spot something amiss.
John thought of the secret letter Gray Hoof had sent him through his son Tie Feng. Then there was the report he had just received: Adam Morningstar had come with the elders but claimed to feel unwell and stayed at the inn before the welcome ceremony began.
John seemed to understand. His smile deepened.
He did not expose anything. Instead, he nodded to Bababo Yi, who had been assigned as their guide, then addressed the elders of both clans apologetically. "I'm sorry, elders. Official business in Faoken has been so pressing lately that I couldn't get away to welcome you myself. I hope you won't take offense."
"Not at all, not at all. Governor John, you have countless matters to attend to. Your official duties must come first!"
Gray Hoof spoke up before anyone else could, smoothing