Duke Carthness-Irlingstar's banquet was exceptionally lavish. Although Aaron was his only guest, sixteen different desserts were served before the meal. The duke had even condescended to wait for him near the entrance, paying Aaron every possible courtesy.
Aaron thought that, as a landed duke and commander of the kingdom's eastern forces, Duke Kenness ought to be wealthy. Still, the Dragonrider Club was the gathering place of Suzail's great nobles. A feast here was bound to cost a staggering sum.
"Your Grace." Once they were seated, Aaron took out an envelope, pressed it against the table, and slid it across. "You've gone to considerable expense for me. Please accept this small token of my gratitude."
"Oh? It's enough that you remembered." Duke Kenness smiled. He opened the envelope and found five gold notes stamped with the Lady of Joy's holy symbol. He broke into a broad grin. "You little rascal. Where did you get these?"
"I gave you a thousand back then, and now you're returning five thousand?" The duke tucked the notes back into the envelope, set it on the table, and pushed it back toward Aaron. "Careful, or the Queen's Blade will be knocking on your door... Oh, I forgot. You're the Blackstaff Ceremonial Officer now. The Queen's Blade has no authority to arrest you."
"It's all loot taken from the orks. We found it in their main camp."
"Yes, I know. It was thoughtful of you." Duke Kenness still refused to take it, shaking his head. "But did the orks' money fall out of the sky? Aaron, I appreciate the gesture. As for this money, you'd be better off spending it elsewhere."
With that, Duke Kenness refused to discuss the subject further and raised his glass. "Enough of that. Let's drink."
"Cheers." Aaron tactfully let the matter drop