"Hey, City Lord, President Xu, what are you talking about?"
Xu Yi turned and saw Baron Billier. He immediately excused himself to Count Rivell, pulled Baron Billier aside, and asked quietly, "Weren't you entertaining the representatives Prince Frank sent? Why are you here now? Where are they?"
Baron Billier glanced around, leaned closer to Xu Yi, and lowered his voice. "They're the reason I came looking for you. Prince Frank's representatives have arrived, and they want to meet you before the race. From the looks of it, they seem to have something to discuss with you."
Xu Yi nodded, not particularly surprised.
It would have been strange if Prince Frank had really sent representatives all this way just to take part in the race.
Hearing Baron Billier's words actually put him considerably more at ease.
Xu Yi glanced back at the bustling opening venue for the Bunta City Road Bicycle Race and replied, "All right. I'll go over once I've finished attending the opening ceremony. Ask them to wait a little. Entertain them on my behalf for now. I'll come find you in about... two hours."
"I'm afraid that won't do." Baron Billier shook his head, looking troubled. "President Xu, the representatives His Highness sent said you should meet them immediately. If you're late... I'm afraid..."
Xu Yi froze for a moment, then his expression darkened and he snorted. "What? They can't even wait two hours?"
Baron Billier looked deeply embarrassed. "President Xu... you understand... they're... they're here on behalf of His Highness Prince Frank, after all. Ahem... they're somewhat... somewhat conscious of their status."
"Conscious of their status?" Xu Yi sneered and looked Baron Billier up and down, making him thoroughly uncomfortable.
"President Xu, please don't take it too much to heart. This may not be what you want