In the study of the Lord's Manor, Tristan set down the report with a slight frown.
"Taking only Fabian and flying there on Nefarian... my lord, isn't this plan a little risky?"
He then shot Barrett, who stood beside him, a meaningful look.
Barrett had just come from the Training Ground and still smelled of sweat and dirt. He clearly caught Tristan's signal, and his voice was low.
"My lord, this goes against protocol. You represent the Gray Marsh Fief. At least a squad of knights should accompany you. It's a matter of dignity, as well as safety."
Veylin placed a cedarwood gift box in his luggage without pausing.
"I'm not going to attend a ceremony, Barrett. I'm going to solve a problem."
He closed the lid and turned to the two men.
"Valerius is a noble who earned his standing through military service, and Philip is a commercial giant. They're wolves circling the Dawn Territory. If I bring the Knights' Order, I'll become the third wolf. That will only make Diana's situation worse."
Veylin drew a hand across his neck.
"What I need to do is cut through this situation in one strike, before they can react. For something like this, the fewer people and the less commotion, the better the result."
Barrett's brow remained furrowed.
He didn't understand the twists and turns of noble politics, but he understood the battlefield.
"What can one clergyman do? Your safety..."
"Fabian isn't an ordinary priest," Veylin interrupted. "Besides, this battlefield won't be out in the wilderness. It'll be in a castle's banquet hall. He's more useful there than an entire order of knights."
Tristan considered this for a moment, then slowly nodded.
"Take them by surprise. Exploit the information gap and act in their blind spot. I understand."
Veylin nodded and