He pointed toward the blue-green flag fluttering in the distance. "Then could you explain why the Wind Speaker family's flag has appeared in your harbor by such a remarkable 'coincidence'?"
"Marquis, I believe you've misunderstood." Facing the scrutiny beneath the Marquis's smiling eyes, Veylin spread his hands helplessly, his expression open. "The Haiti Duchy never invited the Wind Speaker family. Until today, I didn't even know whose flag that was."
Just then, Tristan hurried over, holding a letter sealed with bluebird wax.
"My lord, someone from that ship just delivered a letter." Tristan handed it to Veylin, casting a strange look at Marquis Golden Ear. "It's addressed to you, but its contents... seem to be mainly about the Marquis."
Veylin opened the envelope and skimmed the letter, his expression turning rather interesting.
Apparently, some loose-tongued elf had spread the rumor of Marquis Golden Ear secretly "lowering himself" to visit a human city to the other elven territories. Azure Eyes Wind Speaker happened to be touring aboard an airship. Upon hearing that his old friend had ventured into such a "filthy place," he had turned his ship around and come charging over, driven by morbid curiosity and a desire to enjoy the spectacle.
Though the letter was politely worded, every line carried a teasing air of "let's see what you're up to."
"He's just here to have a look?" Veylin breathed a sigh of relief and casually handed the letter to the grim-faced Marquis. "Then it shouldn't affect our deal."
"No... you don't understand!"
Marquis Golden Ear covered his forehead in anguish.
Any other elf would have been fine, but it had to be Azure Eyes, with his severe obsession with perfection!
Marquis Golden Ear knew this friend of his all too well.
If a perfectionist who couldn't tolerate the slightest