"We meet again?"
Roland was rather bewildered by the young beauty's words.
"My beautiful lady, have we... oh!"
He suddenly remembered.
"You're Princess Rosa?"
A misty sheen suddenly appeared in Princess Rosa's eyes.
Looking rather embarrassed, she twisted the hem of her skirt and lowered her head. "You really do have a short memory for someone so important."
"My apologies. The sight of such a beautiful princess left me unable to think. How terribly rude of me!"
Roland gave an awkward laugh and hurried to explain.
"Besides, you've become even more beautiful and charming than before. I hardly dared believe it was you."
Only after hearing this flattery did Princess Rosa smile. She gave him a long look, caught somewhere between reproach and delight.
Meanwhile, the others were also exchanging greetings.
Leon of the Kaurenss family was present, but the truly distinguished guest was Pollas, the former governor who had only just stepped down.
The elderly man had specially dyed his hair jet-black that day and donned an ornate robe that displayed all the majesty of a Grand Mage. Holding a long staff, he stood waiting for his two colleagues to arrive.
"Welcome to the Lainer Kingdom, Your Excellencies."
The two greeted him in turn. "Your Excellency Pollas."
"I've had a luncheon prepared at the Governor's Residence... oh, no, I suppose we should now call it the embassy to the Lainer Kingdom!"
The corners of Pollas's mouth lifted in a smile.
"Please."
The people of the Lainer Kingdom had prepared numerous carriages, pack animals, and several distinctly exotic means of transport for their visitors.
The delegation of mages then set off with their welcoming party toward the embassy Pollas had mentioned.
As one of the important guests, Roland was also given priority in boarding a carriage. He soon ended his