"Ladies, it's been a while. You look more radiant than ever."
Roland walked into the reception room with a smile and addressed the two women.
Both women looked at him.
Under the bright lights, he stood as straight as a pine. Though his attire was simple, he carried himself with effortless dignity.
As the saying went, position changed one's bearing, and comfort changed one's constitution. Now that Roland lived a privileged life in an ivory tower, the timid caution of an ordinary commoner had vanished, replaced by the composure to face anyone without flinching.
Even his charisma, which had once gone largely unnoticed, now shone like a star's.
"My, my, Roland, you're the one who looks more radiant than ever.
"Who would have thought our little junior would become someone so important that we'd have to look up to him!"
Sophia looked at Roland, her words half theatrical exaggeration and half genuine feeling.
"It really wasn't easy coming all the way here to see you."
Quite a few members of the Lainer nobility and elite had gathered here, along with money, goods, and books donated by various parties.
Besides, Roland had recently survived an assassination attempt, so proper precautions were essential.
Outside visitors like them would never have made it into the manor without Froya helping them get in touch.
Roland did not explain that to her, however. He simply smiled and sat down opposite them.
Princess Rosa brought fresh tea.
She was so dazzling that Sophia and Polina could not help stealing several more looks at her, silently marveling again.
Even the maid serving tea was this stunning. This fellow really had made it.
The three exchanged pleasantries and caught up. Only then did Roland learn that their careers in Atrelin had hit a bottleneck.
"Speaking of which, that