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Chapter 26 - Letter from the king

Gordon Rothchester was tired. The necessary planning for the upcoming celebratory banquet seemed to be neverending and he had been working long into the nights only to get up early the next morning.

It was not like the butler was in a position to complain though since he was the one who had offered to make all the arrengments. This was also the least he could do for his master who had been working so hard for the sake of the kingdom, even going so far as skipping dinner and neglecting sleep to not fall behind on what needed to be done.

Although Gordon was merely a servant he could not help but to worry about the young duke. The dark circles under his master's eyes seemed to only be getting more pronounced and by each passing day he was growing increasingly agitated. All of it for the sake of poor commoners and orphans who nobles usually did not bother to pay much mind to.

This was the reason for Gordons hesitation to deliver the letter that had just arrived from the royal castle. He stood right outside Dario's office with his hand raised but was apprehensive to knock on the door, thinking of how the young duke always became irrated when having to interact with the king. Gordon did not want to add to his already massive workload.

After contemplating for a moment though he made the decision that it was best hand the letter over. Things could only go bad if a message from the king went ignored for too long.

He straightned his back, adjusted his tie and soundly knocked on the door. Only when he heard the young duke's words of permission did he enter the office.

"My Lord, I have a letter from the king". Gordon bowed deeply with one hand crossed over his chest.

Dario groaned soundly as a response.

"What more could that weasel possibly want from me? Like he hasn't given me enough work already."

Gordon was as usual uncomfortable with the way his master spoke of the new king, but did not show it on his face. He simply raised from his bow and camlmy placed the envelope on the duke's desk.

Dario opened it in a messy manner without making use of a letterknife and as a result the message inside was almost torn. As the he read what the king had written the frown that he had been wearing grew bigger and he impatiently ruffled his hair like Gordon often saw him when he was really annoyed.

"Seriously, what is that person thinking?" Dario dropped the letter on his desk and started rubbing his temples. It was obvious to Gordon that he was very frustrated.

"My Lord, may I read it? It may be something that I can take care of for you?"

Dario lifted his head and met with Gordon's gaze. He looked tired, almost vulnerable.

"I don't think this is something that you can fix since I have to follow the king's direct orders."