Nicolas stood frozen in place. The others watched him with anticipation, waiting for his response to Ingrid's greeting.
"Scholar Leroy?" Ingrid's voice broke through the silence, her tone calm and composed.
Slowly, Nicolas began to regain his composure, the mask of stoicism returning to his face as he collected his thoughts. "I did not know you could speak Logarian, Princess," he said.
Ingrid smiled gently. "Oh, I tend to remain silent unless asked," she remarked.
Nicolas regarded her in silence, his expression unreadable as he processed her words. After a moment, he turned to Marcus. "Scholar Marcus, may I speak with you?" he requested.
Marcus looked bewildered by the sudden request but nodded nonetheless. He rose from his seat and approached Nicolas, casting a brief glance at Ingrid before following him out of the room.
