Inez said:
"I've brought a gift for Earl Lomelan."
Gore showed the box containing the Black Dragon Scale to Lomelan.
The Earl's eyes sparkled instantly:
"Please, both of you sit down."
Inez and Gore sat down at the table.
The Earl asked:
"What do you want in return?"
Inez and Gore exchanged a glance, wondering if the Earl's behavior was a bit strange. Shouldn't a normal noble engage in small talk first?
At least on the surface, they shouldn't be so eager to get into the main topic.
Earl Lomelan said confidently:
"If you didn't need my help with something, why would you come here, knowing that we don't have much of a relationship?"
Inez replied:
"I don't know if the Earl has heard, but I held a birthday party."
Lomelan said:
"Of course, you invited me, but I didn't attend. If I remember correctly, I think I sent that boy Brian to the party."
"But I did hear about the assassination attempt, and from what I know, it seemed to be a Half-Dragonfolk, right?"