Compared to the grand entourage that Annan had followed with Dmitry on a diplomatic mission to Noah when he was eight years old,
This time, having become the true Duke of Winter, he brought only a dozen people; one could say his protective force was reduced rather than increased.
But this was not a sign of contempt.
Reducing the guard force—at least in appearance, simply decreasing the number of guards—was actually a representation of a friendly attitude in diplomacy.
Conversely, the large number of guards Dmitry had brought with him back then had, in reality, been unnecessary.
After entering Noah, their entire process had been planned out, including the designated route. Barriers had been set up outside the route, and the Noah court guards were stationed a street away, enforcing martial law; it was out of the question to allow any serious incident befall these distinguished guests from abroad.
