"Can you tell us the results?"
"Y-Yes, of course."
The civil servant nervously adjusted his grip on the report, hands trembling. Even in the central government, angering powerful nobles was dangerous. For a low-ranking bureaucrat like him, it could mean demotion—or worse, exile to some backwater post. While Wataru had no intention of causing trouble for Moiré or complicating matters unnecessarily, the official had no way of knowing that. As a result, fear hung heavy in the air.
"I-I apologize for the delay," the official stammered.
"Did something happen?" Wataru asked calmly.
"Let me explain step by step. First, the former head of the Hanover family, along with his wife, relinquished their territory earlier this year."
"That was officially accepted?"
"Yes. Along with that, their outstanding debts were annulled."
"And what happened to the creditors? Can they no longer collect what they're owed?"
